Key Points
-
Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank among the top 5 global destinations for wealth, joining New York, Singapore and Hong Kong.
-
The UAE stands out for its pro-business environment, safety, and luxury lifestyle.
-
Savills’ Wealth Trends 2025 report highlights the UAE’s growing importance for HNWIs.
-
Family infrastructure, education, and tax efficiency drive long-term relocation to the Emirates.
Top 5 global destinations for wealth are drawing attention from the world’s richest individuals.
According to Savills Middle East’s new Spotlight on Wealth Trends 2025 report, Dubai tops the global ranking, while Abu Dhabi secures the fifth position. Together, these UAE cities have joined New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong in defining where the wealthy choose to live and invest.
The UAE’s success story is no accident. A mix of political stability, investor-friendly regulation, and world-class lifestyle has positioned the country as a magnet for HNWI migration. As I see it, the UAE’s rise as a wealth hub is rooted in its ability to combine safety, opportunity, and cultural openness in a way few regions can match.
UAE wealth appeal grows stronger
Dubai leads the global ranking for the number of international schools, boasting 168 institutions that cater to expatriate families. The city also stands in the global top ten for lifestyle quality, thanks to a thriving mix of retail, hospitality, and culture. Add to that a tax-efficient system with no inheritance, capital gains, or wealth taxes, and you have a formula built for global investors seeking both prosperity and security.
Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, offers a quieter yet equally powerful proposition. Its economic competitiveness, corporate strength, and connectivity make it a magnet for sovereign wealth funds and private family offices. The capital’s focus on long-term infrastructure and sustainable investment ensures that it remains central to the UAE’s vision for balanced national growth.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate the top 5 global destinations for wealth
According to Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, “More high-net-worth individuals are viewing Dubai and Abu Dhabi as long-term homes rather than short-term investment markets.” He adds that the UAE’s quality housing, education, healthcare, and accessibility, combined with a stable, tax-efficient environment, make it “one of the most compelling destinations globally.”
This shift from transactional investment to permanent settlement reflects a deeper global trend: the decentralization of wealth. Traditional hubs like London and Zurich face competition from emerging lifestyle-oriented centers such as Dubai and Singapore, where UAE wealth management structures and lifestyle standards meet global expectations.
Lifestyle and family factors redefine global investment
The Savills report notes that the world’s wealthy are prioritizing lifestyle and family stability over proximity to traditional financial centers. Global investors now look for destinations offering holistic benefits — economic opportunity, education, safety, and connectivity.
Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director at Savills World Research, explained that “the world’s wealthy are looking beyond traditional hubs in favor of destinations that deliver lifestyle, wellbeing and family appeal alongside business opportunity.” From excellent schooling to smooth visa policies, the UAE delivers this mix with consistency and confidence.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are rising in the regional wealth landscape
The UAE’s neighbors are also making strides. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are gaining momentum due to large-scale infrastructure and diversification projects. Yet, the UAE continues to lead through its openness, regulatory clarity, and innovation-driven economy. Cities aligning with national transformation agendas, particularly those supporting next-generation business and digital ecosystems, are becoming prime targets for global investors.
The UAE’s global position
As the Spotlight on Wealth Trends 2025 shows, cities offering quality of life, strong governance, and sustainable opportunity are reshaping global wealth distribution. The UAE’s ability to deliver lifestyle and legacy advantages — from private education to safe investment conditions — secures its place at the top.
From my perspective, this momentum is not temporary. It’s a structural shift. Families seeking long-term bases for wealth and wellbeing are finding that Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer an unmatched balance between financial freedom and everyday comfort.
The UAE has evolved from a regional financial hub to a global wealth leader, setting a standard for how modern cities attract and retain high-net-worth individuals.
