Dubai: The Emerging Legacy Hub for African High Net-Worth Individuals
As the global wealth landscape undergoes significant changes, Dubai is presenting itself as a prime destination for high net-worth individuals (HNWIs), particularly from Africa. Once viewed predominantly as a high-yield investment market, the emirate is now becoming a centralized location for wealth preservation, generational planning, and lifestyle anchoring.
Shifting Perspectives on Wealth
Rohit Bachani, Co-Founder of Merlin Real Estate, sheds light on this evolving sentiment, indicating that African HNWIs are increasingly seeking more than just financial returns from their investments in Dubai. “We’re witnessing a generational shift in how wealth is being viewed and deployed,” he notes. Investors are now prioritizing security, continuity, and future readiness over mere returns, seeing Dubai as an ecosystem conducive to legacy planning.
Dubai offers compelling advantages such as zero capital gains tax, residency incentives, and robust infrastructure, encouraging families to commit strategically for the long term. This goes beyond mere property acquisition; it involves securing assets that can be passed down through generations while ensuring safety and lifestyle benefits.
The Appeal of a Stable Investment Environment
One major draw of Dubai lies in its unique combination of fiscal advantages and efficient systems. For many African investors diversifying their portfolios globally, the UAE stands out due to its transparent legal environment. The absence of capital gains and inheritance taxes, coupled with the allowance for 100% foreign ownership in key industries, presents a clear appeal.
Compared to traditional financial hotspots like London and New York, where uncertainty looms due to fluctuating regulations, Dubai offers an oasis of stability. As Bachani articulates, in today’s volatile global situation, certainty and stability are far more valuable than mere profits. This sense of security is bolstered by policy consistency, a resilient banking framework, and a government dedicated to promoting investment within the emirate.
Infrastructure for Multigenerational Wealth Planning
A standout feature of Dubai is its infrastructure geared towards facilitating multigenerational wealth planning. The emirate is increasingly perceived as an environment where families can consider their financial future decades ahead. “For families thinking 10, 20, or even 50 years in the future, the UAE offers a structure that supports preservation, succession, and growth,” explains Bachani.
Such long-term stability gives Dubai a competitive edge over saturated Western markets, making it an attractive locale for families aiming to nurture their wealth over generations.
Strengthening Economic Ties with Africa
Not only is Dubai appealing to African HNWIs, but it is also deepening its economic relationships with African markets. According to Bachani, there is a growing two-way investment corridor between Dubai and Africa. African investors are confidently entering the Dubai real estate market, while GCC investors are exploring opportunities in African agriculture through structured land deals and agritech collaborations.
This developing relationship is not merely strategic; it is becoming increasingly synergistic. With Dubai’s reliance on food imports and Africa’s rich agricultural resources, both regions are coming together to forge a mutually beneficial economic framework.
Emotional and Strategic Investment Base
The growing confidence among African HNWIs is reflected in how they view property investments in Dubai. The city is now seen not only as a lucrative financial opportunity but also as an emotional and strategic base—especially among younger generations. “Dubai today is being embraced not only as a high-return investment destination but as a parallel home emotionally and strategically,” Bachani shares.
The UAE’s neutrality, world-class healthcare, education, and lifestyle amenities further enhance its appeal. For African families seeking geographic diversification without dealing with cultural dissonance, Dubai emerges as a compelling option. Young professionals particularly view the city as a progressive urban ecosystem that represents not just a luxury investment, but a holistic lifestyle.
Growing Demand for Turnkey Communities
This shift in perspective is leading to a surge in demand across Dubai’s real estate market, particularly for turnkey communities and hassle-free investment structures. Bachani notes, “There’s a clear gravitation toward residential assets, particularly within master-planned and branded communities that blend luxury with liveability.”
Developments like Dubai Hills, Creek Harbour, and The Oasis have become focal points for investors. Furthermore, there is increasing interest in structured investment vehicles such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and fractional ownership, particularly among family offices keen on diversifying their assets without incurring operational burdens. In this evolving landscape, lifestyle has transitioned from a secondary benefit to a pivotal driver of investment decisions.
Conclusion
Dubai is steadily establishing itself as a cornerstone for legacy creation for African HNWIs, transforming from a mere investment hub into a vital ecosystem for long-term wealth management. With assurances of stability, favorable policies, and an environment conducive to multigenerational planning, the emirate is poised to continue attracting discerning investors from the African continent and beyond.
