Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rise to Prominence in Wealth Rankings
Recent findings have positioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi among the top five global cities for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in 2025. This significant development highlights the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a premier destination for affluent individuals and investors, specifically targeting those with at least $1 million in investable assets.
HNWIs and the New Landscape
According to Savills’ first-ever “Spotlight on Wealth Trends 2025” report released recently, Dubai takes the lead as the world’s top city for millionaires, while Abu Dhabi secures the fifth spot. The report assessed nearly 100 global cities based on a range of criteria, including the business environment, family infrastructure, legacy planning, lifestyle, and privacy, marking a clear shift in wealth dynamics away from traditional hubs.
Following Dubai, New York and Singapore are ranked second and third, respectively, while Hong Kong settles at fourth place. Other notable cities rounding out the top ten include Monaco, Los Angeles, Miami, Aspen, and London.
Why They Are Winning Over Affluent Individuals
The expanding appeal of Dubai and Abu Dhabi stems largely from their pro-business environments and robust legal frameworks, which are crucial for high-net-worth individuals. These cities offer a unique blend of lifestyle, education, and quality living conditions. For instance, Dubai boasts an impressive 168 international schools, making it an attractive locale for families seeking high-quality education. Moreover, the emirate excels in lifestyle factors, offering a rich mix of retail, hospitality, and cultural experiences.
Abu Dhabi has also garnered attention for its competitiveness and connectivity in the global economy, increasingly attracting both corporate and sovereign wealth investments. The environment in these cities is often viewed as flexible and accommodating for long-term residence and business operations.
Emerging Trends Among Wealthy Residents
A notable trend has emerged: affluent individuals are now gravitating toward sustainable lifestyle environments alongside business prospects. Kelcie Sellers, the associate director of Savills World Research, emphasizes that the wealthy are not merely seeking financial hubs; they are also looking for places that provide well-being and family-oriented facilities.
The UAE government has taken proactive measures to attract high-net-worth individuals through various initiatives, ranging from residency incentives to a business-friendly tax environment. Among these initiatives is the “Golden Visa” program, which allows those investing a substantial amount in the UAE to gain long-term residency.
Economic Advantages and Infrastructure
Dubai and Abu Dhabi feature numerous economic free zones that allow for 100% foreign ownership, which is a significant draw for entrepreneurs and business owners. These zones provide streamlined regulations for establishing businesses quickly and often offer tax exemptions, making the UAE a prime location for wealth creation.
Andrew Cummings, head of Savills Middle East, reinforces that more HNWIs are perceiving Dubai and Abu Dhabi as viable long-term residences rather than just short-term investment opportunities. The cities’ combination of excellent housing, healthcare, education, and accessibility, coupled with a stable, tax-efficient environment, adds to their global appeal.
Shifting Wealth Patterns
The number of millionaires in Dubai has doubled over the past decade. According to New World Wealth’s “World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025,” Dubai is home to 81,200 millionaires, 237 centimillionaires, and 20 billionaires, reflecting a robust increase from previous years.
The geopolitical landscape has also contributed to this trend. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a significant influx of wealthy Russians have chosen to relocate to Dubai, attracted by its business-friendly environment and the UAE’s neutral international stance.
Traditional Hubs Face a Challenge
As Dubai and Abu Dhabi gain traction, traditional wealth hubs like London are experiencing a decline. Estimates indicate that Britain could lose around 16,500 millionaires in 2025, marking a noticeable outflow of wealth towards more appealing destinations like the UAE.
In summary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not just emerging on the global wealth stage; they are rapidly redefining what it means to be an attractive location for high-net-worth individuals. With an excellent blend of lifestyle, business opportunities, and financial benefits, the UAE is shaping the future for the world’s affluent residents.
