Amid geopolitical fluctuations and global economic uncertainty, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be the world's leading destination for attracting billionaires and ultra-wealthy individuals, reflecting the long-term strategic confidence investors worldwide have in the country.
A report from the Department of International Trade Promotion's Dubai office reveals that the main attraction for billionaires and global financial institutions to the UAE goes beyond the image of a fast-growing city; it lies in the comprehensive infrastructure and legal benefits.
In particular, the "0% personal income tax" policy addresses wealth management needs, while the "10-year Golden Visa" offers long-term, flexible residency rights that facilitate intergenerational inheritance planning for billionaire families, allowing them to live, work, and study without requiring a local sponsor or employer.
This visa is available to investors and entrepreneurs who invest at least AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000) in real estate, or in government-approved businesses or funds. It also extends to skilled professionals, doctors, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talents in various fields.
The UAE's strength is evident in migration figures. Data from Henley & Partners and New World Wealth estimate that 9,800 billionaires relocated to the UAE in the past year, marking a historic high. Dubai alone has accumulated over 81,000 wealthy individuals, including about 20 billionaires.
Additionally, a Savills survey ranked "Dubai" as the world's top city for entrepreneurs and investors with high net worth, with "Abu Dhabi" rising to fifth place globally, alongside legendary financial centers such as New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
The potential of special economic zones such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), along with their role as air transport hubs connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, has made these emirates key bases for family office operations. Leading global financial institutions are aggressively expanding wealth management investments and personnel, including:
Moreover, interest from ultra-wealthy investors is directly impacting the super-luxury real estate sector, such as the purchase of just three large beachfront land plots on Dubai's luxury islands, valued at a total of USD 272 million.
Despite conflicts in the Middle East and oil price volatility, leading private banks agree that wealthy individuals are not relocating based on short-term events but are making strategic family plans to live, conduct business, and build long-term ties due to the UAE's stability, high security, and transparent regulatory system.
The Dubai office notes that the continuous inflow of capital and billionaires not only supports the financial and real estate sectors but also drives growth in the UAE’s non-oil economy and high-end service sectors. Importantly, it expands the purchasing power of high earners, presenting a "golden opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs and exporters" to offer premium goods and services to the MENA market.
Source: Department of International Trade Promotion
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