Across every major wealth report over the last five years, one trend has become undeniable: Dubai has emerged as one of the most desirable long-term bases for the world’s richest individuals and family offices. What was once a transient luxury destination and business hub has evolved into a city where global wealth is not only arriving, but settling — building homes, establishing operating structures, and planning for generational continuity. This is no longer a temporary migration. It is a structural shift in global wealth allocation.
A central driver behind this movement is Dubai’s economic environment, which remains one of the most competitive anywhere in the world. The UAE’s tax framework — offering zero income tax, zero capital gains tax, zero tax on rental income, and full foreign ownership — is uniquely aligned with long-term wealth preservation. In contrast, traditional financial capitals such as London, New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong have tightened regulation and increased taxation over the last decade. For entrepreneurs, investors, and multi-generational families, Dubai offers clarity and simplicity at a time when other jurisdictions are becoming more complex and less predictable.
This predictability extends far beyond finance. The UAE is regarded as one of the most politically stable countries globally, with policies that are measured in decades rather than election cycles. Dubai’s leadership commits to long-term planning — from the 2040 Urban Master Plan to sustained infrastructure investment — creating an environment where families and institutions can make confident, forward-looking decisions. In a world where volatility has become the norm, Dubai offers a level of stability that global wealth prioritises above almost everything else.
Safety is another compelling factor in this realignment. Dubai consistently ranks among the world’s safest cities, with exceptionally low crime rates, strong policing, and a cultural expectation of security and order. For affluent families, safety is not a luxury; it is a requirement. Combined with world-class healthcare, international schooling options, and a clean, modern infrastructure, Dubai offers a lifestyle environment that few cities can match — one that is both aspirational and deeply practical.
Real estate also plays a major role in Dubai’s growing appeal. Despite price growth in recent years, Dubai remains comparatively undervalued when measured against global prime markets. For the same investment that might buy a modest apartment in London or Hong Kong, buyers in Dubai can secure waterfront properties, sprawling villas, branded residences, or golf-course homes. High rental yields, low holding costs, and sustained capital appreciation have made Dubai property a preferred asset class for wealth preservation and long-term portfolio strategy. It is one of the rare global markets where prime real estate still delivers both lifestyle value and financial performance.
Global connectivity further strengthens the city’s positioning. Dubai’s location — serving as a midpoint between East and West — allows investors, founders, and executives to reach major financial centres with ease. With two major international airports and one of the world’s largest airline networks, Dubai offers the kind of seamless mobility that global citizens rely on, making it an ideal headquarters for those who operate across borders.
Perhaps one of the most underestimated contributors to Dubai’s rise is the ecosystem of opportunity the city has built. It has become a thriving environment for fintech, blockchain, logistics, hospitality, investment management, and high-growth startups. This density of opportunity matters to family offices and wealthy individuals who look for jurisdictions where they can diversify their assets, deploy capital efficiently, and participate in fast-developing sectors. Dubai is no longer just a place to live — it is a place to build, scale, and expand.
Residency pathways have also played a central role. The UAE’s Golden Visa program, along with property and business residency options, offers long-term stability that encourages families to establish deeper roots. Unlike many jurisdictions where residency is complicated or restrictive, Dubai’s system is streamlined and designed to welcome global talent and capital. It is not only attractive but strategically aligned with the city’s ambition to become a global headquarters for high-performing individuals and enterprises.
Overlaying all of this is the lifestyle Dubai has become known for. Luxury in Dubai is not incidental; it is foundational. From Michelin-starred dining and world-class retail to pristine beaches, marinas, desert resorts, wellness destinations, and championship golf courses, the city provides an elevated standard of living that appeals to those accustomed to the best the world has to offer. What sets Dubai apart, however, is that this level of comfort is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. The city is designed for convenience, efficiency, and enjoyment, which is why so many affluent families find it difficult to leave once they have experienced it.
Taken together, these factors explain why Dubai is attracting wealth at an unprecedented rate — and why that wealth is staying. The world’s richest individuals are not coming to Dubai for temporary residency or speculative opportunity. They are choosing it as a primary base, a safe harbour for their families, and a strategic centre for their businesses and investments.
Economic freedom, political stability, personal safety, global connectivity, opportunity, and quality of life form a rare combination — one that few cities can offer individually, and almost none can offer collectively. Dubai does.
Wealth is not simply moving to Dubai; it is rooting itself here. And as global uncertainty increases and traditional wealth hubs face greater pressure, Dubai’s role as a long-term home for the world’s most successful individuals is only expected to strengthen. It is not just a destination. It is a new global headquarters for modern wealth