Dubai and Abu Dhabi Among Top 5 Global Destinations for Wealth in 2025
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have solidified their positions among the world’s top five destinations for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), according to Savills Middle East’s inaugural Spotlight on Wealth Trends 2025 report. Dubai ranks first globally, while Abu Dhabi secures the fifth spot, joining New York (2nd), Singapore (3rd), and Hong Kong (4th) in the top five global wealth hubs.
Together, the two UAE cities offer a compelling combination of a pro-business environment, robust legal framework, world-class education, and high living standards, reinforcing the Emirates’ position as a magnet for global wealth and investment.
UAE’s Rise as a Global Wealth Hub
The Savills HNWI Hotspot Index assessed nearly 100 global locations across five critical metrics: business environment, family infrastructure and cost, legacy planning, lifestyle, and privacy. The findings highlight the UAE’s growing prominence as one of the world’s leading destinations for the affluent.
Dubai leads the world in the number of international schools, boasting 168 institutions at the time of publication, reflecting the city’s appeal to relocating families. It also ranks in the global top ten for lifestyle, with exceptional retail, hospitality, and cultural amenities, and features in the top five for legacy planning, benefiting from the UAE’s tax-free framework—no inheritance, wealth, or capital gains taxes.
Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, stands out for its economic competitiveness and connectivity. The capital continues to attract a rising share of corporate headquarters and sovereign wealth funds, driven by its strategic global positioning, sustainable development policies, and infrastructure investments.
Long-Term Residency Appeal
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. The mix of quality housing, education, healthcare, and accessibility—combined with the UAE’s stable, tax-efficient environment—makes it one of the most compelling destinations globally.”
This sentiment is supported by the UAE’s Golden Visa program, offering long-term residency for property investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, further fueling demand for luxury developments across key areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Saadiyat Island.
Regional Growth Beyond the UAE
The report also highlights a growing wealth decentralization trend. Across the Middle East, destinations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are gaining momentum as they expand their global investment footprint through infrastructure megaprojects, economic diversification strategies, and transformation agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030.
According to Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director at Savills World Research, “Globally, we’re seeing the world’s wealthy look beyond traditional financial hubs in favor of destinations that deliver lifestyle, wellbeing, and family appeal alongside business opportunity. The UAE stands out for its ability to offer all three.”
Shaping the Future of Global Wealth Distribution
The Spotlight on Wealth Trends 2025 report concludes that cities emphasizing lifestyle, connectivity, and long-term stability are redefining the global wealth landscape. The UAE’s dual-city leadership—Dubai as the financial and cultural powerhouse and Abu Dhabi as the governance and investment hub—positions the nation at the forefront of this evolution.
With new generations of investors seeking purpose-driven, globally connected lifestyles, Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a rare combination of luxury, opportunity, and legacy—making the Emirates a cornerstone in the geography of global prosperity.
