UAE attracts record 9,800 millionaires in 2025 as $63bn wealth inflow reshapes economy

The United Arab Emirates reinforced its position as the world’s leading destination for private wealth migration in 2025, recording a net inflow of 9,800 millionaires. The wave of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), primarily from the UK, India, and China, brought an estimated $63 billion in new investable capital into the country.

The milestone underscores the UAE’s growing appeal as a global hub for wealth preservation, investment, and long-term residency.

Economic impact and sector growth

The $63 billion capital injection is accelerating the country’s transformation into a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Key sectors driving growth

Much of the new capital is flowing into high-growth industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and sustainable technologies. These sectors align closely with the UAE’s long-term economic diversification agenda, reducing reliance on oil revenues while strengthening innovation-driven growth.

Institutional wealth management expansion

Dubai’s Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has emerged as a central pillar of this transformation. The financial hub now hosts more than 1,289 family-related entities managing approximately $1.2 trillion in assets. This marks a significant institutional shift, as wealthy families increasingly adopt structured wealth management frameworks within the UAE.

Real estate boom

The influx of foreign capital has also fueled a record-breaking year for property. Residential sales reached AED 547 billion ($149 billion) in 2025, a 28% increase compared to the previous year. Investors from India and Europe were particularly active, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

Drivers of the wealth wave

Analysts attribute the surge in millionaire migration to a combination of domestic policy stability and global uncertainty elsewhere.

Tax efficiency

The UAE’s zero personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax remains a primary attraction for global investors seeking to protect and grow their wealth.

Long-term residency stability

The Golden Visa program, offering renewable 5- to 10-year residency without the need for a local sponsor, provides long-term certainty for estate planning and business continuity.

Safety and quality of life

Abu Dhabi has been ranked the world’s safest city for nine consecutive years, further enhancing the country’s appeal to families and entrepreneurs seeking stability alongside opportunity.

Future outlook for 2026

To sustain momentum, the UAE is advancing additional reforms aimed at deepening foreign investment and innovation. The government’s National Investment Strategy aims to more than double annual foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2031, strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.

In a further boost to innovation-led growth, the UAE will introduce targeted Research and Development (R&D) tax incentives starting January 1, 2026. The move is expected to encourage technology-driven enterprises and solidify the country’s standing as a global hub for next-generation industries.

As capital continues to flow in, the UAE’s blend of tax efficiency, regulatory clarity, infrastructure excellence, and geopolitical stability positions it to remain at the forefront of global wealth migration trends.