DUBAI: The report places the UAE ahead of global competitors in private wealth migration, marking it as the foremost magnet for millionaires seeking political stability, economic opportunity, and future-focused planning. This trend is being fuelled by outbound movements from countries like the UK and shifting wealth preferences across Asia.

Key drivers behind this surge include the UAE’s expanding Golden Visa programme, sweeping legal reforms around marriage and inheritance, and thriving financial zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Together, these zones offer a secure legal environment under English common law and continue to attract top-tier investment firms, family offices, and hedge funds.

DIFC alone now hosts 120 family offices managing a staggering $1.2 trillion in assets, alongside a 33% year-on-year growth in family offices and a 50% spike in hedge fund activity. Major global players including BlackRock and Goldman Sachs have ramped up their presence in the UAE, enticed by strong FDI flows and a fintech-forward ecosystem.

Even the UAE’s 2023 corporate tax reform has done little to deter interest. The country’s 140 double taxation agreements and strategic location continue to position it as a capital-friendly jurisdiction for global investors.

Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is rapidly emerging as the next frontier for investment. With the upcoming Wynn Resort project—expected to house the region’s first regulated gaming destination—and attractive free zones like RAKICC and RAKEZ, investor interest in RAK is soaring. According to Knight Frank, nearly half of global HNWIs now consider RAK an appealing real estate destination, with that number jumping to 80% among wealthy expats already based in the UAE.

Supporting this influx is a visa system that continues to evolve. In just the last nine months, the UAE has introduced five new sponsor-free visa categories, targeting digital creators, healthcare professionals, and luxury asset owners. Additionally, Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, backed by a Dh208 billion commitment, signals the government’s long-term focus on social and economic resilience.

Globally, 165,000 millionaires are projected to migrate in 2025, with the UK facing a net outflow of 16,500. The UAE, in contrast, is poised for a historic net gain — attracting wealth from cities like London, Mumbai, Moscow, and Beijing.

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