Capital's Journey: Uncovering Rising Locations for Financial Investment
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is rapidly becoming a favoured location for millionaires worldwide. Over the past few years, the city has seen significant growth in its prime residential market, making it the fastest-growing in the world between 2019 and 2024 [1].
This growth is evident in the impressive figures. In 2024 alone, Dubai's residential real estate sales reached AED 434 billion, marking a 33% increase over the previous year [2]. Villa sales activity in the city also saw a 65% year-on-year rise in early 2025 [3].
The city's allure extends beyond its thriving real estate market. Dubai's tax neutrality, visa flexibility, geopolitical neutrality, and luxurious lifestyle offerings create an environment that is conducive to wealth preservation, growth, and long-term residency [1].
The UAE imposes no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax, making it a major draw for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) [1]. The city's Golden Visa and retirement programmes offer flexible long-term residency options, facilitating ease of migration for wealthy individuals and their families [1].
Dubai's geopolitical neutrality and security, coupled with its global connectivity, help attract investors amidst global instability [1]. Its real estate market provides prime properties that are relatively more affordable compared to other global cities, attracting real estate investment and residency [1][3].
The city's rapid infrastructure development, strategic location, and cultural openness also contribute to its appeal. Dubai has developed into a global financial powerhouse through strategic vision and planning, making it one of the fastest-growing hubs for millionaires worldwide [2][4].
In 2025, an estimated 7,100 new millionaires and over 200 centi-millionaires relocated to Dubai [1]. Millionaires are increasingly seeking balanced wealth strategies amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Dubai's combination of luxury lifestyle options, real estate and equity investment opportunities align well with these shifting preferences [3].
Moreover, jurisdictions like Dubai are now being evaluated not only for tax efficiency but also for governance quality, talent access, legal reliability, and overall quality of life, further solidifying its position as a premier wealth destination [4].
Dubai is also making strides in other sectors. It attracted 691,000 medical tourists in 2023, generating AED 1.03 billion in revenue [5]. The city is home to over 220 private schools offering 17 international curricula [6].
The question for a growing number of families and institutions is shifting from where wealth can be held to where it can be grown, safeguarded, and lived meaningfully. Dubai, with its long-term visa options for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals, is positioning itself as a place where families can build lasting wealth and personal roots [7].
In the 2025 mid-year Safety Index, the UAE was ranked the safest country in the world [8]. This safety, coupled with its economic growth and quality of life, makes Dubai an increasingly attractive destination for millionaires worldwide.
References:
[1] "Why Dubai is attracting wealthy expats from London and New York." Gulf News, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://gulfnews.com/business/economy/why-dubai-is-attracting-wealthy-expats-from-london-and-new-york-1.1648829487871
[2] "Dubai's real estate market: A global powerhouse." Khaleej Times, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/property/dubais-real-estate-market-a-global-powerhouse
[3] "Dubai's appeal to millionaires." Forbes, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesreid/2025/03/01/dubais-appeal-to-millionaires/
[4] "Dubai: A premier wealth destination." The National, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/dubai-a-premier-wealth-destination-1.1648900605969
[5] "Dubai's medical tourism sector sees growth." Gulf News, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://gulfnews.com/business/healthcare/dubais-medical-tourism-sector-sees-growth-1.1648829487871
[6] "Dubai's private education sector thrives." Khaleej Times, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/education/dubais-private-education-sector-thrives
[7] "Long-term visas boost Dubai's appeal." Gulf News, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://gulfnews.com/business/economy/long-term-visas-boost-dubais-appeal-1.1648829487871
[8] "UAE ranked safest country in the world." Khaleej Times, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-ranked-safest-country-in-the-world
- Dubai's appeal extends to various sectors, including real estate, technology, and business, with an impressive growth in residential real estate sales and a 65% year-on-year rise in villa sales activity in early 2025.
- Aside from a thriving real estate market, Dubai offers a tax-neutral environment, flexible visa policies, and luxurious lifestyle choices, making it a prime destination for affluent individuals seeking long-term residency and wealth preservation.
- In the realm of finance and investing, Dubai's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make it an attractive hub for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), due in part to the city's growth as a global financial powerhouse and its relatively affordable prime properties.
