Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked among the world’s top five destinations for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), according to Savills Middle East’s Spotlight on Wealth Trends 2025 report. Dubai took the top spot globally, while Abu Dhabi ranked fifth.
The Savills HNWI Hotspot Index assessed nearly 100 international locations based on five key factors — business environment, family infrastructure and cost, legacy planning, lifestyle, and privacy. The UAE cities joined New York (2nd), Singapore (3rd), and Hong Kong (4th) in the global top five.
Savills said Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s strong legal frameworks, quality education, and attractive lifestyles are driving their growing appeal among wealthy residents and investors.
Dubai tops for lifestyle
Dubai leads the world in the number of international schools, with 168 institutions, and ranks within the global top ten for lifestyle, supported by its strong retail, hospitality, and cultural sectors. The city also ranks in the top five for legacy planning, benefiting from a tax-friendly environment with no inheritance, capital gains, or wealth taxes.
Abu Dhabi stands out for its economic competitiveness and global connectivity, attracting a rising share of corporate and sovereign wealth investment.
Shifting wealth trends
Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director at Savills World Research, said, “Globally, we’re seeing the world’s wealthy look beyond traditional financial hubs in favour of destinations that deliver lifestyle, wellbeing, and family appeal alongside business opportunity. The UAE stands out for its ability to offer all three, from excellent education and connectivity to a dynamic, forward-looking economy.”
Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, added, “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.”
Regional outlook
Beyond the UAE, the report highlights emerging regional markets such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which are gaining traction through large-scale infrastructure and diversification projects.
Savills noted that cities offering stability, innovation, and family-oriented living will continue to attract global wealth, positioning the UAE as a key hub in the future distribution of high-net-worth migration and investment.
