A new report by Betterhomes forecasts a sharp rise in high-net-worth individuals relocating to Dubai in 2025, positioning the city as a long-term base for global wealth rather than a temporary stopover.
Rising millionaire migration
According to Betterhomes’ report, Dubai: No Longer a Pit Stop, But the Finish Line for Global Wealth, geopolitical and economic shifts are driving wealthy individuals to seek more stable, low-tax environments. In 2024, 6,700 millionaires moved to the UAE.
In 2025, global millionaire migration is expected to reach 142,000. If just 5% of them choose Dubai, the emirate could gain 7,100 new millionaires and Dhs 26 billion in capital — nearly half of last year’s total foreign direct investment.
Real estate transformation
Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes, said: “Dubai’s real estate market is no longer driven by speculation, but by strategic, long-term capital. We are seeing global wealth not just arrive, but anchor itself here, in branded residences, legacy properties, and high-quality developments built for permanence.
“As millionaire migration accelerates, the city’s property sector will continue to evolve from a cyclical opportunity into a structural asset class. Dubai is not only a magnet for capital, it is becoming the benchmark for global residential investment.”
Global factors at play
The report identifies key reasons behind the shift, including rising wealth taxes in other countries, political instability, and tighter immigration rules. These are prompting affluent individuals to move to places offering security, efficient tax systems, and global connectivity — areas where Dubai continues to strengthen its appeal.
Betterhomes suggests that if current trends hold, Dubai could solidify its status as a global centre for high-net-worth investment by the end of 2025.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
