Millionaire influx in 2025: Dubai to welcome wealth wave worth over Dh25 billion

Dubai: Dubai is on the cusp of a record influx of wealth in 2025, with as many as 7,100 new millionaires expected to relocate to the city, bringing over $7 billion (Dh26 billion) in fresh capital.

That figure alone could rival nearly half of Dubai’s total foreign direct investment from last year—underscoring the emirate’s growing status as a magnet for global wealth.

A new report by Betterhomes reveals that Dubai is no longer viewed as a temporary luxury outpost but as a permanent base for the world’s elite. The appeal? A potent mix of safety, tax efficiency, and world-class connectivity that sets it apart in a global landscape increasingly marked by political risk and rising tax burdens.

In 2024, the UAE welcomed 6,700 new millionaires. If just 5% of the projected 142,000 high-net-worth individuals expected to migrate globally in 2025 choose Dubai, the impact could be transformative—economically and socially.

“We are seeing capital not just arrive in Dubai, but commit to it,” said Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes. “What’s unfolding is a shift from speculation to permanence—high-value properties, legacy investments, and long-term vision.”

The driving force behind this wave is a complex mix of global ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors, the Betterhomes report, “Dubai: No Longer a Pit Stop, But the Finish Line for Global Wealth, revealed.

While legacy cities like London, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Paris grapple with rising taxes, Dubai offers rare clarity. Its zero-income tax policy, safe environment, and rapid access to global markets are making it the top choice for entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices from as far afield as Vietnam, Turkey, Argentina, and East Asia.

Dubai already ranks 14th among the world’s largest wealth markets, with over 130,000 millionaires—a number that’s nearly doubled over the past decade. As wealth migration continues to reshape the global map, the emirate is positioning itself not just as a safe haven but as a springboard for legacy-building and global influence.

These new residents aren’t just moving money—they’re building institutions, launching ventures, and bringing global teams with them. Their long-term view is turning Dubai into more than just a luxury destination. It’s becoming a command centre for the next generation of global capital.