Millionaires Flocking to UAE: A 2025 Forecast

The World's Wealthiest Still Choose UAE: Nearly 10,000 Millionaires Might Move in 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be the leading destination worldwide for affluent individuals. According to the latest forecasts, more than 9,800 new millionaires are expected to arrive in the country in 2025, primarily from the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Iran, and Lebanon. A study by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth suggests that the influx of wealthy individuals could attract nearly $63 billion (231 billion dirhams) in capital to the UAE.

A New Record for Millionaire Migration May Emerge

An increasing number of the world's wealthiest individuals are choosing the UAE as their new home, offering more than just sunny weather and modern cityscapes. Over the past decade, the rate of millionaire migration has almost doubled: whereas in 2014 it showed a 98% increase, by 2024 it had reached a new peak. The expected influx of 9,800 people in 2025 surpasses the anticipated figure for the United States by more than two thousand, which holds the second place.

It is estimated that the number of individuals in the UAE with wealth exceeding one million dollars could rise to 130,500, while the number of so-called 'centi-millionaires' with wealth over a hundred million dollars could reach 325. The number of billionaires is also expected to grow to 28 in the country.

Why the UAE?

The key to success lies in thoughtful strategy and consistent regulation. According to the leader of Henley & Partners, the UAE has built one of the most successful wealth-attracting models in modern history. Several factors strengthen its appeal:

0% personal income tax

World-class infrastructure

Political stability

Business-friendly legal environment

Transparent and supportive immigration system

Golden Visa program (launched in 2019, updated in 2022)

These factors not only provide financial freedom but also create the quality of life that many high-income individuals seek, whether it's family security, business opportunities, or lifestyle.

Where are the Wealthy Moving From and To?

The largest outflow is expected from the United Kingdom, where about 16,500 millionaires might leave the country in 2025 — double China's net loss of 7,800, which led the list for years. The exodus is driven not just by tax hikes but also by deeper systemic issues: many wealthy people feel that greater freedom, stability, and opportunities can be found elsewhere.

A similar trend is observed in other European Union member states: France, Spain, and Germany also show a negative migration balance for the wealthy for the first time. Many of the world's richest people are choosing places like Monaco, Malta, or the UAE — countries offering not only a tax-friendly environment but also a high quality of life.

Among the favored new residences are Dubai, Florida, Milan, Lisbon, the Greek coast, as well as Swiss cities like Zug and Lugano.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Dubai and the UAE?

The UAE is no longer just a regional financial center but plays the role of a global wealth management hub. The influx of wealthy individuals not only brings direct investments but also new business opportunities, jobs, and a stronger economic base.

The Golden Visa system has further strengthened the country's position, offering a well-structured opportunity for long-term settlement and investment.

In the coming years, the UAE and particularly Dubai are expected to increase their significance in global wealth attraction — all while maintaining political stability, openness, and economic resilience.

(Source of the article: Henley & Partners study.)