Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has retained its position as the world’s leading destination for wealthy migrants, with approximately 9,800 millionaires expected to relocate to the country this year, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025.
This figure surpasses the US, which ranks second with an anticipated 7,500 new wealthy arrivals by year-end.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the fastest-growing wealth magnet, projected to welcome 2,400 new millionaires in 2025, buoyed by a surge of returning nationals and foreign investors settling in Riyadh and Jeddah.
“If one reviews the fastest-growing wealth markets in the world over the past decade, it is noticeable that most of these countries are either popular destinations for migrating millionaires - such as Montenegro, the UAE, Malta, the US, and Costa Rica - or emerging market tech hubs like China and India,” Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth, said in a statement.
“This demonstrates the importance of millionaire migration in driving new wealth formation in a country.”
A record-breaking 142,000 millionaires are expected to relocate internationally this year. The UK is expected to lose a staggering 16,500 millionaires in 2025 - more than double the anticipated net outflow from China, which stands at 7,800.
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the UK has shifted from a net magnet to a net exporter of wealthy individuals, the report noted.
Affluent individuals are relocating to tax-friendly jurisdictions such as the UAE, Monaco, and Malta, as well as lifestyle havens including Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland.
High-earning executives are increasingly choosing expanding wealth hubs like Dubai, Florida, Milan, St. Julian’s, Lisbon, the Athenian Riviera, Zug, and Lugano.
European powerhouses France, Spain, and Germany are also expected to experience net millionaire outflows for the first time in 2025, with projected losses of 800, 500, and 400, respectively.
What Makes UAE a Wealth Magnet
The UAE is expected to see strong demand from regions and countries like the UK, India, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
The country’s appeal is enhanced by its long-established tax-free environment and attractive Golden Visa programme, according to the report.
Launched in 2019, the UAE’s Golden Visa programme grants long-term residency — up to 10 years — to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialised talents, offering stability and security to wealthy migrants and their families.
In May 2025, the UAE introduced five new categories for Golden Visa eligibility, including healthcare professionals, educators, digital content creators, e-sports professionals, and luxury yacht owners.
