Dubai and Abu Dhabi are fast emerging as the top global destinations for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and international corporations. According to real estate consultancy Savills, the UAE’s two powerhouse cities now lead the rankings in both personal and corporate relocation, driven by a unique combination of tax incentives, premium lifestyle offerings, and business-friendly policies.
The rankings, part of Savills’ new Dynamic Wealth Indices, highlight how the UAE has grown into a strategic global hub amid shifting wealth patterns and geopolitical uncertainty. Dubai ranks first in personal relocations, with Abu Dhabi closely following, ahead of international hotspots like Singapore, Zurich, and Auckland.
“Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth and long-term planning have attracted global corporates and family offices alike. In turn, this has created momentum across both the office and luxury residential markets.”
Said Rachael Kennerley, Director of Research at Savills Middle East.
The UAE is also a front-runner in corporate relocation, with Abu Dhabi ranking among the top five cities globally, thanks to its strong economic fundamentals, regulatory environment, and foreign direct investment appeal. Savills notes that cities attracting skilled individuals are increasingly drawing companies that depend on them, signaling an alignment of personal and business priorities.
Real Estate: Where Wealth Leaves Its Mark
The impact of this migration is especially evident in the UAE’s real estate sector. In 2024, Dubai’s prime residential capital values rose by 6.8%, while high-end office space values jumped by 7% in the fourth quarter alone. Total residential transactions reached a record high, increasing by 47% year-on-year, including over 4,600 units priced above AED 10 million (US$2.72 million), a 23% increase from the previous year.
Paul Tostevin, Director of Savills World Research, notes that global wealth flows are becoming increasingly complex. “While traditional drivers such as tax incentives remain important, today’s mobile wealthy are prioritizing quality of life more than ever before.”
The UAE’s Strategic Pull
Experts point to the UAE’s proactive diversification of its economy and infrastructure investments as key enablers of its growing magnetism. The introduction of Golden Visas, world-class health and education systems, and continued innovation in urban planning and sustainability have solidified its place on the global map.
As fiscal tightening in other economies pushes individuals and businesses to seek more efficient environments, the UAE offers a compelling alternative. It combines tax efficiency with a high standard of living and strategic access to global markets. Kennerley also mentioned that,
“The push of fiscal policies in other countries has heightened the UAE’s pull.”
Looking Ahead
With six of the top 12 cities in Savills’ Dynamic Wealth Indices ranking in both the personal and corporate categories, the trend is clear: cities that offer a compelling blend of lifestyle, policy, and economic opportunity are leading the next wave of global migration.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not just thriving, they are redefining what it means to be global wealth hubs.
