UAE is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for the world's wealthiest families

Khaleej Times

2 days ago

The UAE is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for the world's wealthiest families seeking to manage assets worth trillions of dollars, and the recent Family Office Summit 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, underscored this shift.
With its tax advantages, strategic location, and progressive regulatory framework, the UAE is redefining wealth management, attracting global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking innovative and secure ways to preserve and grow their wealth.
Bringing together 235 high-level participants — including 61 family offices, 82 family holdings, and representatives managing over $500 billion in assets — the summit highlighted why the UAE is a magnet for family offices.
The summit, a cornerstone event for global investors, showcased Abu Dhabi's rise as a hub for wealth leadership, building on the success of previous Dubai editions. Discussions spanned 11 panels, covering topics from governance to the future of legacy, with a focus on how family offices are evolving.
A standout panel, 'Family Office 2.0,' featured experts like Vaidotas Melynavicius of Santocedrus Capital and Amer Al Osh of Gewan Holding, who emphasized the role of next-generation leaders in driving tech-enabled, future-ready family offices. These young stewards are embedding sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurial thinking into their investment strategies, reflecting a generational shift.
According to a recent report, 79 per cent of Middle Eastern next-gen investors see high potential in digital and tech sectors, aligning with the UAE's innovation-driven vision.
The UAE's appeal lies in its unique blend of advantages. Dubai, home to over 75 per cent of the region's family offices, manages more than $1.2 trillion in assets through 120 families and 800 family-related entities, as noted by Arif Amiri, CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority.
The DIFC, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia's leading financial hub, oversees $450 billion in private wealth and is central to this ecosystem. With access to $3 trillion in private wealth within an hour's flight, Dubai's strategic location makes it a gateway for global investment, connecting Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Tax benefits are a major draw. The UAE's zero-income tax, zero capital gains tax, and absence of inheritance tax create a tax-efficient environment for wealth preservation across generations. The introduction of a corporate tax in 2023 has further strengthened the UAE's financial framework, offering clarity and stability. These advantages are particularly appealing to Indian HNWIs, who are increasingly relocating to the UAE to structure their finances.
The DIFC's 2023 Family Arrangement Regulations provide tailored support for single and multi-family offices, ensuring seamless operations for wealth management, tax planning, estate planning, and legal counsel.
The UAE's regulatory environment is another key factor. The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and DIFC have established clear frameworks for family offices, supporting both single-family offices (SFOs) and multi-family offices (MFOs). The DIFC's Global Family Business and Private Wealth Centre, launched in 2022, is the first of its kind globally, offering advisory services, networking, and dispute resolution.
Family businesses contribute significantly to the emirate's economy, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the world's top four financial centers by 2033.
Investment opportunities in the UAE are diverse and dynamic. Family offices are increasingly drawn to private equity, particularly in green energy, which aligns with the UAE's sustainability goals. Real estate, hospitality, technology, and healthcare are also thriving sectors, offering high growth potential.
The Abu Dhabi summit highlighted how family offices are leveraging these opportunities to diversify portfolios and drive long-term value. For instance, discussions revealed a growing interest in digital assets, with the UAE's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) providing clarity and custody solutions. Next-gen and female leaders are embracing cryptocurrencies as strategic asset classes, moving beyond speculation to structured investments.
The summit's focus on governance and resilience resonated strongly. Panels explored how family offices can future-proof their operations through smart governance, proactive risk management, and alignment with long-term goals. Technologies like artificial intelligence are being adopted to enhance decision-making and legacy planning, particularly by younger leaders. Obediah Ayton, Chairman of the Family Office Summit, noted, 'Family offices are strategically balancing financial returns with long-term impact, particularly through investments in high-potential sectors like healthcare and real estate.' The event's curated design, with dynamic seating and private networking lounges, fostered meaningful connections, with 19 family offices attending in the UAE for the first time.
As a speaker at the event noted, 'the UAE's progressive vision, exemplified by its embrace of next-gen and female leadership, sets it apart.'