10-07-2025
Wealth beyond borders: Why the UAE is a leading gateway to global investment for UHNWIs
The UAE has cemented its reputation as a magnet for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Driven by a blend of financial opportunity, regulatory clarity, and unmatched global connectivity, the influx of private wealth is evident in the rising number of family offices and specialist advisors located in the country, reflecting the UAE's evolution into a destination for international investment and cross-border growth.
Record wealth migration and the rise of Family Offices
Recent years have seen a surge in both individual UHNWIs and family offices choosing the UAE as their base. Independent data and official statistics show a record influx of wealthy individuals with estimates suggesting the country welcomed more than 6,700 millionaires in 2024. This is supported by a steady stream of private wealth managers and advisory firms that create a robust ecosystem for wealth preservation and growth. This trend is not just about numbers; it's about the infrastructure and expertise that follow.
The UAE's appeal goes far beyond its well-known tax advantages. The stable economic environment, strategic location, and business-friendly policies all play a part, but the presence of world-class advisers and a supportive regulatory framework also make a difference.
Key drivers
A critical factor in the thinking of UHNWIs and their advisors is the UAE's forward-thinking regulatory environment because it delivers what markets need and supports long-term stability. The country – driven in part by government policy — has demonstrated a commitment to capital market reform and has enthusiastically embraced environment, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Strong ESG governance is now mandated for listed companies , which in turn adds to investor confidence.
Geopolitical factors also play a role. The UAE enjoys relative stability in comparison to some of the more traditional financial hubs. This stability is being enhanced by the country's growing economic diversification and transitioning political situation. As tensions continue to rise around the world and geopolitical risks are increasingly in focus for investors, the UAE is viewed as a fairly safe and secure country in which to do business, invest and live.
Of equal importance, the UAE's global connectivity is a key driver for UHNWIs. The country offers direct access to emerging markets and established financial centres and is supported by world-class physical and digital infrastructure. Dubai International Airport remains the world's busiest for international traffic, and the nationwide transport and logistics network makes cross-border business seamless. This connectivity is central to the UAE's appeal, providing UHNWIs with a launchpad for regional and global investment.
Thriving financial markets
In tandem with the emergence of world-leading infrastructure and a globally competitive regulatory landscape is a capital market ecosystem that is maturing at breakneck speed. The UAE's capital markets have significantly expanded since the pandemic, offering a diverse range of opportunities for investors. In 2024, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) ranked among the world's top 20 bourses, with a market capitalisation of Dh2.97 trillion ($809 billion). ADX listed 28 new securities and raised approximately $3.35 billion in 2024, with foreign investors accounting for about 40 per cent of trading activity. As part of this mix, trading volumes and investor participation have both seen double-digit growth.
Importantly, ADX and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) work in tandem, creating a complementary ecosystem, rather than competing platforms. DFM's market capitalisation grew by 32 per cent in 2024 to Dh907 billion, onboarding over 138,000 new investors. 85 per cent of these were foreign nationals. The DFM has raised Dh10.48 billion ($2.9 billion) through major IPOs and also achieved its highest average daily trading value in over a decade during Q1 2025.
UHNWIs benefit from this positive sentiment and sustained growth. They also benefit from the UAE's broad spectrum of investment options, from state-backed giants such as ADNOC to innovative private firms. Partnerships with Nasdaq and advanced trading technologies have further increased the appeal of both exchanges for institutional and high-frequency investors.
As more UHNWIs choose the UAE, the country's investment management ecosystem also matures, feeding an appetite for best practices to help clients navigate cross-border investment, legacy planning, and regulatory compliance. Their presence is both a cause and an effect of the UAE's growing status as a global wealth hub.
Future outlook
As 2025 progresses, the UAE's commitment to innovation, transparency, and international collaboration will continue to attract UHNWIs seeking both opportunity and stability. Even within the context of an uncertain global economic and geopolitical environment, the UAE's diverse economy, leadership in sectors such as renewables and advanced technology, and a sharp vision for the future ensure that the Emirates stands out as a rare gateway to global investment.
Ali Sandila is CEO of EFG International's Dubai office. He leads the firm's strategy for serving HNW and UHNW clients in the Middle East, with a focus on cross-border investment and legacy planning.
