Dubai Emerges as the World’s Finest City for the Wealthy
According to the most recent report from the real estate and consulting firm Savills, Dubai has not only been voted the world’s best city for affluent people, but it has also managed to take the top spot globally in a fierce competition with other big cities like New York. According to the report, which ranks 30 foreign cities according to their appeal to high-net-worth individuals, Dubai continues to be the top choice for wealthy families, senior executives and investors.
Why Is Dubai Now the Most Popular Travel Destination for the World’s Rich?
Dubai is “the most welcoming city in the world for wealthy individuals,” according to Savills’ analysis. This accomplishment is the result of several factors:
- Complete exemption from wealth tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax
- High levels of security and political stability
- Infrastructure that is family-friendly today and the rising demand for educational services
- Easy international mobility, cultural diversity and a thriving economy
Due to the fact that wealthy families from all over the world have chosen to move to Dubai, many international schools in Dubai there currently have lengthy waiting lists, according to Savills. Out of all the cities in the index, Dubai currently has the most international schools.
Quick Increases in World Wealth and Asia-Pacific’s Contribution
The Asia-Pacific region is seeing the fastest rate of wealth growth, according to the Savills report. Based on the information:
- Over 680,000 new millionaires were created worldwide in 2024
- It is anticipated that 5 million more millionaires will be created globally by 2029
The highest concentrations of affluent people have been found in Asian cities like Shenzhen, Bangalore, Shanghai, Bangkok and Tokyo, which are quickly emerging as new centers for talent and investment.
The Economy and Taxes’ Influence on the Destinations of Wealthy People
The tax system of the destination nation is among the most crucial elements that investors take into account when deciding where to relocate. This has produced results like:
- New York and Dubai are ranked as the top two cities in the world
- The demand for real estate in Milan is rising due to Italy’s new tax laws
- Older investors are becoming less interested in high-tax nations like the UK
On the other hand, a new generation of affluent people has been drawn to the UAE by its 10-year Golden Visa, which is offered for a minimum investment of AED 2 million. In addition to investing, many of them decide to buy real estate in Dubai and live there for the long run.
London’s Declining Appeal: Inheritance Tax as the Key Factor
Despite London’s high ranking in many lifestyle metrics, the demand for luxury homes has sharply decreased due to the city’s high taxes, particularly the inheritance tax. This has “significantly reduced London’s appeal among older wealthy individuals,” according to Savills researchers. In the meantime, nations with higher tax thresholds, like the US and the UAE, have grown more alluring to this demographic.
Dubai: A City Changing the Rich People’s Future
Aside from its economic and financial benefits, Dubai has recently made investments in large-scale projects, contemporary neighborhoods, smart city projects and a wide range of job opportunities. Dubai’s living conditions are now more in line with international standards thanks to these advancements. As a result, a lot of families now decide on Dubai for long-term, stable living in addition to business.
Conclusion
According to Savills’ report, wealthy people around the world are paying more attention to Dubai than ever before. A special blend of:
- An economy that is both secure and dynamic
- Numerous exemptions from taxes
- High-quality healthcare and education services
- High living standards and first-rate infrastructure
- Long-term residency options and alluring investment opportunities
has made Dubai not only a formidable competitor to well-known cities like Singapore, New York and London, but also a leader that outperforms them in many ways. Given the growing number of affluent people worldwide and the growing emphasis on tech-driven, tax-free cities, Dubai seems certain to hold its top spot as the wealthy’s preferred international destination for the foreseeable future.
Source: https://www.propertynews.ae

