In 2024, around 6,700 millionaires moved to the United Arab Emirates, marking a notable increase in the influx of international wealth to Dubai. A new report from real estate brokerage Betterhomes reveals that Dubai is becoming a prime destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term investment and residence. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, potentially reshaping Dubai’s role in the global financial system.
The Betterhomes report, titled Dubai: No Longer a Pit Stop, But the Finish Line for Global Wealth, highlights how global political and economic changes are driving wealthy individuals to settle in Dubai. These shifts are transforming the emirate’s luxury property market from a speculative space into a more stable asset class.
With 142,000 millionaires expected to relocate worldwide in 2025, the report projects that if just five percent choose Dubai, the city could welcome about 7,100 new millionaires. This would bring nearly $7.1 billion (about 26 billion dirhams) in new capital, almost half of Dubai’s total foreign direct investment in 2024.
Betterhomes explains that Dubai’s real estate market now attracts long-term capital focused on high-quality branded residences and legacy properties. This represents a move away from short-term market cycles toward investments built for permanence and lasting value.
Factors pushing millionaires to leave other countries include increasing wealth taxes, political uncertainty, and tightening immigration rules. Dubai’s appeal lies in its tax-efficient environment, safety, and status as a globally connected city offering a high-quality lifestyle.
Betterhomes describes the evolution of Dubai’s property market into a structural asset class, signaling greater confidence among investors. This shift supports Dubai’s growing reputation as a global benchmark for residential investment.
As Dubai continues to draw wealthy migrants, its economy and property sector are set to benefit significantly. The influx of capital and expertise may help the emirate strengthen its position as a leading international financial and lifestyle hub.
