Dubai Emerges as Global Hub for Billionaires

DUBAI: Dubai has become one of the world’s top destinations for billionaires, as global wealth reached a record $15.8 trillion in 2025, according to the Billionaire Ambitions Report 2025 published by Swiss financial giant UBS.

The report highlights that more wealthy families are relocating than ever before, driven by security, business opportunities, tax advantages, and a higher quality of life. 36 percent of the world’s billionaires have already moved from their home country at least once, with Dubai, Singapore, London, and New York emerging as preferred destinations.

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, has become a key hub for global wealth, attracting high-net-worth individuals from Pakistan, India, Europe, and across Asia. Experts cite Dubai’s tax-free system, stable governance, strong economy, and international lifestyle as major factors making it highly attractive for billionaires seeking long-term security.

The report also notes a significant trend in wealth growth among women billionaires, who increased their fortunes at twice the pace of men in 2025. Women invested confidently in technology, finance, and new businesses, driving faster expansion of their wealth.

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Another major finding is the sharp rise in inheritance. In 2025, wealthy families passed on a record $297.8 billion to their children, marking the largest wealth transfer ever recorded. Many young heirs are choosing the UAE as their base, drawn by its business-friendly environment and global connectivity.

Self-made billionaires contributed $386.5 billion to global wealth this year, with strong growth in the United States, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The study predicts that nearly $7 trillion will be transferred to the next generation by 2040, further boosting the flow of wealthy individuals toward stable financial hubs like Dubai.

Experts say Dubai’s rise as a global magnet for wealth underscores its growing importance in the international economic landscape, especially for investors from Pakistan and other developing nations seeking stability and long-term security.