Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rank Among Top Destinations for Next‑Generation Wealth, Savills Finds

Rankings and Drivers

Savills ranked Dubai eighth and Abu Dhabi tenth among the top 10 destinations for next‑generation wealth, as outlined in its Spotlight on Wealth Trends report released Wednesday. The London‑based consultancy said the ranking reflects the $84 trillion of wealth expected to shift between generations over the next two decades. Next‑generation wealth refers to individuals under 40 who have inherited significant wealth or built it through entrepreneurial success.

The UAE’s two cities benefit from a range of government measures that foster economic and societal growth, including favourable tax regimes, business‑friendly policies and substantial infrastructure investment paired with a sophisticated luxury offering, Savills noted.

Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, global connectivity and lifestyle appeal draw international talent and capital, while Abu Dhabi adds a growing financial centre, an increasing number of family offices, expanding economic opportunities and a high quality of life, according to the study.

Kelcie Sellers, associate director for world research at Savills, wrote in the report that these factors are “reinforcing the UAE’s position as a compelling destination for globally mobile wealth”.

Regional Outlook and Sporting Appeal

In the wider Gulf, economic diversification and succession planning are gaining prominence, with heightened attention on family governance, next‑generation involvement and the long‑term deployment of capital within the region, Ms Sellers said.

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds, wealth generation and the inflow of new money to the UAE continue; the country remains a magnet for the ultra‑wealthy, global wealth managers and trillion‑dollar asset managers.

Establishing a base in the UAE enables global investors and money managers to expand regional operations and collaborate with some of the largest sovereign wealth funds and institutional partners.

A Boston Consulting Group report released this week projects that net wealth in the UAE will rise to $6 trillion by the end of this decade, even though short‑term volatility stems from Middle‑East conflict.

Over the five years leading to the end of 2030, net wealth in the Emirates is expected to increase by more than $2.3 trillion, representing an annual growth rate of 10.6 per cent, the BCG report said.

Last year alone, net wealth in the Arab world’s second‑largest economy grew by almost 13 per cent on an annual basis to reach $3.6 trillion.

Global Wealth Dynamics

New York topped the Savills list, followed by Miami, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Singapore, Hong Kong and Monaco at ninth. Dubai and Abu Dhabi were the only Gulf cities featured in the ranking, which evaluated more than 100 destinations worldwide.

Cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa made up 16 of the index’s top 30 spots, a result driven by lifestyle attractions and sporting events such as major golf and tennis tournaments and Formula One races.

In terms of the number of sporting events, Dubai ranked first in the EMEA region, while Abu Dhabi, host of the season‑ending F1 race, placed sixth.

Ms Sellers observed that “The defining characteristic of Emea is the diversity of its wealth proposition. Global business centres, leading educational institutions, major sporting and cultural events, coastal retreats and mountain resorts are all within reach”.

Global personal wealth increased by nearly 11 per cent in 2025, creating roughly one million additional millionaires, according to industry tracker Altrata.

More than 510,800 individuals now qualify as ultra‑high net worth, meaning they hold $30 million or more each; together they control about $60 trillion in assets, a sum that exceeds the combined economies of the United States and China, Altrata stated.

Ms Sellers added that “Location decisions are becoming a core component of wealth planning … at the same time, new fortunes generated by technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping global wealth hubs”.

She concluded that “As a result, many wealthy families are adopting multi‑jurisdictional lifestyles, balancing residence, education and wealth structures across multiple markets”.