For the global Richie Rich, the UAE is a much more appealing place than traditional champions in the US and Europe. Bloomberg recently highlighted a report from real estate broker Savills Plc that found both Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the list of the best cities for millionaires. But is this truly surprising? Probably not.
Both these cities are hugely adored by people from different countries across the globe. Millions of tourists flock to Dubai and Abu Dhabi year-round for the sake of tourism. There is a broad range of interesting things to do in Dubai and the cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi steal the deal for many. But most of all, these places in the UAE rank high as far as taxes, family infrastructure, legacy, lifestyle and security parameters are taken into consideration.
On the list of best places for the global elite, the top ten spots are occupied in this order: Dubai, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Monaco, Los Angeles, Miami, Aspen and London.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast a beautiful lifestyle. These cities are safe, host a number of restaurants catering to different budget ranges, and hold tight to their culture and traditions at the same time. You can indulge in a lot of incredible experiences here. But besides tourism, these cities are attracting the global elite in high numbers. Many people are interested in making Dubai and Abu Dhabi their permanent home. Mind you, it is not just the sun! Let me take you through all the details.
Pro-business settings and tax regime of UAE
‘You can start a business in the UAE in a matter of just minutes. The Richie Rich prefer convenience over tacky business settings in some other places.’
This is crucial. Millionaires and billionaires are looking at a place’s business appeal before shifting there. It appears Dubai and Abu Dhabi are maintaining an alluring business environment for people from different parts of the globe. It is often said that one needs just 15 minutes to start a business in Dubai (not an exaggeration). Thanks to pro-business settings, the tax regime and geopolitical stability, these cities in the UAE are on the radar of many Richie Rich.
The UAE Golden Visa should also be taken into consideration. You can get a decent 10-year residency in return for an investment of AED 2 million. The global elite is significantly attracted to it, there is no doubt about it. But more places in other countries are also picking up speed in this category. Take Milan, for example. Italy has introduced a flat tax on global earnings and the demand for real estate in multiple Italian cities have, consequently, climbed up.
Let’s not forget inheritance tax. Older rich people in different countries are prioritising this parameter at the time of buying homes. For this reason, one of the traditional champions (London) ranks tenth on the list. The UK’s tax system is hammering the demand for London’s luxury properties. But you cannot say the same thing for Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Family infrastructure and lifestyle in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
‘Dubai and Abu Dhabi are, undoubtedly, some of the best cities for millionaires. Both places are rich in unique experiences. You get a stable yet memorable life full of thrills and surprises.’
Dubai is “home to the most international schools of any destination in our index by some distance,” according to Savills Plc. This means Dubai (and the nearby Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi, too) is focusing on its infrastructure for both citizens and residents.
You can take leisurely strolls in both the UAE cities late in the night. Just recently, WTM London noted the launch of the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report and, as expected, one of the UAE cities is part of this list. Dubai is a part of the top ten world’s best cities 2026, hailed for its liveability (green spaces, transport system and clean air); lovability (culture, nightlife and social media engagement), and prosperity (economic strength, education and air connectivity). Isn’t it so convenient? Dubai is the most accommodating place today for the global elite.
In fact, earlier in 2025, Henley and Partners released a report on Global Millionaire Migration, highlighting that the UAE is maintaining its position as the top magnet for the rich individuals. This is not a coincidence. The UAE is prepared, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for the global elite. These cities are building up an infrastructure and a society that keeps people from different nationalities happy, content and safe.
Luxury and experiences make Dubai and Abu Dhabi the best cities for millionaires
‘No other place can surpass Dubai in luxury experiences. The global elite flock to this place for the ease and comfort as branded residences pop up in huge numbers.’
The UAE is a paradise for millionaires and billionaires from across the globe. Just recently, global property consultancy Knight Frank released a report that brings into focus the booming UAE hospitality market. One thing is for sure. This country has understood the game perfectly, managing to balance demand and supply better than anyone else.
Take Dubai, for example. The latest numbers suggest that the number of hotels rooms in Dubai has surpassed that in Las Vegas, for the first time. There are a number of incredible upcoming hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In fact, this is the era of branded residences and the UAE is understanding the picture quite great. You can find reports of many branded properties coming to the UAE, luring the global elite at the same time.
In essence, the UAE is building itself a promising setting, much more suitable for the global elite than traditional competitors like London, New York and Singapore. Starting from quality of life and legacy to business exploration and security, this country doesn’t fail to amaze. Let’s not forget the sun, of course. But on top of it all, the UAE is really hospitable. It is no doubt that as more millionaires and billionaires land in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as residents, there are going to bring along their businesses. The tourism numbers are also getting higher each passing year as the UAE sets its ambitious targets. The Dubai International Airport is expected to reach 100 million annual passengers soon, underscoring the allure of travelling to the UAE for that grand international trip of a lifetime.
