Dubai Ranks 4th Wealthiest City in EMEA

What the wealth surge means for property buyers and off-plan investors

Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s leading wealth capitals. As of mid-2025, the emirate hosts just over 86,000 millionaires, 251 centi-millionaires, and 23 billionaires, with an estimated $1.1 trillion in liquid investable wealth. That places Dubai 4th in the EMEA region, behind London, Paris, and Milan, with multiple studies indicating it could take the top spot by 2040 if current trends persist.

Explore Luxury Properties for Sale with Homesphere Real Estate

Why this ranking matters for real estate

Wealth concentration fuels premium housing demand, deepens buyer liquidity, and supports long-term rental strength. Over the past decade, total investable wealth in Dubai has grown by roughly 110%, ranking the city among the world’s five fastest-growing wealth hubs. That momentum is flowing into new launches, branded residences, and prime master communities, with purchasers drawn by lifestyle, safety, and efficient taxation.

For developers and sellers, this depth of demand can shorten sales cycles. For buyers, it widens choice across waterfront, golf, and urban luxury stock.

The Golden Visa Advantage for Property Investors

One of the most compelling incentives for investors is the UAE Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency for up to 10 years and is renewable. Property buyers can qualify for the Golden Visa by investing in real estate worth AED 2 million (approx. USD 545,000) or more. The investment can be in a ready or off-plan property, and may be financed through a mortgage, provided the investor’s equity in the property is at least AED 2 million. The property must also be purchased from a developer approved by the Dubai Land Department.

This visa allows investors and their families to live, work, and study in the UAE without a local sponsor, offering a stable, long-term base for global entrepreneurs and wealth holders. It also enhances the value proposition of real estate ownership in Dubai, aligning lifestyle and residency benefits with financial growth.

Why global wealth is relocating to Dubai

A growing share of millionaires, founders, and family offices are choosing Dubai as a primary base. The key reasons are:

• Safe and stable environment: Dubai offers clear laws, consistent regulations, and a business-friendly system that makes it easier for investors to plan long-term and manage their capital with confidence.
• Tax benefits: No personal income tax and no capital gains tax on individuals support wealth preservation and entrepreneurial activity.
• Diversified economy: A broad, multi-sector economy spanning finance, real estate, technology, healthcare, retail, media, energy, and tourism reduces single-sector risk.
• Quality of life: Good healthcare, international schools, modern infrastructure, and year-round leisure support long-stay decisions for families.
• Global connectivity: Direct flights to major financial centers and a favorable time zone enable regional and international business from one base.
• Growing family office ecosystem: An expanding network of family offices and specialist advisors simplifies governance, deal flow, and succession planning.
• Lifestyle and cultural openness: Dubai is a multinational city with respectful policies towards different religions and cultural backgrounds, fostering a cosmopolitan and welcoming community.

Ready to invest in Dubai’s future? Speak to Homesphere today

Liquidity on the ground: what changes for buyers

At the community level, a broader base of affluent residents translates into:

• Higher demand for prime and ultra-prime residential units in waterfront developments, branded projects, and skyline-view towers.
• Resilient mid-upper rental demand near business districts, schools, and transit nodes
• It is easier to sell or rent well-managed buildings with extensive amenities and services, including concierge and housekeeping.

Off-plan strategy for 2025 to 2030

Off-plan remains a practical and powerful way to secure future-ready addresses while phasing capital outlay — and in Dubai’s fast-growing market, it offers several advantages:

Benefits of investing in off-plan properties in Dubai:

• Capital appreciation: Buy at today’s price and benefit from value increases as the project nears completion.
• Flexible payment plans: Staggered payments over 2–5 years make entry more affordable and help manage cash flow.
• Customization options: Early buyers may have more say in layout, finishes, or floor selection.
• Lower initial costs: Compared to ready properties, off-plan units often come at a lower total purchase price.
• Golden Visa eligibility: Many off-plan projects that meet the AED 2 million threshold can help buyers qualify for long-term UAE residency.

What It All Means

Dubai ranks as the 4th wealthiest city in EMEA with about $1.1 trillion in investable wealth and more than 86,000 millionaires. It is on a trajectory to potentially lead the region by 2040. The relocation drivers are clear: a safe and stable environment, tax benefits, a diversified economy, global connectivity, high quality of life, a growing family-office ecosystem, among others.

With the added benefit of the UAE Golden Visa for qualifying investors, buying property — particularly off-plan real estate — offers not only financial upside, but long-term residency advantages. 

About Homesphere Real Estate

Homesphere Real Estate is a licensed Dubai brokerage, founded in 2019, specializing in off-plan projects. We help buyers evaluate launches, compare floor plans, assess communities and developer track records, and secure allocations with competitive payment plans.

We provide pricing guidance, escrow and compliance checks, and track construction milestones so you stay informed from reservation to handover. We coordinate documentation, snagging, and handover readiness, and can connect you with trusted mortgage and conveyancing partners.

Contact Homesphere Real Estate today to begin your property search