Dubai Positions Itself as a Strategic Hub for Wealthy Investors and Family Offices

Dubai is increasingly becoming a focal point for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and expanding family offices, as shifting global wealth trends continue to reshape financial power centers. With a growing emphasis on regions like Asia and the Middle East, Dubai, located within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is gaining attention as a city capable of accommodating sophisticated wealth management structures.

According to Boston Consulting Group, family offices now manage over 25% of the world’s financial wealth, and their numbers have grown by more than 10% since 2017. In contrast, traditional institutional wealth managers have experienced slower growth, suggesting a trend toward more personalized and independent approaches to asset management.

Dubai has introduced regulatory adjustments aimed at making the city more appealing to family offices. A notable example is the introduction of the Family Business Law under the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in 2023. This legal framework offers greater transparency and structural clarity for family-run investment entities. Furthermore, updated guidelines from the UAE Central Bank and other regulatory bodies have enhanced the security of financial operations, encouraging capital to flow into the emirate.

Efforts by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to attract high-net-worth investors are ongoing. Policies are being designed to facilitate the establishment of new family offices while also encouraging long-term contributions to the local economy. Dubai’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top ten most livable cities by 2040 is also influencing strategic investment decisions made by family wealth managers.

An executive from Intuit Management Consultancy emphasized that Dubai's appeal is not limited to tax considerations. They stated, “High-net-worth individuals are not only looking for a secure financial system, but also an environment where they can position their families for the long term.” This highlights the importance of stability, infrastructure, and quality of life as contributing factors in the decision-making process.

In 2023, the UAE reportedly received the highest number of migrating ultra-wealthy individuals globally, with over 5,200 high-net-worth newcomers relocating to the country. This pattern further demonstrates how Dubai is emerging as a central hub for global wealth and investment planning.

In the Gulf region, younger demographics and openness to technology-driven models are playing a role in attracting family offices. Industry observers expect the number of such offices in Dubai to grow significantly in the next five years. Beyond managing wealth, many of these entities are focusing on succession planning and sustainable investments, aligning long-term financial strategies with broader generational goals.