Will Dubai get $7.1b boost from more millionaires calling city their home?

20/08/2025 05:53 AST

Even if 5% of global millionaires migrating in 2025 choose Dubai as their residence, that will bring in a few billions more in 'fresh' investments.

That's according to calculations done by the property agency Betterhomes.

According to estimates, about 142,000 millionaires in the world are likely to relocate before the end of the year. "Even if just 5% select Dubai, that's 7,100 new HNWIs and nearly $7.1 billion in fresh investment," says the Betterhomes report.

As of end 2024, Dubai had about 81,200 resident millionaires, contributing to the UAE's total of 130,500 dollar-millionaires. That's a 'remarkable 98% jump in the last decade'.

"Dubai has matured into the world's most compelling plug-and-play city for wealth," said Louis Harding, CEO at Betterhomes. "What's changed is intent; founders, operators and multi-generational families are anchoring here, not passing through."

In recent weeks, multiple big-ticket property deals have taken place, including one for Dh260 million for a villa in Emirates Hills.

Average big-ticket property deals
Wealthy investors were putting in Dh11.4 million ($3.1 million) on average for their residential purchases.

And when it comes to ultra-high networth families, they were committing Dh134 million and more ($36.5 million and over) on 'legacy' villas, waterfront compounds, and 'identity-rich branded' residences.

"These are end-user purchases oriented toward permanence, professional services, and inter-generational planning and not flip culture," says the report.

Where are the high-value property deals happening?
Palm Jumeirah had 85 transactions worth Dh3.8 billion, while Emirates Hills saw 30 deals totalling Dh1.9 billion this year. Homes priced above Dh35 million totalled Dh9.4 billion in sales from 146 transactions.

"Global wealth is consolidating in branded ecosystems and legacy neighbourhoods," said Harding. " With policy clarity and quality-of-life premiums compounding, Dubai's prime market is shifting from cyclical to structural."

Gulfnews