Dubai strengthens its lead as a global magnet for wealth and real estate investment

Dubai: The Knight Frank's Global Wealth Report 2026 revealed that Dubai continued to consolidate its position at the forefront of the world in attracting wealth and real estate investments. The report also showed that the UAE strengthened its position among the fastest-growing countries in the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (whose wealth exceeds $30 million).

The report noted that the rising position of Dubai and the UAE as a growing global hub for finance, business, trade and services has contributed to enhancing its investment attractiveness from the perspective of global investors.

The report added that the real estate market in the UAE is witnessing increasing development in terms of maturity and complexity, making it a key destination competing to attract global institutional capital.

According to the report, the UAE is among the fastest-growing countries in the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and the report predicts that the number of individuals in this category will increase from 4,851 individuals in 2026 to 6,588 individuals by 2031, with an estimated growth of about 36%, reflecting the UAE's continued attractiveness as a major center for attracting global wealth.

The report explained that Dubai has established its position as one of the most prominent global destinations for wealth and investment in luxury real estate. This was supported by strong price growth and a significant rise in deals for ultra-luxury units, as Dubai ranked second globally in terms of growth in luxury real estate prices within one year by 25.1%, and recorded a cumulative growth of 193.9% in five years, which is among the highest growth rates globally, as the report indicated that the emirate recorded 500 sales transactions for residential units worth more than $10 million during 2025, compared to only 113 deals in 2021, reflecting the acceleration in demand for high-value residential assets.

The report also highlighted Dubai's growing role in the global wealth movement, noting that "although New York and London remain important hubs, Dubai is gaining increasing momentum," adding that Dubai "has become more like a hub through which global wealth flows, thanks to its strategic location and supportive business environment."

Abu Dhabi has emerged as a growing real estate market that attracts investors from around the world, as the emirate is one of the world's most important financial and investment hubs and a cultural destination that enjoys increasing attractiveness, with world-class institutions such as the Louvre and Guggenheim, along with spectacular natural coastlines, which also makes it an attractive choice for ultra-wealthy families looking for premium properties in a more serene lifestyle.

The World Wealth Report 2026 said that the Middle East markets topped the growth of global luxury real estate prices in 2025 with an average of 9.4%, "mainly driven by the rise in real estate prices in Dubai by 25.1%", placing the emirate among the best performing markets globally.

In terms of global comparisons, the report noted that although Hong Kong's luxury real estate market has recovered, it is "second only to Dubai" in terms of high-value transaction activity, reinforcing the emirate's position as a key destination for this type of investment.

Overall, the report's findings confirm that Dubai continues to strengthen its presence on the global luxury real estate map, supported by strong price performance and growth in deal volume.