Dubai and Abu Dhabi both rank in the global top 10 of the Savills Next Generation Wealth Hubs Index, part of the new Spotlight on Wealth Trends report, making them two of only four locations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to feature in the top 10.
Published today, the index provides insight into the locations best placed to attract and retain the next generation of high-net-worth individuals, identified as those under 40 who have recently made, or inherited, their wealth. The report analyses over 100 destinations across four overarching metrics: business, governance and connectivity; wealth clusters and local environment; wealth management and taxation; and lifestyle.
“An estimated US$84 trillion is expected to transfer between generations over the next two decades,” comments Kelcie Sellers, associate director, Savills World Research. “As this wealth passes to a younger, more globally mobile and digitally connected generation, priorities are evolving, with lifestyle, education, wellness, and personal values increasingly influencing where they choose to live, invest and establish their business.”
Both cities combine favourable tax environments, business-friendly policies and significant infrastructure investment with a sophisticated luxury offering. Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, global connectivity and lifestyle appeal continue to attract international talent and capital, while Abu Dhabi complements this with its growing financial centre, a rising number of family offices, expanding economic opportunities and a high quality of life.
Lifestyle is a key differentiator across EMEA, and Dubai stands out. Alongside London, it hosts the highest number of prestige sporting events each year of the locations analysed, including major golf tournaments and ATP tennis, while Abu Dhabi hosts Formula 1 and major golf events.
“Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s place in the global top 10 reflects how the UAE’s proposition has evolved to meet the priorities of the next generation of wealth,” comments Rachael Kennerley, director, research, Savills Middle East. “Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and connectivity continue to draw international talent and capital, while Abu Dhabi’s growing financial centre and family office community add depth to the region’s wealth management offer. Across the GCC, succession planning is becoming more prominent, with families placing greater focus on governance, next-generation involvement and the long-term deployment of capital within the region.”
Globally, New York tops the index, followed by Miami, London, San Francisco and Los Angeles. London leads the EMEA rankings, while Singapore is the highest-ranking Asia Pacific location, in sixth place. Markets across EMEA account for 16 of the global top 30, spanning global financial centres, coastal markets and Alpine destinations.
Looking ahead, the report highlights the UAE as one of the dynamic economies attracting attention through strong wealth creation, infrastructure investment and improving lifestyle credentials. Changing preferences around lifestyle, wellness, privacy, education and global connectivity are also supporting demand for branded residences, wellness-led developments and turnkey properties that allow globally mobile buyers to move seamlessly between homes and jurisdictions.
About Savills Middle East:
Savills plc is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange. With a presence in the Middle East for over 40 years, Savills offers an extensive range of specialist advisory, management and transactional services across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Expertise includes property management, residential and commercial agency services, property and business assets valuation, and investment and development advisory. Originally founded in the UK in 1855, Savills has an international network of over 700 offices and associates employing over 40,000 people across the Americas, UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
