UAE to attract the highest number of millionaires globally

The UAE is all set to attract the largest number of millionaires in the world this year, according to a new report released on Monday.

The latest Henley Global Citizens Report projected that 4,000 millionaires will migrate to the UAE in 2022, surpassing the big countries like Australia, Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, USA, Canada, New Zealand, UK, India and others.

The report, prepared by New World Wealth, revealed that total private wealth in the UAE stood at $966 billion, including 92,600 millionaires with over $1 million wealth, 251 centi-millionaires with over $100 million-plus wealth and 4,000 individuals with $10 million wealth.

The trust of the high net worth individuals (HNWIs) in the UAE saw a major boost following the successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result of the boost in confidence, foreign investors pumped billions of dirhams into Dubai’s real estate sector, especially in the Dh100-million category.

“The UAE has become the focus of intense interest among affluent investors and is expected to see the highest net influx of HNWIs globally in 2022, with 4,000 forecast — a dramatic increase of 208 per cent versus 2019’s net inflow of 1,300 and one of its largest on record. This mirrors the country’s remarkable rise in the Henley Passport Index rankings over the past decade as it focused on attracting tourism and trade by implementing a succession of mutually reciprocated visa waivers. The UAE is now doing the same with its competitive, agile approach to adapting immigration regulations to attract private wealth, capital, and talent,” the report said.

The HNWI migration figures focus only on people with a wealth of $1 million or more and who have truly moved — namely, those who stay in their new country for more than half of the year.

Andrew Amoils, head of research at New World Wealth, said affluent individuals are extremely mobile, and their movements can provide an early warning signal into future country trends.

“Countries that draw wealthy individuals and families to migrate to their shores tend to be robust, with low crime rates, competitive tax rates, and attractive business opportunities,” he added.

Amoils said there are many reasons why wealthy individuals move to the UAE.

“The country is strong in numerous key sectors including financial services, oil and gas, real estate, travel and tourism, technology, and healthcare, with a first-class healthcare system. UAE residents stand to benefit from among the world’s most competitive tax rates, along with the likes of Monaco and Bermuda. In terms of lifestyle, the UAE is a renowned luxury hub, with top-end apartments and villas and world-class shopping malls and restaurants. For those with children, there are excellent international schools, and many beaches with yachting, water sports, and other leisure activities,” he added

Philippe Amarante, managing partner at Henley & Partners and the Head of the firm’s Dubai office, said more and more clients are showing strong interest in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

“The UAE has spearheaded this surge with its competitive, agile approach to adapting regulations and remains a powerful magnet for capital and talent. Investors from all over the world continue to relocate to the country either in a private capacity, with their businesses, or both. This seemed to have been a temporary effect due to the UAE leadership’s efficient pandemic management, but roots in the UAE are now becoming a must-have asset in every high-net-worth investor’s portfolio,” said Amarante.

— waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com