The UAE Ranks Among the Fastest Growing Nations for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals
Dubai Secures Second Place Globally in Luxury Real Estate Price Growth Over One Year
500 Transactions for Residential Units Exceeding $10 Million Expected in 2025
The “Global Wealth Report 2026,” released by Knight Frank, highlights that Dubai has solidified its standing as a leading hub for wealth and real estate investments. The UAE has also surfaced as one of the fastest-growing nations in terms of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, defined as those with wealth exceeding $30 million.
The report indicates that the rise of Dubai and the UAE as an increasingly significant global center for finance, business, trade, and services has enhanced its attractiveness from the perspective of international investors.
The UAE’s real estate market exhibits a growing level of sophistication and complexity, positioning it as a pivotal destination for attracting global institutional capital.
According to the report’s findings, the UAE ranks among the fastest-growing nations for individuals with ultra-high net worth. It predicts an increase in this demographic from 4,851 individuals in 2026 to 6,588 individuals by 2031, a growth rate of approximately 36%. This underscores the UAE’s ongoing appeal as a primary destination for global wealth.
The report emphasizes Dubai’s established status as one of the top international locations for wealth and luxury real estate investment, backed by strong price growth and a notable increase in transactions for high-end units. Dubai ranks second globally in luxury property price growth over the past year, with an increase of 25.1%. Over the past five years, prices have risen cumulatively by 193.9%, one of the highest growth rates globally. The report notes that the emirate recorded 500 sales transactions for residential units worth over $10 million in 2025, a significant increase from just 113 transactions in 2021, reflecting the mounting demand for high-value residential assets.
The report also highlights Dubai’s increasingly significant role in global wealth movement, stating, “While New York and London remain important centers, Dubai is gaining momentum.” It suggests that Dubai is emerging as a central hub for global wealth, aided by its strategic location and business-friendly environment.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a growing real estate market attracting investors worldwide. The emirate is recognized as a major financial and investment center and a cultural destination with rising appeal, home to global institutions such as the Louvre and Guggenheim, along with beautiful coastlines, making it an attractive option for ultra-high-net-worth families searching for distinctive properties in a more tranquil lifestyle.
The “Global Wealth Report 2026” notes that the Middle East led global luxury property price growth in 2025, averaging 9.4%, primarily driven by a 25.1% increase in Dubai’s property prices, which places the emirate among the top-performing markets worldwide.
In terms of global comparisons, despite the recovery of the luxury property market in Hong Kong, it ranks behind Dubai concerning high-value transaction activity, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a primary destination for this type of investment.
Overall, the findings of the report confirm that Dubai continues to strengthen its presence in the global luxury real estate landscape, supported by robust price performance and growth in transaction volume.