Dubai’s reputation as a premier refuge for the ultra-wealthy is showing no signs of slowing. The city’s unique combination of favorable tax policies, long-term residency, robust luxury property market, and global connectivity continues to draw millionaires from around the world—even as fresh developments in 2025 reinforce the trend.
Golden Visas and Tax Advantage: Still the Main Magnet
Since its inception in 2019, the UAE’s Golden Visa program has been extremely popular. It grants you the right to live in the country for many years, doesn’t require a local sponsor, allows you to establish your own business, and enables you to sponsor your family. Dubai is still a great place for rich people to live because there are no personal income, capital gains, or real estate taxes.
Henley & Partners says that by 2025, the UAE will welcome almost 9,800 millionaires, making it one of the best places in the world to live. This growing trend shows how much more appealing Dubai is than Europe and North America.
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Real Estate: The High-End Market Is Booming
Dubai’s high-end real estate market is still doing well. The city had more than AED 522.5 billion in real estate transactions in 2024, with 180,987 sales. This was a big jump from 2023. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, and Emirates Hills are some of the best neighborhoods that have seen big improvements. One home in Emirates Hills sold for AED 260 million (about USD 71 million) in August 2025, which was the highest price per square foot ever. Analysts think that property values will keep going up in 2025. They estimate prices for luxury villas and seaside homes to go up by 8–10%, while rental yields will stay robust at around 7%.
Exodus from London: Billionaires in Transit
Billionaires in Transit: One of the most important recent events is the move of billionaire John Fredriksen. The shipping tycoon, who used to be one of the richest people in the UK, sold his £250 million estate in London and moved to Dubai. He blamed UK tax changes and said, “Britain has gone to hell.” His move shows a bigger trend of people moving their money out of places with high taxes.
Infrastructure Challenges: A Candid Reality Check
Even while things are going well, the rise in population and investment has caused certain problems. The DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) currently has more than 47,000 people, which increases demand and makes problems like traffic jams and expensive living costs worse. Expats are worried about the cost of living and quality of life on social media.
“Dubai is on steroids, but affordability risks are increasing,” warns a report by Tellimer.
They say that traffic is getting worse and housing costs are going through the roof, even while real estate activity is at an all-time high.
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Conclusion: Dubai’s Unstoppable Allure—With Caveats
Dubai’s blend of fiscal benefits, residency flexibility, elite property market, and global stature continues to attract the wealthiest individuals. However, its rapid expansion brings infrastructure strains and affordability issues—suggesting that Dubai’s future might hinge on how well it balances growth with livability.
