Dubai and Abu Dhabi have ranked among the world's top 10 locations for attracting and retaining the next generation of wealthy individuals, according to the Next Generation Wealth Hubs Index released by property consultancy Savills. The index, published as part of the firm's Spotlight on Wealth Trends report, assessed more than 100 global destinations with a focus on high-net-worth individuals under the age of 40 who recently created or inherited wealth.
The study evaluated cities across four primary categories: business, governance, and connectivity; wealth clusters and local environment; wealth management and taxation; and lifestyle. Dubai and Abu Dhabi were two of only four locations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) to place in the global top 10. Globally, New York topped the index, followed by Miami, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Singapore, which was the highest-ranked Asia-Pacific destination.
Savills highlighted that an estimated $84 trillion is projected to transfer between generations over the next two decades. Kelcie Sellers, associate director at Savills World Research, stated that as capital transfers to a younger and digitally connected demographic, priorities such as lifestyle, education, wellness, and personal values increasingly determine where individuals live, invest, and establish enterprises.
The report attributed the UAE cities' rankings to favourable tax environments, business-friendly policies, infrastructure investments, and luxury amenities. Dubai's entrepreneurial ecosystem and global connectivity continue to attract international capital, while Abu Dhabi's expanding financial centre and growing number of family offices have broadened its appeal. Savills also noted that GCC families are increasingly prioritizing formal succession planning and long-term capital deployment within the region.
Sources
- Gulf Business · 2026-10-14
