Dubai is witnessing a historic surge in multinational corporations, family-owned enterprises, and wealthy individuals relocating to the emirate in 2025. With record levels of new entrants and rising wealth inflows, the city is strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for global business and investment.
Key Highlights
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143 new companies joined Dubai International Chamber in H1 2025
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DIFC adds global institutions including PIMCO and Manulife
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Nearly 10,000 millionaires relocated to UAE in 2025, most choosing Dubai
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Family offices in Dubai near 800, managing $500 billion in assets by year-end
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Dubai now ranks among the world’s top wealth migration hubs
Strong Corporate Growth in 2025
The Dubai International Chamber announced the attraction of 143 new companies in the first half of 2025, including 31 multinational corporations — a 138% increase compared to last year. Small and medium-sized enterprises also saw remarkable growth, with 112 firms joining in H1 2025 versus 47 in the same period of 2024.
Dubai’s free zones are also thriving. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) welcomed over 1,100 companies in the first half, taking total membership close to 26,000. Its Crypto Centre now hosts more than 700 firms, including major global players such as Bitcoin.com and Animoca Brands.
DIFC Expands with Leading Global Institutions
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) continues to attract international heavyweights. Recent additions include PIMCO, Manulife, Silver Point Capital, Baron Capital, and China International Capital Corporation. The number of regulated entities has now grown 17% year-on-year to 980, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a hub for global finance and innovation.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chamber, emphasized:
“This momentum is fuelled by Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, pro-business regulations, and its strategic position connecting international markets.”
Surge in Family Offices and Wealth Migration
Dubai has become a top destination for family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Nearly 200 new family offices were established in the past year, bringing the total close to 800. Business analysts cite Dubai’s privacy, flexible structures, and favorable ownership rules as major advantages.
The UAE now hosts three-quarters of all Middle Eastern family offices, with assets under management expected to reach $500 billion by the end of 2025.
Record Wealth Inflows and Luxury Property Demand
According to Henley & Partners, nearly 10,000 millionaires and billionaires relocated to the UAE in 2025, with Dubai attracting the majority. This has brought an estimated $63 billion of investable wealth into the country.
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7,100 millionaires are expected to move to Dubai in 2025 alone.
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Dubai now counts over 72,000 resident HNWIs, projected to grow by 50% by 2030.
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68% of wealthy global investors plan to purchase luxury property in Dubai this year, with average intended spending of USD 32 million.
High-profile real estate deals in Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai highlight the emirate’s strong luxury property market.
Global Wealth Management Firms Expand in Dubai
International financial institutions including Rothschild & Co, St James’s Place, and UBS are expanding operations in DIFC to serve the growing demand for wealth management. Dubai has now surpassed traditional centers like London, New York, and Singapore as the world’s leading relocation destination for the ultra-wealthy, ranking 7th on the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Index.
Support for Family Businesses
Family-owned enterprises, which contribute around 60% of the UAE’s GDP, are also turning to Dubai as a global base. The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses recently launched new advisory services to strengthen governance, support succession planning, and unlock access to international capital markets.
Driving Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33
This growth aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy to AED 32 trillion by 2033. Dubai’s unique combination of Golden Visas, 100% foreign ownership rules, and strategic connectivity make it one of the most attractive investment destinations worldwide.
FAQs
Q: How many multinational corporations joined Dubai in 2025?
A: 31 multinationals joined in the first half of 2025, a 138% increase from 2024.
Q: Why are family offices choosing Dubai?
A: Dubai offers privacy, flexible structures, favorable inheritance rules, and world-class financial services.
Q: How much wealth has moved to Dubai in 2025?
A: Around $63 billion of investable wealth has flowed into Dubai this year.
Q: What is the Dubai Economic Agenda D33?
A: It is a strategy to double Dubai’s economy to AED 32 trillion by 2033, enhancing global trade and investment.
Q: Which sectors benefit most from this inflow?
A: Real estate, financial services, family businesses, and wealth management.
Dubai’s rising appeal to global corporations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals highlights its unmatched role as a center for wealth, innovation, and opportunity. With strong foundations, visionary leadership, and the ambitious D33 agenda, the emirate is on track to become one of the world’s foremost hubs for business and investment in the decade ahead.
