Tag: Knight Frank Wealth Report

  • UAE Ultra-Wealthy Population Set to Surge 36% by 2031

    UAE Ultra-Wealthy Population Set to Surge 36% by 2031

    The UAE continues to cement its position as a global magnet for ultra-wealthy individuals, with Knight Frank forecasting a 36% increase in residents holding more than $30 million in assets over the next five years. The growth trajectory places the Emirates among the world’s fastest-expanding markets for high-net-worth individuals, driven by the country’s business-friendly environment and resilient real estate sector.

    Dubai’s luxury property market demonstrated exceptional strength, recording a 25.1% price increase in prime residential properties over the past year and a remarkable 193.9% surge over five years. The emirate secured second place worldwide for prime residential property price growth, reinforcing its appeal to international investors.

    Transaction activity in the ultra-luxury segment has accelerated sharply. Properties valued above $10 million witnessed a dramatic rise from 113 deals in 2021 to 500 transactions in 2025, reflecting sustained appetite for high-end assets despite global economic uncertainties.

    The UAE’s appeal as a business hub and the sustained strength of its real estate sector continue to attract high-net-worth individuals globally.

    The broader Middle East region recorded an average 9.4% increase in prime property prices during 2025, with Dubai’s performance serving as the primary catalyst. The city has emerged as a preferred destination in global wealth migration, often chosen over traditional centres such as New York and London for its stability, connectivity, and favorable business conditions.

    Abu Dhabi has gained momentum as a complementary investment destination, attracting international buyers through its expanding financial ecosystem and cultural institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the planned Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

    The sustained influx of ultra-wealthy residents is expected to further stimulate demand across Dubai’s luxury property market, particularly in waterfront developments and prime locations. The trend aligns with broader patterns observed in the UAE’s residential sector, where buyer confidence has remained robust despite regional geopolitical challenges.

    Knight Frank’s forecast underscores the UAE’s transformation into a premier wealth hub, supported by investor-friendly policies, tax advantages, and world-class infrastructure that continue to differentiate the Emirates in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

  • Dubai Luxury Home Prices Jump 25% in 2025

    Dubai Luxury Home Prices Jump 25% in 2025

    Prime residential property prices worldwide rose 3.2% in 2025, with Dubai emerging as one of the strongest-performing luxury housing markets globally and reinforcing its status as a leading destination for ultra-wealthy investors.

    The emirate recorded approximately 500 super-prime transactions in 2025 alone, highlighting sustained demand from ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking stable investment environments, lifestyle advantages and long-term residency opportunities. Analysts say the strength of Dubai’s luxury property segment reflects structural shifts in global wealth flows toward internationally connected and tax-efficient jurisdictions.

    Globally, 73 of the 100 tracked prime residential markets recorded price growth in 2025, underscoring the resilience of luxury housing compared with mainstream property sectors. Tokyo led the rankings with a 58.5% surge in prime new-build apartment values, while cities such as Miami, Mumbai and Brisbane were identified as emerging hotspots for future luxury growth.

    Regionally, the Middle East recorded the strongest performance among global luxury housing markets, posting average price growth of 9.4%. This outpaced Latin America and the Caribbean at 4.7%, Asia-Pacific at 3.6% and Europe at 3.3%, while North America declined by 0.9% due largely to price corrections in Canada.

    Dubai’s strong performance continues to be supported by sustained inflows of global capital, investor-friendly regulations and rising demand for turnkey homes among internationally mobile buyers. Limited supply of ready-to-move-in luxury properties has further strengthened price premiums across prime locations.

    The emirate’s appeal has broadened beyond traditional real estate investors to include entrepreneurs, family offices and hedge-fund managers relocating from Europe, Asia and Africa. This shift reflects Dubai’s growing role as a strategic residential and financial base for globally mobile wealth.

    Knight Frank noted that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly organising their lives across multiple jurisdictions rather than relying on a single permanent residence, boosting demand for luxury homes in globally connected hubs such as London, Singapore and Dubai.

    The trend aligns with recent high-profile purchases in the emirate, including Bollywood star Tiger Shroff’s waterfront acquisition and a record-setting Dh12 million annual penthouse lease at Burj Khalifa.

    With global wealth creation continuing to accelerate and mobility among affluent investors rising, Dubai is expected to remain one of the most dynamic prime residential markets, supported by strong transaction activity and sustained interest in trophy assets across its luxury real estate sector.