As global wealth management undergoes a transformation, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices are increasingly looking for jurisdictions that offer financial stability, regulatory efficiency, and access to global markets. Among the world’s leading wealth hubs, Dubai has emerged as a premier destination, attracting investors with its strategic location, tax advantages, and world-class financial infrastructure.
For Indian HNWIs and family offices, Dubai offers a compelling proposition—not only as a wealth preservation hub but also as a gateway to global investment opportunities.
Dubai's rise is driven by the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, a strategic vision to double the city’s GDP and make it one of the top three cities to invest, live and work. The agenda aims to drive AED 32 trillion (USD 8.7 trillion) in investments in Dubai including AED 650 billion (USD 177 billion) in FDI by 2033. These ambitions are backed by significant investments in talent & innovation, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, financial services, & tourism, reinforcing Dubai’s position in global financial markets.
Strengthening its status as a global financial hub, Dubai’s GDP grew by 3.1% in the first nine months of 2024 to AED 339.4 billion, driven by key sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and logistics, further cementing its status as a global hub for wealth management.
Dubai’s Strategic Advantage for Family Offices
Dubai sits at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it an ideal base for managing global wealth. The city's well-connected international airports ensure seamless access to key financial centers like London, Singapore, and New York. Furthermore, its time zone is well-suited for cross-border collaborations and transactions, allowing investors to operate in multiple markets efficiently.
For family offices managing diverse investment portfolios across different asset classes and geographies, Dubai provides a robust ecosystem. The presence of major global banks, wealth management firms, and private equity players in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) enhances accessibility to top-tier financial services and expertise.
By the end of 2024, DIFC encompassed a dynamic financial ecosystem with over 260 banking and capital markets firms, 410 wealth and asset management companies—including 75 hedge funds—and 125 insurance and reinsurance firms. With 6,920 active companies and a record 1,823 new registrations in 2024, DIFC continues to reinforce its status as the region’s leading global financial hub.
Adding to this, the DIFC’s Family Wealth Centre has positioned itself as a premier hub for private wealth and family businesses, offering tailored governance frameworks, succession planning solutions, and access to a trusted network of accredited advisors. By the end of 2024, the DIFC reported that the top 120 families and high-net-worth individuals in its ecosystem were managing over USD 1.2 trillion in assets.
The DIFC serves as a strategic hub for several prominent India-based entities across various sectors, including 360 ONE Private Wealth, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, ASK Wealth Advisors, and Nuvama Wealth Management, among others.
A Magnet for the Best Financial Talent
One of Dubai’s biggest strengths is its ability to attract world-class financial professionals. The city has established itself as a hub for investment managers, private bankers, legal advisors, and tax consultants, providing HNWIs with access to unparalleled financial expertise.
Reinforcing its status as a global wealth hub, the UAE was named the world’s top destination for millionaire migration in 2024, with a record-breaking 6,700 HNWIs relocating, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report.
The DIFC plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, offering a business-friendly regulatory environment that fosters innovation in financial services. Family offices setting up in Dubai benefit from a sophisticated network of advisors who help structure investments efficiently while ensuring compliance with international standards.
Tax Benefits and Regulatory Efficiency
Dubai’s tax-friendly policies make it a highly attractive jurisdiction for wealth preservation. The UAE has no capital gains tax, no personal income tax, and a competitive corporate tax regime, which helps family offices optimize wealth structuring.
Additionally, Dubai’s regulatory environment is designed to support private wealth management. The DIFC’s legal framework provides a range of options for setting up trusts, foundations, and private investment vehicles, ensuring smooth wealth transfer across generations.
Enhancing Wealth Management with Innovation
Dubai’s financial ecosystem is continuously evolving, with significant advancements in fintech, digital banking, and alternative investments. Family offices operating from Dubai can leverage cutting-edge digital wealth management platforms, AI-driven portfolio analytics, and blockchain-based investment solutions to optimize asset allocation and risk management.
The city has also emerged as the fastest-growing venture capital ecosystem worldwide, attracting over one-third of MENA investors and securing more than 57% of the region’s total funding. With a thriving network of accelerators and incubators, Dubai provides an unparalleled gateway for venture capital and private equity investments, further solidifying its status as a global financial powerhouse.
Join the Conversation at VCCircle’s LP Summit 2025
For Indian HNWIs and family offices considering Dubai as a wealth management destination, VCCircle’s LP Summit 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to explore its benefits firsthand. Hear from Leaders of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism on why Dubai is becoming the go-to destination for global wealth structuring.
To book your place at VCCircle’s LP Summit, click here.
No VCCircle journalist was involved in the creation/production of this content.
