Dubai ranks 18th globally among world’s wealthiest cities, leads wealth surge in EMEA

Dubai’s rise as a global wealth hub has been nothing short of remarkable, but the latest international rankings clarify exactly where the city stands on the world stage.

According to the 2025 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners, Dubai currently ranks 18th globally in terms of millionaire population. While it is not the fourth richest city in the world overall, it holds a strong fourth position within the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), trailing only London, Paris, and Milan.

Rapid millionaire growth

As of late 2025 and early 2026, Dubai is home to an estimated 81,200 to 86,000 millionaires. This represents an extraordinary 102 percent growth over the past decade, making the emirate the fastest-growing wealth hub globally during that period.

This surge has been driven by investor-friendly policies, long-term residency options, tax advantages, and its strategic positioning as a bridge between East and West. The city has also strengthened its appeal through high-end real estate developments, financial services expansion, and a thriving luxury lifestyle ecosystem.

Billionaire presence on the rise

Dubai is also home to between 20 and 23 billionaires, reinforcing its status as a magnet for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The presence of this elite segment has further accelerated investment in sectors such as hospitality, fintech, private equity and premium property.

Strong Indian footprint

A significant portion of Dubai’s wealth base comes from the Indian community. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 Indian millionaires currently reside in the city, alongside around 18 to 20 billionaires of Indian origin.

Indians also account for roughly 22 to 25 percent of residential property buyers in Dubai as of 2025–26, underlining their central role in shaping the emirate’s real estate landscape. Strong trade ties between the UAE and India, combined with business-friendly regulations, continue to encourage cross-border investment.

Top five wealthiest cities globally

While Dubai continues to climb the ranks, the world’s top five cities by millionaire population remain dominated by the United States and Asia:

1. New York City, USA – 384,500 millionaires, 66 billionaires

2. San Francisco Bay Area, USA – 305,700 millionaires, 82 billionaires

3. Tokyo, Japan – 298,300 millionaires, 14 billionaires

4. Singapore – 244,800 millionaires, 30 billionaires

5. Los Angeles, USA – 212,100 millionaires, 43 billionaires

These cities continue to lead due to deep capital markets, strong technology sectors, and long-established financial ecosystems.

A wealth story still unfolding

Although Dubai does not yet rank among the global top five, its pace of growth sets it apart. The city’s ability to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices from around the world signals that its wealth story is still unfolding.

With sustained inflows of high-net-worth individuals and expanding economic diversification, Dubai is likely to continue strengthening its global standing in the years ahead.