Research has shown that high incomes, career opportunities, and the tax environment allow most wealthy UAE residents to both spend more and increase their savings simultaneously.

Almost all wealthy expats living in the UAE report an improvement in their financial situation after moving to the country. According to research by St James’s Place Middle East, 97% of those surveyed stated that they are able to save more money in the Emirates than they could in their home countries.

At the same time, 96% of respondents reported that they earn more in the UAE, and nearly half—48%—have increased both their income and their savings by at least 25%.

The results show that the UAE's financial appeal for international professionals and entrepreneurs remains strong, even against the backdrop of a high cost of living and rising daily expenses.

A total of 450 UAE residentsparticipated in the study.

Career opportunities remain one of the main drivers for relocation

One of the primary reasons for the improvement in expats' financial standing is the opportunity to advance their careers and increase their income more quickly.

As part of the study, 64% of participants cited career growth as one of the main reasons for moving abroad.

According to Daniel George, Business Head at St. James’s Place Middle East, the combination of professional opportunities and the tax system creates a significant financial advantage for many foreign residents.

For skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives, the UAE remains a market where one can not only earn a higher income but also build capital faster with smart expense management.

Tax policy influences the choice of the UAE as a place to live

The tax environment also remains one of the key factors in the country's appeal.

92% of study participants stated that tax policy influences their choice of country for living and working abroad.

For many expats, the absence of personal income tax allows them to allocate a larger portion of their earnings toward savings, investments, and major long-term purchases.

At the same time, the study results show that an increase in income does not necessarily lead solely to higher consumption. Most affluent residents simultaneously increase their spending and build a larger financial reserve.

Expats are spending more on travel and dining out

Income growth is also reflected in spending patterns.

Among participants who increased their discretionary spending, 95% reported an increase in travel and leisure expenses.

Another 90% began spending more on restaurants and entertainment.

Other notable spending categories include:

• 88% increased financial support for relatives;
• 86% began investing more in health and wellness;
• 84% increased spending on education and professional development.

This structure shows that additional income is used not only to improve current living standards but also to invest in health, education, and family support.

88% simultaneously increased their savings and investments

It is particularly telling that increased consumption does not hinder capital accumulation.

Among respondents who began spending more on discretionary categories, 88% simultaneously increased their volume of savings and investments.

Thus, a higher income level allows some expats to combine an improved quality of life with long-term financial planning.

For the UAE real estate market, this factor is particularly significant. As long-term residents accumulate more savings, they gain greater opportunities to build the initial capital required for purchasing a home or to consider real estate as a tool for asset diversification.

However, the decision to purchase depends not only on income but also on the length of residency, capital structure, financial goals, and family plans.

Living in the UAE can accelerate the achievement of financial goals

The study also shows that working and living abroad can significantly alter long-term financial plans.

64% of respondents believe that without the experience of living abroad, it would have taken them at least five years longer to achieve financial freedom.

Furthermore, 70% of those surveyed believe that living abroad will allow them to retire at least three years earlier.

These figures reflect the impact of not only higher incomes but also the ability to build investment capital more quickly.

Expats are staying in the UAE longer than originally planned

Financial and career advantages also influence the duration of time spent living abroad.

More than half of the study participants — 55% — reported that they have lived abroad longer than they initially planned.

At the same time, 78% expect to spend at least eight years abroad.

The longer a person lives in another country, the more likely their initial plans are to change: a temporary work contract can evolve into a long-term career, starting a business, or purchasing property.

This process is particularly important for the UAE, as a growing number of long-term residents creates additional demand for housing, education, healthcare, and other urban infrastructure.

Long-term residency impacts real estate demand

For the real estate market in Dubai and other emirates, increasing the length of expat stays may have more long-term significance than the short-term growth in the number of new residents.

Someone planning to spend a year or two in the country is more likely to consider renting. However, with a time horizon of eight years or more, the question of buying a home becomes more relevant.

Additional factors include growing savings, the desire to lock in housing costs, the possibility of obtaining long-term residency, and the ambition to build assets in the country where one lives and works.

This is precisely why the shift in expat financial behavior is important not only for the banking and investment sectors but also for the UAE residential real estate market.

International financial planning is becoming more complex

Living abroad for extended periods gradually makes the capital structure of expats more international.

Savings, bank accounts, investments, pension assets, and real estate can all be held in several countries simultaneously.

As a result, issues of taxation, inheritance, investment, and asset management become interconnected and require a more long-term approach.

According to representatives from St. James’s Place, this is why cross-border financial planning is becoming increasingly important for wealthy expats.

The UAE remains financially attractive to international professionals

The study results show that the high cost of living does not negate the financial advantages that many qualified professionals and entrepreneurs gain after moving to the UAE.

With higher incomes, a significant portion of residents can simultaneously improve their standard of living, travel more, invest in education and health, and still increase their total savings.

For the country's economy, this trend supports long-term consumption and investment activity. For the real estate market, it creates an additional category of potential buyers: expats who initially came to the UAE for work but are gradually beginning to view the country as a place for long-term living and capital allocation.