Dubai has entered the top ten cities in the world for the number of billionaires, ranking eighth.

In 2025, there were 52 billionaires living in the United Arab Emirates, with a combined net worth estimated at $201 billion, according to the Altrata Billionaire Census 2026 report.

The UAE ranked 15th globally in terms of the number of billionaires, establishing itself as one of the world's major hubs for private wealth.

The country accounted for approximately 1.4% of the world's billionaires and about 1.3% of their total combined wealth.

The UAE has entered the top 15 countries globally for the number of billionaires.

According to the study, there were 3,795 billionaires worldwide in 2025, with a combined net worth of approximately $15.1 trillion.

Against this backdrop, the UAE's figures are as follows:

• 52 billionaires;
• combined net worth of $201 billion;
• 15th place globally by number of billionaires;
• approximately 1.4% of the global total;
• approximately 1.3% of the total global billionaire wealth.

The number of billionaires residing in the UAE decreased by 1.9% over the year.

Saudi Arabia ranked just ahead of the Emirates, with 59 billionaires and a combined net worth of $175 billion.

Dubai is home to 43 billionaires.

Dubai holds a particularly prominent position in the global rankings.

In 2025, the emirate was home to 43 billionaires, an increase of two people compared to the previous year.

With this figure, Dubai tied for eighth place globally with Shenzhen.

Ranked above it are:

• New York;
• Hong Kong;
• San Francisco;
• London;
• Singapore;
• Los Angeles;
• Beijing.

This result reinforces Dubai's status as one of the world's leading hubs for wealthy entrepreneurs, investors, and capital owners.

Why wealthy individuals choose the world's major cities

Altrata notes that the distribution of billionaires is increasingly influenced by business globalization, technological development, and growing capital mobility.

Major cities attract wealthy individuals due to a combination of several factors:

• access to international financial services;
• an entrepreneurial environment;
• business networking opportunities;
• modern infrastructure;
• high-quality services;
• premium residential real estate.

The report highlights Dubai and Istanbul as notable hubs for the concentration of ultra-high-net-worth capital.

Analysts also point to the growing role of Asian cities and new wealth centers in the global private capital landscape.

Economic diversification sustains interest in the UAE

The Emirates' position is being shaped against the backdrop of continued growth in the number of billionaires in the Middle East.

In 2025, their number in the region increased by 5%, reaching 254 people.

Among the factors contributing to the creation and attraction of capital, Altrata highlights:

• economic diversification;
• development of non-oil sectors;
• large-scale infrastructure projects;
• the formation of new business and investment hubs.

These processes are particularly noticeable in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, the combined wealth of Middle Eastern billionaires fell by 4% to $700 billion.

The report attributes this, in part, to lower energy prices and weaker performance in certain regional stock markets.

Number of billionaires worldwide hits a new record

On a global scale, 2025 was a period of significant growth for the world's largest private fortunes.

The number of billionaires increased by 8.2%, reaching a record 3,795 people.

This marks the highest annual growth rate in the last five years.

The combined wealth of billionaires grew even faster, rising by 12.8% to $15.1 trillion.

The leaders in terms of the number of billionaires are:

• USA — 1,265 people;
• China — 363;
• Germany — 221.

The 15 largest countries account for about 83% of all global billionaire wealth.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a driver of growth for large fortunes

A dedicated section of the report examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the growth of business owners' capital.

Among 150 public companies with the most significant influence on billionaire wealth, those with substantial investments in artificial intelligence showed stronger market capitalization growth.

Over the 2024–2025 period, their growth was 23% higher than that of companies that did not make comparable AI investments.

This demonstrates that artificial intelligence is gradually becoming not just a technological trend, but a significant factor in driving business value and the personal wealth of its owners.

Wealth is increasingly concentrated among the largest fortune holders

The study also highlights an increasing concentration of global wealth.

In 2025, 29 billionaires with fortunes exceeding $50 billion each controlled a combined $4.1 trillion.

This accounts for approximately 27% of the total global billionaire wealth.

For comparison, in 2017, this group's share was only 7.2%.

Thus, the rise in the number of billionaires is accompanied by an increasing concentration of capital among the wealthiest market participants.

The majority of billionaire wealth is held in company shares

Altrata notes that billionaire wealth is typically not held primarily in cash.

About 73% of the average investment portfolio consists of shares in public and private companies.

Liquid assets account for approximately one-quarter.

Therefore, changes in business valuations, stock market performance, and the health of specific industries can significantly impact the total capital of major entrepreneurs.

One in five billionaires lives outside their country of birth

The report also highlights the high international mobility of wealthy individuals.

Approximately one in five billionaires worldwide was not born in the country where they currently reside and where their primary business is based.

This factor is of particular importance for international financial centers competing for capital, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth residents.

Dubai is among the cities benefiting from this global mobility.

What this means for the UAE real estate market

The concentration of high-net-worth residents is directly linked to the development of the premium and ultra-premium real estate segments.

High-net-worth buyers increasingly view real estate not just as a place to live, but as a tool for:

• capital preservation;
• international diversification;
• long-term ownership;
• establishing a second home;
• managing family assets.

Interest in this segment is particularly strong for properties with limited supply, high-quality infrastructure, and a high degree of privacy.

Dubai strengthens its position in the premium real estate segment

The presence of 43 billionaires in Dubai confirms the high concentration of private capital in the emirate.

For the real estate market, this creates steady demand for:

• premium villas;
• penthouses;
• branded residences;
• waterfront properties;
• gated community homes;
• large land plots.

At the same time, wealthy buyers are becoming increasingly selective, evaluating not only the prestige of the neighborhood but also project quality, developer reputation, privacy, service, and long-term liquidity.

High capital concentration supports the UAE's investment appeal

Altrata data shows that the UAE is already among the world's largest hubs for private wealth concentration.

With 52 billionaires holding a combined wealth of $201 billion, Dubai’s ranking as the eighth city globally for billionaire population reflects a broader trend: the country continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and owners of significant international capital.

For the real estate market, this serves as a structural demand factor, particularly within the premium and investment segments.

Rising business activity, international capital mobility, advanced infrastructure, and a diversified economy continue to support the UAE's status as one of the world's key destinations for living, business, and investment.

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