The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to strengthen their position as one of the world’s main centers attracting capital, entrepreneurs, and highly qualified specialists. According to the international investment migration ranking prepared by Henley & Partners for 2026, the UAE ranked second in the world in terms of attractiveness of residence permit programs for investors. This is the first time the country has entered the top three global leaders in this category.
Experts explain the rapid growth in popularity of Emirati programs by a combination of several factors. Among them are a flexible tax system, political and economic stability, a high level of security, and an active government policy aimed at attracting foreign capital. In recent years, the country’s authorities have been actively modernizing legislation, simplifying the conditions for obtaining long-term residency and doing business.
Residency programs are becoming a tool of economic competition
Analysts note that residency-by-investment programs have long ceased to be solely a migration tool. Today they are considered an important part of the economic strategy of states that seek to attract globally mobile capital, entrepreneurs, and talented specialists.
In this competitive environment, the Emirates offer investors a transparent legal system, developed infrastructure, international financial centers, and a favorable business climate. A special role is played by the long-term residency program known as the Golden Visa UAE, which allows investors, entrepreneurs, and talented specialists to obtain residence permits for up to ten years.
Amid the growing mobility of wealthy families around the world, the Emirates are becoming one of the largest destinations for net inflows of private capital. According to estimates from international analytical centers, the country has held leading positions for several consecutive years in terms of the number of millionaires relocating.
Mass influx of millionaires strengthens the economy
Over the past year, more than 9 thousand US-dollar millionaires moved to the UAE, which became one of the highest figures in the world. Such an influx of wealthy residents stimulates the development of entire sectors of the economy — from real estate and financial services to education, healthcare, and the luxury industry.
The luxury real estate market is developing especially actively in the country’s largest city — Dubai. New premium residential complexes are opening there, ultra-luxury villas and skyscrapers with residences for international investors are being built. According to real estate market analysts, demand for luxury housing in Dubai continues to grow, and prices for some properties have increased by tens of percent in recent years.
Tourism and the hospitality sector are experiencing a new boom
Along with the influx of investors, the tourism industry is also actively developing. Domestic tourism in the Emirates shows steady growth: the number of hotel bookings within the country increases by approximately 20–25% each year. Over the past year, residents’ spending on domestic travel has increased by almost 70%.
The most popular destination remains Dubai, which accounts for about 70% of all domestic travel within the country. The city retains its status as the main business, tourism, and financial center of the region, attracting millions of tourists, entrepreneurs, and participants of international exhibitions and conferences.
A significant role in this growth is played by the large-scale tourism infrastructure. Major global events take place in Dubai, including the Arabian Travel Market and GITEX Global, which annually gather tens of thousands of participants from around the world.
Development of luxury hotels and premium services
The growing number of wealthy residents and tourists stimulates the active development of the high-end hospitality segment. Most new projects in the country are focused on the premium and ultra-luxury segment. International hotel brands are opening new resorts, apartment hotels, and residences for long-term living.
Experts note that this strategy is gradually creating a higher price level in the hospitality market. At the same time, it strengthens the image of the Emirates as a global center of luxurious lifestyle and business activity.
The UAE are becoming a global center of capital and future living
The economic development strategy pursued by the government of the Emirates is aimed at diversifying income and reducing dependence on the oil sector. As part of the national development program UAE Vision 2031, the authorities are focusing on innovation, financial technologies, international trade, and tourism.
Thanks to this, the UAE are gradually turning into a global hub for investment, international business, and the lives of wealthy individuals. Experts predict that in the coming years the country will continue to strengthen its position in investment migration rankings, and the flow of entrepreneurs and millionaires will only increase.