The United Arab Emirates continue to strengthen their position as one of the most attractive destinations for investors, entrepreneurs, and international professionals. According to the global investment migration ranking by Henley & Partners for 2026, the UAE has risen to second place in the world in terms of the attractiveness of residence permit programs. For the first time, the country has entered the top three of this ranking.
Experts explain this growth by several factors. Among them are a flexible tax system, a stable economy, and an active government policy aimed at attracting foreign investors and highly qualified specialists. In recent years, the UAE authorities have been actively developing long-term residency programs, including the so-called “golden visa,” which allows foreigners to live and work in the country for an extended period.
Residency programs are becoming a tool for economic development
Analysts note that today residence permit programs are no longer viewed solely as a migration mechanism. They have become an important instrument of countries’ economic strategies.
Many countries compete for international capital and entrepreneurs by offering transparent business conditions, a high level of security, modern infrastructure, and a favorable tax environment. In this context, the UAE occupies a special place due to its stable economy and active development of financial and technological sectors.
In recent years, the UAE has also invested significant resources in the development of innovation, financial technologies, and international trade. This makes the country attractive not only for investors but also for startups, IT companies, and global corporations.
More than 9 thousand millionaires have chosen the UAE for living
According to international analytical agencies, more than 9 thousand millionaires moved to the UAE over the past year. This figure has become one of the highest in the world and confirms the growing interest of wealthy individuals in the country.
Many choose the UAE due to the high level of security, the absence of personal income tax, and a developed business environment. Dubai remains a particularly popular destination, long considered the financial and tourism center of the Middle East.
The growth in the number of wealthy residents stimulates the development of the luxury real estate market, private services, international schools, and medical centers. All of this creates an entire ecosystem for comfortable living and doing business.
Tourism and the hospitality sector are growing rapidly
Alongside investment attractiveness, the country’s tourism industry is also actively developing. Demand for domestic tourism in the UAE is steadily increasing. Hotel bookings within the country grow by approximately 20–25% annually. Spending by residents and visitors on domestic travel has increased by 68% in just one year. At the same time, about 70% of all domestic travel is concentrated in Dubai, which maintains its status as the main tourism and business center of the region.
Dubai continues to attract millions of tourists thanks to major international exhibitions, sporting events, luxury resorts, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The market for luxury hotels and premium services is growing
The increase in the number of wealthy residents directly affects the development of the hospitality industry. New high-end hotels focused on the premium segment are actively opening in the country. Most new hotel projects are being developed specifically in the luxury category. This leads to an increase in average prices for hotel services and sets a new standard of service in the market. Experts believe that in the coming years, high-class infrastructure in the UAE will expand even faster. This applies not only to hotels but also to restaurants, resorts, yacht marinas, and exclusive residential complexes.
Dubai is becoming a global center for investment and living
More and more international companies, investors, and wealthy families are considering the UAE as a long-term place for living and doing business. The country is actively developing transport infrastructure, financial markets, and international business ties.
Against the backdrop of growing global capital mobility, the UAE is gradually turning into one of the world’s main hubs for investment, business, and a premium lifestyle. Dubai plays a particularly significant role in this process, continuing to strengthen its reputation as one of the most dynamic cities in the world.