Abu Dhabi, Oman and Singapore rise as new hubs for ultra‑wealthy as Dubai loses appeal

Dubai’s reputation as the premier destination for luxury living and tax‑friendly residency is fading amid wars, sanctions and regional tension. In 2025 the city recorded a sale of 500 homes priced above $10 million, totaling more than $9 billion, and attracted nearly 10 000 new dollar‑millionaires with $63 billion in investable assets, according to Henley & Partners.

A Henley & Partners 2026 report notes that over 28 % of high‑income applicants for investment‑migration programmes already live outside their country of nationality, prompting wealthy individuals to seek alternatives that combine political stability, legal predictability and low tax risk. Abu Dhabi, with its oil wealth, sovereign‑fund backing and slower pace, is marketed as a secure base for asset‑management and succession planning. Oman is highlighted for its diplomatic openness, lower exposure to security threats and quieter lifestyle, while Singapore is praised for its robust legal system, top‑tier banking and orderly governance. Together these locations are being described as the “new Dubais” for the global elite.