Dubai has ranked among the world’s top eight cities for billionaires, with 43 billionaires based in the city at the end of 2025, according to Altrata’s Billionaire Census 2026. The figure places Dubai alongside Shenzhen and ahead of major global cities including Mumbai, Paris and Washington DC. Dubai also ranked as the highest Middle Eastern city in the global top 15, reflecting its growing position as an international centre for private wealth and capital.
Original article: Dubai outranks Washington, Paris and Mumbai as more billionaires move to city by Arabian Business.
Key Insights:
Dubai Joins the World’s Top Eight Billionaire Cities
Dubai’s billionaire population increased from 41 to 43 during 2025, representing growth of approximately 4.9%. The city now shares eighth position globally with Shenzhen, ranking ahead of Mumbai with 40 billionaires, Paris with 38 and Washington DC with 36.
New York remained the world’s leading billionaire city with 164, followed by Hong Kong with 106 and San Francisco with 99. Dubai was the highest-ranked Middle Eastern city in the top 15.
UAE Billionaire Population Grows 11.3%
Across the UAE, the billionaire population reached 59 at the end of 2025, an increase of 11.3% during the year and ahead of the 8.2% increase recorded globally.
Their combined wealth reached approximately $201 billion (AED 738.2 billion), with Dubai’s 43 billionaires accounting for almost 73% of the UAE total under Altrata’s primary business address methodology.
The figures come alongside continued international wealth migration into the UAE, further strengthening the country’s position as a destination for globally mobile private capital.
Dubai Expands Its Private Wealth Ecosystem
Dubai’s growing billionaire population has coincided with significant expansion in the city’s wealth and asset management sector.
By June 2026, Dubai International Financial Centre was home to 592 wealth and asset management firms, while family business-related entities reached 1,408. The number of foundations established within DIFC also rose to 1,409.
This expanding financial ecosystem provides greater infrastructure for private banking, wealth management, succession planning and family investment structures, supporting Dubai’s position as a base for international wealth.
What Dubai’s Billionaire Ranking Signals
Dubai’s position among the world’s leading billionaire cities adds another dimension to the emirate’s growing global wealth profile. While the ranking itself does not indicate where individual wealth is being invested, the increasing concentration of high-net-worth individuals brings greater levels of private capital into the city’s wider economy.
For Dubai’s property market, this is particularly relevant at the upper end. A growing base of wealthy residents, entrepreneurs and international families supports the depth of the market for prime and luxury homes, alongside demand for high-quality residential communities.
More broadly, Dubai’s combination of financial infrastructure, international connectivity and business environment continues to position the city alongside established global wealth centres. Its ranking ahead of cities including Mumbai, Paris and Washington DC highlights how quickly Dubai has established itself within the global private wealth landscape.
