Dubai Ranks Among World’s Top Cities for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals in Barnes City Index 2026
The 2026 edition of the Barnes City Index revealed a major shift in the global luxury real estate landscape, as several cities successfully transformed from seasonal tourism destinations into permanent residential hubs for the world’s elite.
The report highlighted that this transformation is a direct outcome of profound global changes following the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise of remote work, evolving lifestyle priorities, and new approaches to long-term investment and wealth preservation.
According to the index, factors such as global connectivity, security and stability, advanced infrastructure, high-quality education, and vibrant cultural ecosystems have driven the emergence of what are now described as “Global Lifestyle Capitals.” These cities no longer serve purely economic functions but have become integrated environments for living, investing, and long-term settlement for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
Dubai Among Global Leaders
Dubai ranked third globally among the most attractive cities for UHNWIs, outperforming renowned destinations such as Miami and Marbella. The ranking underscores Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for wealth, investment, and premium lifestyle, supported by its business-friendly environment and world-class infrastructure.
In terms of billionaire concentration, Dubai placed eighth worldwide with 41 billionaires, surpassing major global cities including Mumbai, Paris, and Istanbul.
The global ranking of billionaire cities was led by:
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New York (152 billionaires)
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Hong Kong (108)
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San Francisco (90)
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London (80)
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Los Angeles (67)
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Singapore (63)
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Beijing (60)
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Dubai (41)
Emerging Elite Cities
For the second consecutive year, Madrid topped the list of newly established elite cities, followed by Milan, which has rapidly evolved into a leading European economic and cultural hub. Dubai secured third place as a unique example of a global city built from the desert within less than two generations.
The report concluded that Dubai’s success lies not only in its economic appeal, but also in its strategic location, high security standards, quality of services, and balanced lifestyle, positioning the emirate as a preferred destination for long-term residency among the world’s wealthiest individuals.