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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks first in global tax haven list, providing refuge for wealth.

Abu Dhabi takes the lead due to its absence of income tax, moderate property transfer fees, robust legal system, and steady policies. Dubai's high rating stems from its unrivaled connectivity.

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UAE ranks first as the world's safest destination for wealth in a recent tax index assessment
UAE ranks first as the world's safest destination for wealth in a recent tax index assessment

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks first in global tax haven list, providing refuge for wealth.

In a recent report by Multipolitan, titled "Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation," the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been ranked as the most attractive destinations for wealth preservation[1][2][3]. The dominance of these cities is attributed to a unique combination of structural, legal, and economic factors that set them apart from other major financial hubs.

### Tax Policies

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer significant tax advantages to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), professionals, and business owners. The cities have no personal income tax, which is a major draw for those seeking to minimize tax liabilities and maximize retained earnings[3][4]. Additionally, property transfer costs are relatively low compared to many other global cities, reducing the financial burden on real estate transactions—a key consideration for wealth preservation strategies[3]. Moreover, the UAE does not levy wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes, further enhancing its appeal as a jurisdiction for safeguarding assets[3][4].

### Governance and Legal Framework

The UAE is renowned for its stable governance and transparent legal frameworks, providing certainty for investors and residents[3][4]. A clear and predictable legal system offers protection against arbitrary changes, which is crucial for long-term wealth planning[3]. Furthermore, the UAE’s extensive network of bilateral treaties helps prevent double taxation and facilitates cross-border investments[3].

### Strategic Initiatives and Economic Infrastructure

Both cities have invested heavily in modern infrastructure, financial services, and business-friendly policies to attract global capital[4]. Unlike traditional tax havens, Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a diversified, sophisticated economy supported by world-class airports, ports, and financial centers[4]. Their strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa enhances their role as global business and logistics hubs.

### Broader Regional Context

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region as a whole is emerging as a significant hub for wealth preservation, with seven GCC cities featured in the top 20 of the index[1][2][3]. This regional trend towards creating stable, low-tax environments with strong governance and legal structures is a testament to the UAE's leadership in this area.

### Expert Perspective

Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan, stated that "The UAE is at the forefront of a global shift in wealth preservation. Geography is becoming the ultimate strategy"[3]. This statement underscores that Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s combination of fiscal advantages, regulatory stability, and economic sophistication is driving a global migration of wealth, making them the premier choices for asset protection and growth in 2025[3][4].

The report highlights the UAE's role as a magnet for global capital and talent in an era of rising taxes, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting regulatory landscapes. With seven of the top 20 tax-friendly cities located in the GCC, the region's reputation as a rising force in wealth preservation is now firmly established.

References: [1] Multipolitan. (2025). Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation. Retrieved from https://multipolitan.com/wealth-report-2025 [2] Khaleej Times. (2025). UAE's global appeal as a wealth hub: A closer look at the Multipolitan report. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/property/uaes-global-appeal-as-a-wealth-hub-a-closer-look-at-the-multipolitan-report [3] Gulf News. (2025). Abu Dhabi and Dubai top world's tax-friendly cities for wealth preservation. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/abu-dhabi-and-dubai-top-worlds-tax-friendly-cities-for-wealth-preservation-1.1675918519289 [4] Zawya. (2025). Why Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the world's most attractive destinations for wealth preservation. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Why_Abu_Dhabi_and_Dubai_are_the_worlds_most_attractive_destinations_for_wealth_preservation-UY18MZQ/

  1. The report by Multipolitan, titled "Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation," indicates that both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, due to their favorable tax policies, legal structure, and economic infrastructure, are attractive destinations for wealth preservation.
  2. High-net-worth individuals, professionals, and business owners are drawn to these cities as they offer no personal income tax, low property transfer costs, and lack of wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
  3. The UAE's stable governance and transparent legal frameworks, combined with its strategic initiatives and modern infrastructure, provide a reliable environment for investors and residents.
  4. The combination of fiscal advantages, regulatory stability, and economic sophistication has led to a global migration of wealth, making Abu Dhabi and Dubai premier choices for asset protection and growth in 2025.
  5. According to Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan, the UAE is at the forefront of a global shift in wealth preservation, and its geographical location enhances its role as a global business and logistics hub.
  6. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with seven of its cities in the top 20 of the index, is emerging as a significant hub for wealth preservation, reflecting the UAE's leadership in this area.

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