Dubai has cemented its position as one of the world’s most dynamic wealth capitals, registering a remarkable 102% growth in resident millionaires over the past decade, according to the 2025 edition of the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth.

The emirate has jumped three spots to 18th place in the global Top 50 ranking, making it the biggest climber in the latest report, a testament to its growing appeal among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and global investors.

Dubai is now home to 81,200 millionaires, including 237 centi-millionaires, individuals with investable wealth of over $100 million, and 20 billionaires. This growth places the city ahead of global heavyweights such as Seoul and Geneva and in league with emerging Asian powerhouses like Shenzhen and Hangzhou, which also recorded triple-digit millionaire growth rates.

The report highlights Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global wealth magnet, driven by strategic economic reforms, a pro-business environment, and the absence of income and capital gains taxes. Its status as a lifestyle and investment destination has attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices from Europe, Asia, and, increasingly, the United States.

“Dubai’s meteoric rise is no accident,” said the report’s authors. “It reflects long-term planning, investor-friendly policies, and a concerted effort to position the city as a nexus for global capital.”

Abu Dhabi also features prominently in the report, with 75 resident centi-millionaires and an 80% growth in its millionaire population over the past decade. Together, the UAE’s two leading cities are forecast to see their centi-millionaire populations more than double over the next ten years, reinforcing the country’s growing clout in global wealth circles.

While the United States continues to dominate the list, with New York topping the rankings and the Bay Area in second place, Dubai stands out as the top non-Western performer, ahead of cities like Paris, Toronto, and Melbourne.

The report further signals a global shift, with wealth increasingly concentrated in tech-driven cities and emerging markets. Alongside Dubai, cities like Bengaluru, West Palm Beach, and Scottsdale are also experiencing explosive growth, underscoring a broader decentralisation of wealth.

As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, expand its financial services sector, and attract talent through Golden Visas and business-friendly reforms, Dubai’s status as a global wealth hub appears only set to strengthen.

(Source: www.henleyglobal.com)

Drivers in the capital will need to ease off the accelerator next week as new speed limits come into effect on two major roads, aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents.

The Abu Dhabi Mobility Authority has announced that starting April 14, 2025, the speed limit on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11) will be reduced from 160 km/h to 140 km/h.

In a similar move, the speed limit on Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road (E20) will also drop from 120 km/h to 100 km/h on the same day.

The revised limits are part of an ongoing strategy to enhance traffic safety across the emirate and curb the number of high-speed accidents.

Abu Dhabi Police have urged all motorists to comply with the new regulations and drive with caution, emphasizing that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“Reducing speed limits on key highways is a proactive step towards saving lives and creating safer roadways for all users,” said a police spokesperson.

The capital has made similar changes in recent years, including a speed limit reduction on the Al Ain–Abu Dhabi road in 2022. These moves reflect a broader shift away from the UAE’s traditionally high-speed highways in favour of safer, more controlled traffic environments.

Drivers are reminded to watch for updated road signs and stay alert to avoid violations, and more.

(Source: AD Mobility)

In a significant move aimed at managing crowds and ensuring safety during the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia.

The suspension will remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage, according to a news report.

Visa Suspension List

The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi authorities have confirmed that April 13 will be the last day for the issuance of Umrah visas before the temporary halt comes into force.

Reason Behind the Ban

The decision is primarily driven by overcrowding and safety concerns witnessed during previous Hajj seasons.

According to officials, some pilgrims have bypassed the official Hajj quota system by entering the Kingdom on Umrah or visit visas and then overstaying to perform Hajj without registration. This unauthorized participation puts immense pressure on infrastructure and safety services.

In 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims tragically lost their lives, largely due to intense heat and lack of access to essential services, such as shelter, transportation, and healthcare, a situation worsened by the presence of unregistered pilgrims.

India, in particular, has been placed on the list amid concerns that some individuals have used non-Hajj visas to participate in the pilgrimage, skirting official protocols.

Saudi Arabia’s Quota System

The Kingdom’s quota system is designed to allocate a specific number of Hajj slots to each country, helping regulate the number of pilgrims and avoid dangerous overcrowding.

However, authorities say the surge of unofficial pilgrims from certain countries undermines these efforts and puts all pilgrims at risk.

By suspending visas temporarily, Saudi Arabia aims to streamline Hajj operations and prevent further tragedies in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Visa issuance is expected to resume after Hajj concludes in mid-June. Citizens of the affected countries are advised to follow official updates through their respective embassies and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

(Source: Gulf Buisness)