Inside the UAE’s Power Players: Wealth, Influence & Luxury in 2026

A Global Wealth Hub: Influx of Millionaires and Magnates

The UAE continues to attract wealthy individuals at an extraordinary pace. Henley & Partners reports the country is poised to welcome nearly 9,800 relocating millionaires in 2025, highlighting ongoing global wealth migration toward the Emirates. Factors such as lifestyle appeal, investor-friendly policies, and financial hub status are cited as major draws.

Luxury real estate data supports this trend. According to Knight Frank’s Private Capital Report 2025, the number of dollar millionaires in the UAE nearly doubled over the past decade, with over 130,000 HNWIs residing in the Emirates by late 2024. Record sales of ultra-prime homes valued at over US $10 million underscore the strength of affluent demand for real estate.

Homegrown Titans and Global Names: The UAE’s Wealth Elite

At the top of the wealth hierarchy are names that have shaped industries locally and globally:

Pavel Durov — The Telegram founder stands out as one of the wealthiest tech entrepreneurs domiciled in Dubai, with a net worth exceeding US $17 billion. His decision to move Telegram’s headquarters to the UAE reflects the nation’s growing status as a base for global technology leadership.

Hussain Sajwani — As founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties, Sajwani has been instrumental in constructing Dubai’s luxury residential landscape. His developments, often created in partnership with internationally renowned brands, cement his influence across real estate and lifestyle sectors.

Abdulla Al Futtaim — Head of the diversified Al-Futtaim Group, his leadership across automotive, retail and commercial property sectors has contributed significantly to the UAE’s luxury consumer economy.

Abdulla Al Ghurair — Founder of Mashreqbank and a long-standing figure in the UAE’s financial services landscape, Al Ghurair’s influence spans banking, real estate, and philanthropy.

Next-Gen & Influential Leaders

Beyond headline billionaires, a new wave of business talent is also gaining prominence:

Abbas Sajwani, CEO of AHS Properties, has been highlighted on Forbes Middle East’s “30 Under 30” list and is seen as a rising leader in luxury real estate development in Dubai.

Muna Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson & Retail Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, topped Forbes Middle East’s ranking of powerful businesswomen within major family-owned enterprises, reinforcing the role of Emirati leadership in shaping retail and corporate strategy.

Broader influence lists, such as Arabian Business’s “150 Most Influential Arabs,” showcase a diverse mix of leaders across sectors from technology to finance and culture.

Wealth in the UAE isn’t confined to numbers alone, it underpins a thriving luxury ecosystem. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals not only invest in real estate but also propel demand for premium hospitality, high-end retail, and cultural experiences. Abu Dhabi’s emerging class of self-made wealthy entrepreneurs is reshaping local luxury demand, prompting brands to innovate how they cater to affluent tastes.

The convergence of global capital, affluent residents, and visionary local entrepreneurs has turned cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi into global hubs of wealth, commerce, and luxury living. With ongoing policy innovation and investment in high-value sectors, the UAE’s 2026 business climate continues to attract world leaders and redefine the boundaries of influence in the Middle East and beyond.