Abu Dhabi and Dubai Are Top Investor-friendly Tax Regimes

Two UAE cities – Abu Dhabi and Dubai – have been ranked as the top two positions globally for their investor-friendly tax regimes, legal stability, and strong governance, according to Singapore-based international mobility platform Multipolitan.

In its report entitled “Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation,” Multipolitan, said that Singapore has secured third place reinforcing its position as a trusted hub for globally mobile families.

Abu Dhabi’s property-related fees, such as transfer fee and municipality fee, which can be deemed as de facto property tax, are lower than that of Dubai, which offers an unbeatable mix of low taxes, strong governance, and global accessibility through its extensive treaty network – ideal for internationally mobile wealth.

Besides these two cities, five others in the GCC – Manama, Doha, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Muscat – also found place in the top 20 cities confirming the region’s growing significance as a destination for high-net-worth individuals and families prioritising fiscal efficiency and regulatory clarity.

The report identified cities that combine favourable tax systems with broader economic and legal frameworks essential to long-term wealth planning.

It also includes two additional indices: the Wealth Preservation Cities Index (2015–2025), which ranks Zug, Hong Kong, and Basel as the cities that best preserved purchasing power over the last decade; and the Smart & Sustainable Cities Index 2025, where Wellington, Copenhagen, and Singapore were recognised for their climate resilience, digital infrastructure, and future-focused planning.

Fiscal Prudence and Stable Governance

Multipolitan’s Group Head of Market Development Nicholas Michael said: “After a decade in private banking, one truth has stuck with me: where you place your wealth can matter just as much as how you grow it. The UAE & Singapore aren’t just attracting capital, they’re protecting it through fiscal prudence and stable governance.”

Gabrielle Reid – Head of Insights, Multipolitan, said that in a world where wealth mobility has become increasingly fluid, taxation remains one of the most powerful levers influencing where high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) choose to live, invest, and preserve their wealth.

“Recognising this complex and rapidly evolving landscape, Multipolitan has developed the Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025, a data-driven tool that identifies global metropolitan centres fostering favourable tax environments. This index serves as a valuable resource for families, advisors, and institutions navigating the complexities of wealth preservation,” She added.

In addition to city rankings, The Wealth Report 2025 included views of expert from leading professionals in tax, wealth strategy, and cross-border planning, including former partners from EY, Deloitte, and BDO.

Their perspectives covered topics such as compliance in a transparent world, AI-driven tax strategy, and new jurisdictional opportunities across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, the report said.

The report reflects a growing trend among high-net-worth families: global wealth planning now requires flexible structures, jurisdictional insight, and the ability to respond proactively to changing international regulations.

Multipolitan, which was launched last year, is the world’s first and only product-driven global migration platform that simplifies international travel, relocation, business setup, and asset management for borderless enthusiasts.

It was co-founded by Nirbhay Handa, a former Group Head at Henley & Partners, and Lee Smith, co-founder, who previously founded payment unicorn Paidy, which was acquired by PayPal for $2.7 billion.