Amazing UAE Survey Reveals Why Nearly Half of Wealthy Expats Want to Retire Here
A new wealth survey shows that many wealthy expats in the UAE now plan to stay here for good instead of going back home.
- 44 percent of wealthy expats plan to retire in the UAE.
- Participants are from countries like India, Pakistan, the UK, and Australia.
- Most people are staying longer than they first planned.
Why Expats Stay Longer
The new Money on the Move wealth survey was released this week. It is based on data from 450 high-net-worth residents surveyed in May 2026 by St James’s Place. The study shows that more than half of the participants have already stayed in the country longer than their original intentions. Also, 78 percent expect to live overseas for at least another eight years.
Big Money and Better Savings
Money is a huge reason for this trend. 96 percent of those surveyed earn more in the UAE than in similar jobs back home. Furthermore, 97 percent save more money every month. Nearly half report earning and saving at least 25 percent more than they would in their home countries. Two out of three expats say their financial-freedom date is now at least five years earlier. Seven in ten believe living abroad made their retirement timeline happen at least three years faster.
The Cost of Waiting
A companion finding released on September 9 shows the cost of waiting to get help. Delaying professional financial advice costs the typical UAE expat about USD 9,248 (AED 33,963) for every year spent abroad. This leads to an average missed opportunity of USD 56,410 over a full overseas stay.
Commitment Despite Challenges
Geopolitical challenges happened due to the Iran conflict in February and March 2026, which affected UAE targets. Even with this, the wealthy group stays committed to the Emirates. This helps Dubai’s official population levels bounce back by mid-2026. Experts say these findings mean people need to change how they plan for retirement and Golden Visas. They also need to look at cross-border tax, wills in the DIFC or ADGM, and managing home-country assets like India’s EPF or NPS. Families are now looking at schooling, housing, and healthcare with a long-term view. This may also lower the amount of money sent back home by wealthy expats.