Amazing Shift: Nearly Half of Wealthy UAE Expats Plan to Retire Here
A new report shows a big change in where wealthy foreign workers plan to live. The survey gives important details about money and retirement plans in the country.
- 44 percent of rich residents want to retire in the UAE.
- 78 percent plan to stay for at least eight years.
- 96 percent earn more and 97 percent save more than in their home countries.
Report Findings on Money and Retirement
A new report titled Money on the Move was published by wealth management firm St James's Place. The survey was done in May 2026 with 450 rich residents across the UAE. The findings show that 78 percent of respondents plan to remain in the UAE for at least the next eight years. Financial data from the survey highlights that 96 percent of participants earn more in the UAE than in their home countries, while 97 percent report higher monthly savings. Furthermore, half of the respondents state they earn and save at least 25 percent more than they would elsewhere. Two-thirds of those surveyed believe living abroad has accelerated their retirement timeline by at least five years.
Views on Safety and Financial Advice
While 92 percent expressed concerns regarding regional instability, 70 percent noted that their perception of living in the UAE has become more positive over the past year. Additionally, 89 percent of respondents indicated that receiving better financial advice at the start of their residency would have improved their savings and investment outcomes.
Comments from Leaders and Residents
Daniel George, Head of Business at St James's Place Middle East, stated that the UAE is no longer viewed solely as a place for career advancement, as residents are now building lives and wealth with less incentive to leave. Justin Cooke, a British entrepreneur who moved to Abu Dhabi in 2024, observed that the traditional mindset of working in the UAE for a few years before departing is outdated, as many are now purchasing homes and enrolling children in local schools. Similarly, Australian entrepreneur Sarah Louise, who resides in Dubai with her French husband, noted that Dubai serves as the central hub for her business and professional network. The report, which cites data from May 2026 and additional coverage from The National on September 10, 2026, highlights the growing importance of long-term factors such as the Golden Visa, retirement planning, and education for expatriate families, including Indian workers, while advising continued monitoring of regional tensions and residency regulations.