Julius Baer’s 2025 Lifestyle Index has just crowned Singapore and London as the world’s most expensive cities—but it’s Dubai’s leap to 7th place that’s sparking conversations across global real estate circles.
What does this ranking mean for investors and future homeowners? It’s more than just prestige—it’s proof that Dubai is no longer just an emerging luxury destination. It’s now firmly positioned among the global elite. And that makes it one of the most strategic, tax-free, and high-return markets to own property in today.
Dubai’s Rise: A Sign of Serious Wealth Migration
Climbing from 12th to 7th in just a year, Dubai is now ranked higher than Paris, New York, Milan, and Shanghai in Julius Baer’s latest report. This reflects:
- A surge in millionaire migration to Dubai;
- A wealth-friendly environment with zero capital gains or income tax;
- And a real estate market that's increasingly being chosen by HNWIs for both lifestyle and long-term investment.
Dubai’s wealthy population is forecasted to more than double by 2035, making it a magnet for luxury living—and a prime hotspot for property investments.
Real Estate: The Core of Dubai’s Global Appeal
While the Julius Baer Index covers a broad range of luxury goods and services, real estate is the anchor. And in Dubai, it's thriving like never before:
- Luxury home prices rose by 16% in USD in 2023, yet remain lower than prices in London, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
- With 72% of Middle East HNWIs increasing their property investments, Dubai has become the #1 regional choice for secure, lifestyle-driven property acquisition.
- Iconic developments in Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Islands, and Downtown are witnessing consistent capital growth and high rental yields.
What Sets Dubai Apart from Other Global Cities?
| Feature | Dubai | London | Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Tax | ❌ None | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Residency Linked to Property | ✅ Yes (Golden Visa) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Rental Yields | 6–9% avg | 2–3% avg | 3–4% avg |
| Luxury Real Estate Entry Price | $500K–$2M | $2M+ | $2.5M+ |
| Investor Support Ecosystem | ✅ Strong | Moderate | High |
Dubai doesn’t just offer a premium lifestyle—it offers wealth preservation and long-term ROI. No other city on the list offers such powerful advantages for global investors.
Why HNWIs Are Choosing Properties with Experiences?
The Julius Baer report also shows a shift: luxury consumers are spending less on goods and more on experiences—like wellness, travel, and premium services. For real estate, this means:
- High demand for residences with resort-style amenities;
- A growing preference for properties within branded developments;
- And rising popularity for flexible ownership models like serviced apartments or short-term lets.
Dubai developers are responding with world-class offerings, from spa-equipped sky villas to beachfront branded residences with concierge and yacht services.
Dubai Real Estate as a Global Wealth Strategy
Dubai’s performance in the Julius Baer index is more than symbolic. It’s evidence of:
- The region’s resilience and investment appeal.
- Its dominance in attracting high-value residents, entrepreneurs, and capital.
- And the fact that owning a home in Dubai is now synonymous with global elite living.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time international buyer, Dubai is one of the few cities today offering luxury, returns, and freedom—all in one address.
Ready to Make Dubai Your Investment Home?
The world is turning to Dubai—and so should you.
Own your place in one of the world’s top-ranked cities for luxury living, tax-free returns, and endless opportunity. Whether you're looking for a branded beachfront residence, an investor-friendly apartment, or a Golden Visa–qualifying villa, Footprint Real Estate is your trusted advisor.
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