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Citizenship by Investment: Unlocking Wealth Opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Over 16,500 millionaires have exited the UK since Brexit, and in 2024 alone, the country expects an outflow of 3,200 HNWIs, according to the Henley Global Wealth Migration Report. ‍This blog explores the dynamic shift of wealth to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, their Golden Visa programmes, and how Family Office structuring positions them as the next global wealth hubs. 

Over 16,500 millionaires have exited the UK since Brexit, and in 2024 alone, the country expects an outflow of 3,200 HNWIs, according to the Henley Global Wealth Migration Report. 

This blog explores the dynamic shift of wealth to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, their Golden Visa programmes, and how Family Office structuring positions them as the next global wealth hubs. 

Peninsula, with over 15 years of on-ground expertise in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, supports entrepreneurs and multinational corporations in establishing and expanding their footprint in the region. Discover how strategic business setup and citizenship by investment can future-proof your wealth in two of the world's most visionary economies.

The Great Wealth Migration: A Strategic Repositioning 

The global wealth landscape is shifting. Traditional powerhouses like the UK, once seen as havens for high-net-worth individuals, are experiencing significant outflows. Meanwhile, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not merely absorbing this wealth, they are actively reinventing the very concept of wealth hubs.

The UAE, led by Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continues to top the charts, having attracted more millionaires than any other country in 2023 and 2024. Saudi Arabia, powered by Vision 2030, is rapidly ascending, positioning itself as a regional leader in financial innovation and business-friendly reforms.

Golden Visa Requirements: Gateway to New Horizons 

Both nations offer highly attractive residency options for HNWIs, providing security, global access, and unmatched business environments.

  • UAE Golden Visa:
    • Investment of AED 2 million (USD 545,000) in property
    • 10-year renewable residency
    • Eligibility expanded to entrepreneurs, scientists, and highly skilled professionals
  • Saudi Arabia Premium Residency:
    • Options include property ownership or direct investment
    • Annual fees start at SAR 100,000 (USD 26,600)
    • Unlimited residency rights, business ownership, and family sponsorship

These programmes are not merely about residency; they represent strategic footholds into two of the world's fastest-growing and most dynamic economies.

Family Offices: The Future of Wealth Management 

Beyond visas, HNWIs are increasingly seeking robust structures for wealth preservation, succession planning, and investment management. Here, the UAE and Saudi Arabia again emerge as leaders.

  • In the UAE, both The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) offer a world-class regulatory environment for Family Office structuring, providing tax efficiencies, robust legal protections, and global connectivity.
  • Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and forthcoming special economic zones provide equally compelling platforms, blending regulatory clarity with ambitious economic visions.

Setting up a Family Office is not just about managing wealth; it’s about strategically anchoring a family's future in jurisdictions that offer political stability, investment opportunities, and business growth potential.

Strategic Advantage: Why Now?

  • First-Mover Benefits: Early establishment in Saudi Arabia's financial ecosystem allows investors to leverage incentives and policy support.
  • Diversification: Access high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy.
  • Legacy Planning: Ensure generational wealth transfer is optimised within a stable and structured regulatory environment.

A Vision Beyond Borders 

Strategic migration is not about escaping the present; it's about building the future. The UAE and Saudi Arabia offer unparalleled platforms for visionaries willing to invest in tomorrow.

At Peninsula, we understand that wealth is not just measured in numbers but in opportunities created and futures secured. Contact us for a complimentary consultation and explore how our expertise can guide your citizenship by investment journey and Family Office setup in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

About Alistair:

Alistair Paine brings 15 years of dedicated experience in Saudi market entry, guiding Fortune 500 companies and innovative scale-ups through successful establishment in the Kingdom. His expertise in Saudi company formation, licensing and market entry strategy, positions him as a leading authority and consultant in international business expansion to Saudi Arabia.

Schedule a free consultation with Alistair and the Peninsula team to understand which market entry strategy is best suited to your business setup in Saudi Arabia.

Email: Alistair@peninsulacs.com

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