'Putting down roots': Nearly half of UAE residents now plan to retire in country, new research shows
New research published this week reveals that nearly half of affluent residents UAE now expect to retire in the country. The Money on the Move study by wealth management firm St James's Place, which surveyed 450 affluent and high-net-worth residents across the UAE in May 2026, found that 44 per cent plan to retire here. More than half said they had already stayed longer than they originally…
Nearly half of affluent residents in the UAE now plan to retire in the country, according to new research. The Money on the Move study by wealth management firm St James's Place surveyed 450 affluent and high-net-worth residents across the UAE in May 2026. 44% of respondents indicated they intend to retire in the UAE, while 78% expect to remain overseas for at least another eight years.
Daniel George, head of business at St James's Place Middle East, noted that the UAE has become a place where people can genuinely envision building a life, rather than merely a temporary destination for career advancement. Affluent individuals are attracted to the financial incentives, with 96% earning more and 97% saving more in the UAE compared to their home countries.
Justin Cooke, a British entrepreneur who moved to Abu Dhabi with his family in 2024, emphasized that people are increasingly "putting down roots" in the UAE, building businesses, educating their children, and investing in real estate. For Cooke, retiring in the UAE seems entirely plausible.
Sarah Louise, an Australian entrepreneur, described Dubai as the center of the world for her business operations, making retirement in the UAE about continuity and maintaining the network she has built. Joshua Oliver, who advises high-net-worth individuals, observed a shift in attitudes among his clients, with a growing number considering the UAE as a permanent home or primary base in retirement.
Despite concerns about geopolitical instability, 70% of respondents felt the perception of the region as a living destination had improved over the past year. For affluent individuals, the UAE's fast-growing economy, robust infrastructure, and vibrant business environment continue to attract those seeking opportunities and a dynamic lifestyle.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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