Dubai is rapidly growing as a global hub for Indian HNIs (High Net Worth Individuals) and family offices. The city offers a combination of excellent financial infrastructure, business-friendly regulations, and proximity to India. Over 15 years, the city has evolved from a regional business centre to a global wealth management powerhouse.

Arjun Mittal, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Abbey Road Investment Group, said the city’s growth has been driven by strong financial infrastructure and talent. “Dubai has made great progress over the last 15 years in building the right infrastructure and attracting the necessary talent needed to advise families on creating durable and strong global asset allocations, or as we call it, ‘balance sheets,’” he said.

“The maturing of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as a respected international finance centre, along with innovative frameworks in other Dubai jurisdictions such as the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, means Indian HNIs and family offices can easily start or move their activities while maintaining strong international links,” added Mittal.

Mittal also said that more than real estate, the city is expanding range of investment options. “We continue to see strong flows into global equities and fixed income, which remain key pillars for building robust global balance sheets,” he said. Besides, alternatives such as hedge funds and crypto assets are also attracting interest among many investors.

Echoing similar views, Nikhil Nambiar, Strategic Client Partner at Orion Capital Partners, said that Dubai’s strategic advantage for Indian corporates and entrepreneurs. “Dubai has cemented its role as a premier gateway for Indian businesses, acting as a strategic operational headquarters for their global ambitions,” he said. Nambiar said the city's political stability, tax-advantaged environment, and unrestricted capital mobility are critical drivers.

“This allows Indian capital to be globally mobile and financially efficient, enabling a dual-hub strategy where businesses maintain strong ties to India while leveraging Dubai for international expansion,” he added.

Nambiar also highlighted the Indian diaspora and local expertise as important facilitators. “The large and well-established Indian community provides a vital cultural bridge and professional network, lowering barriers for families and entrepreneurs and making wealth management in Dubai seamless and secure,” he said.

Kunal Sumaya, Market Head – Global NRI at Julius Baer, added that Indian investors are increasingly motivated by long-term wealth preservation and cross-border opportunities rather than lifestyle alone.

“For Indian business families, access to global capital markets, succession planning, and governance structures are now critical priorities,” he said. Sumaya noted that the Golden Visa programme, with its 10-year residency option, has further strengthened Dubai’s appeal for multi-generational wealth planning.

Sumaya highlighted the evolving investment preferences among younger generations of Indian investors. “We see growing interest in alternative investments, including private equity, venture capital, ESG-focused thematic portfolios, and digital assets,” he said. “The next generation is more likely to embrace non-traditional assets and structured, globally diversified portfolios.”

As per Sumaya, Indian-origin financial professionals in Dubai did play a crucial role in addressing the needs. He highlighted that their cultural fluency, paired with technical skills, enables the creation of tailored wealth strategies that are compliant, innovative, and relevant, thereby strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a reliable hub for Indian investors.

These factors are driving a long-term strategic change in Indian wealth management. As Mittal said, “The families in India can now create truly global balance sheets while remaining connected to their country, using Dubai as a gateway to the world.”