Business
Dubai, Abu Dhabi are emerging as global wealth hubs for Indians: Savills India CEO Anurag Mathur
In an interview with Kshitij Anand of ETMarkets, Anurag Mathur, CEO of Savills India, explains how favourable tax regimes, world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity with India, and a strong Indian diaspora are reshaping migration and investment decisions among high-net-worth individuals.
From demand-led real estate markets and global education options to zero inheritance tax and residency pathways such as the Golden Visa, Mathur outlines why Indian families and entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to the UAE not just as an investment destination, but as a long-term base for global growth and legacy planning. Edited Excerpts
Kshitij Anand: Well, Dubai is ranked among the world’s top high-net-worth individual hotspots. What factors are driving its exceptional appeal for wealthy Indians today?
Anurag Mathur: We have done a report recently, which I am sure you have cited. But look, Dubai’s appeal for wealthy Indians really comes from a powerful mix of favourable tax policies, safety, a high-quality lifestyle, and a pro-business environment. Its proximity to India is exceptional and unmatched, and the air connectivity between the two countries is just fabulous. It becomes very easy for families and businesses to shuttle between the two countries. Also, the presence of a large, well-established Indian community ensures cultural continuity, familiarity, and access to a sense of home comforts, which significantly reduces relocation friction, if you like. So, it is a combination of all these factors.
Kshitij Anand: And if someone plans to shift base, or you could say move from one country to another, obviously family comes first. And when there is a family, children and schools become an important part of the decision. Dubai has the highest number of international schools globally, numbering around 168. How important is this for Indian families relocating for better education?
Anurag Mathur: You know it is a very important factor for Indians to be able to access quality education. I think Dubai offers several options. As you said, there is a very large number of international schools, but there are also schools following the Indian curriculum as well as the British curriculum. This range helps parents choose systems aligned with the standards they want, leading into pathways for global universities. For many Indian families, Dubai provides the ideal blend of academic continuity and international exposure.
Kshitij Anand: You did talk about tax policies, which is one of the positive reasons why many high-net-worth individuals are looking at Dubai. With Dubai offering favourable tax policies, strong connectivity, and safety, how much of India’s high-net-worth migration is now lifestyle-driven rather than tax-driven?
Anurag Mathur: While tax remains an advantage, high-net-worth individual migration is increasingly lifestyle-led. Indians are prioritising safety, very high-quality global social infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and access to prime real estate. It is also becoming an increasingly family-friendly environment. There are wellness-focused communities and very high-quality modern living standards available, and these factors are becoming more central to the decision-making process rather than purely tax-driven considerations.
Kshitij Anand: Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank high in business environment and legacy planning. Are Indian entrepreneurs choosing Dubai as a base for global expansion as well?
Anurag Mathur: Yes, absolutely, and the data supports this. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce reports that Indian businesses continue to be the top nationality for new registrations. In H1 2025 alone, around 9,000 Indian-owned companies were registered there, translating into a 15% year-on-year growth. This reinforces Dubai’s strategic position as a preferred global base for Indian entrepreneurs seeking expansion, regulatory stability, and wider market access.
Kshitij Anand: Many high-net-worth Indians prefer to simplify or consolidate their property portfolios. Why is Dubai emerging as a safe-haven market compared with Indian metros?
Anurag Mathur: The real estate market in Dubai has been consistently resilient, especially in the post-COVID years. In Q2 and Q3 alone, there were around 50,000 transactions each, putting 2025 on course to surpass 2024 volumes. This reflects strong confidence in the market, which is largely demand-driven. There is genuine demand for housing, backed by a growing population. By our estimates, about 250,000 units are expected to be delivered over the next three years, supported by population growth that crossed four million in August 2025 and is expected to reach five million by 2030. In that sense, it is a demand-driven market, supported by quality physical and social infrastructure. Liquidity, transparency, demographic momentum, and market depth make it a stable and safe choice for high-net-worth individuals to buy property or invest in.
Kshitij Anand: When it comes to property, succession is often the next important step, as that is where many disputes arise. Succession and legacy planning are becoming increasingly important. How does Dubai’s zero inheritance tax environment benefit Indian families?
Anurag Mathur: Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer mechanisms through the DIFC and Abu Dhabi courts that allow expatriates to register wills fully outside Sharia law. This provides clarity and control over inheritance. There is no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax, and no income tax. As a result, transferring wealth to the next generation becomes straightforward and tax-efficient, which is a significant advantage for Indian high-net-worth individuals managing multi-jurisdictional assets.
Kshitij Anand: One of the recent talking points has been Dubai’s Golden Visa. Are Indian high-net-worth individuals using residency programmes as part of long-term wealth and legacy planning? What does the data suggest?
Anurag Mathur: The 10-year Golden Visa, which is obtainable through an investment of around two million dirhams, is increasingly being used as part of long-term family and wealth planning. It offers residency, stability, mobility, and security for multi-generational families, making it an attractive tool for Indians—and other nationalities—looking to build a sustained presence in Dubai.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
