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Dubai scrambles to save its reputation as haven for rich

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Dubai scrambles to save its reputation as haven for rich

A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high net worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.

The Iran war has shaken Dubai’s status as a global wealth hub, as legions of expatriates scramble to escape and family offices and wealth managers reconsider their Middle East footprint.

For the past decade, Dubai has successfully marketed itself as a safe haven for the global elite. Attracted by the sun, safety and tax-free income, Dubai’s millionaire population has doubled since 2014 to more than 81,000, according to Henley & Partners. Dubai’s luxury real-estate market has grown for five straight years, with 500 properties selling last year for more than $10 million – up from just 30 in 2020.

Now, however, Dubai’s reputation for safety has been shattered.

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Over the past week, Dubai’s five-star Fairmont The Palm Hotel, on its famed man-made, palm-shaped archipelago, was struck by an explosion. Debris from a downed Iranian drone set fire to Burj Al Arab hotel and the Dubai airport was damaged by a missile strike. On Tuesday, the U.S. Consulate in Dubai was targeted by a suspected drone strike, causing a fire nearby.

“The U.S.-Israel war on Iran is upending that crucial aura of security in Dubai,” said Jim Krane, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute. “Dubai’s economic model is based on expatriate residents providing the brains, brawn and investment capital. You need stability and security to bring in smart foreigners.”

Dubai and the United Arab Emirates sought to quickly reassure investors. The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced Saturday that “the situation was under control.” Dubai’s police force this week threatened to arrest and jail social media influencers who share social content that “contradicts official announcements or that may cause social panic.”

Other wealth hubs in the region — including Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh — are also caught in the fallout of the war. And like Dubai, they’ve made attracting the wealthy a key economic policy. Yet Dubai’s ascendance and dependence on wealth capital stand out in the region. Kane said that’s because Dubai no longer relies on oil revenue like its neighbors, instead banking on the confidence of foreigners.

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“The city cannot function if everyone with a foreign passport flees,” he said. “Dubai will literally shut down. Dubai is more exposed to the risks of an expat exodus.”

Dubai is now home to 237 centimillionaires (those worth $100 million or more) and at least 20 billionaires, according to Henley & Partners. An estimated 9,800 millionaires moved to Dubai in 2025, bringing $63 billion in wealth — more than any other country in the world, according to Henley. Most of Dubai’s income wealthy are arriving from the U.K., China, India and other parts of Europe and Asia. With the ruling Maktoum family starting to diversify the economy away from oil decades ago, Dubai created special economic zones and golden visas programs to effectively industrialize wealth attraction as a national strategy.

Dubai has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, making it ideal for the ultra wealthy and family offices. The Dubai International Finance Center (a special economic zone) reported in early January that the top 120 families in the economic zone managed more than $1.2 trillion combined. Last month, the DIFC stated that it was home to 1,289 “family-related entities,” up 61% from a year ago. 

For now, many wealthy families and wealth professionals are focused on getting out. Charter companies report that demand for private jets is far exceeding available seats and flights. Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private Jets, said on Tuesday that the broker received more than 100 client inquiries overnight. He said he hasn’t seen such demand since the pandemic. A jet from Riyadh to Europe can cost up to $350,000, he said.

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He added that the Dubai residents he spoke to are traveling for business meetings, not fleeing to safety.

“They don’t feel unsafe,” he said. “It’s pretty much life as normal was just a bit of extra noise in the background with all these missiles. But life has to go on. They need to travel.”

Dale Buckner, CEO of security firm Global Guardian and a former Green Beret, said the exodus shows no signs of slowing. By Tuesday morning, Buckner had seven corporate clients including large finance and consulting forms looking to evacuate 1,000 to 3,000 employees.

“This looks very much like Ukraine,” he said.

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“I think everyone has realized the Iranians are successfully targeting five-star hotels and airports at scale, and now they’re starting to shut down the oil infrastructure,” he said. “I do not believe anyone thought that was possible.”

Many companies and professionals in Dubai said the business case for staying remains strong. And they are careful not to cross the government at a time of crisis. Hasnain Malik, who leads emerging-markets equity and geopolitics strategy at Dubai-based Tellimer, said hedge funds and family offices are mainly drawn to Dubai’s tax, regulatory and stable banking regimes. All those attributes remain in place, he said.

“Those reasons have not changed,” he said. “It is only in one aspect of the lifestyle driver, pristine security, that recent events have called into question.”

Henley & Partners, which helps the wealthy secure visas in other countries, said Dubai has always proven resilient in times of uncertainty. Dominic Volek, group head of private clients at Henley & Partners, said the attacks in Dubai are also a reminder of the importance of geographic hedging.

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“Situations like this reinforce a core principle we often discuss with clients: the value of global optionality,” he said. “Internationally mobile families typically diversify their residence and citizenship exposure across multiple regions — including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia — so they retain flexibility in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, wherever and whenever it may arise. These decisions are generally strategic and long-term in nature rather than reactions to short-term events.”

One sector that could feel longer-term pressure is Dubai’s real estate market. Dubai’s real estate prices have been surging for five years straight, boosted by its golden visa program that gives foreigners a 10-year renewable visa for buying a property of $550,000 or more. Last year a 47,200-square-foot penthouse at the new Bugatti Residences set a price record for Dubai and the UAE when it sold for AED 550, or about $150 million.

Yet even before the Iran war, there were some signs that Dubai’s breakneck building spree, soaring prices and widespread speculation could start to cool. In September, UBS estimated the Dubai had the fifth-highest bubble risk of 21 major cities, ranking behind Zurich and Los Angeles. In the spring, Fitch Ratings predicted a correction in late 2025 and in 2026 with prices falling as much as 15%.

Fitch Ratings’ Anton Lopatin said the effect on real estate values will depend on the conflict’s scope and duration. For now, he said, expatriate departures could “put pressure” on Dubai’s housing market.  

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Japan Issues Tsunami Warning Following Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake

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Evacuation Sign
Evacuation Sign
Nyok Wirya / Unsplash

A tsunami warning has been issued for certain areas in northern Japan following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake.

The government has warned that tsunami waves three metres high may hit the country.

Tsunami Warning Issued After 7.5 Earthquake

According to a report by CNN, the earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has since issued a tsunami warning for the Iwate prefecture, as well as parts of Hokkaido and Aomori.

The report notes that a CNN producer in Tokyo noted that the earthquake lasted around seven minutes.

The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is now calling for those in the affected areas to evacuate immediately.

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“At this time, we are still confirming the extent of human and material damage, but we will receive detailed reports shortly and proceed with disaster response efforts,” Takaichi told reporters.

Tsunami Waves Already Recorded in Different Locations

According to the live coverage of ABC News, tsunami waves have begun to hit different locations in Japan.

A wave 80 centimetres high has been recorded in Kuji Port, while a wave measuring 40 centimetres was detected at Miyako Port.

Abnormalities have not been reported in the nuclear plants in the area, which are located in Aomori and Miyagi.

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Banned director Blumenthal elusive in liquidators' probe

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Banned director Blumenthal elusive in liquidators' probe

Liquidators of collapsed medicinal cannabis company Melodiol Global Health want to question banned director Adam Blumenthal, but lawyers are struggling to serve him while he is overseas.

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UDIA calls for half a billion govt spend

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UDIA calls for half a billion govt spend

The peak body for land developers has outlined what’s required to unlock 115,000 new homes in Western Australia.

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BofA sees Turkey central bank holding rates or hiking to 40%

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BofA sees Turkey central bank holding rates or hiking to 40%

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Faisal Islam: What people in power think the impact of the Iran war will be

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Faisal Islam: What people in power think the impact of the Iran war will be

Faisal Islam talks to some of the world’s most powerful people about the conflict and the economy.

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Renishaw expects higher profits amid rising demand from defence and electronics sectors

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The precision manufacturer told the stock market on Monday its order book had expanded

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Renishaw New Mills headquarters (Image: Renishaw )

Gloucestershire engineering firm Renishaw has raised its revenue and profit guidance for the full year after a “substantial” expansion of orders. The FTSE-250 company told investors on Monday (April 20) it had seen “particularly strong demand” from customers in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing equipment, and aerospace and defence sectors.

This has led to the business increasing revenue expectations from £775m to £805m and adjusted profit before tax from £145m to £165m.

“We are actively managing the challenges and increasing costs imposed by ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain pressures,” Renishaw said in a statement.

The listed group, which was established by the late Sir David McMurtry and John Deer in 1973, said it would provide an update on its revenue performance for the 12 months to the end of March on May 6.

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Last month, Renishaw announced it had refreshed its board with three appointments, including a renowned British academic as its new chair.

The news came just months after the precision manufacturer confirmed it had made ownership changes to the business as part of a succession plan.

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Evercore ISI reiterates IBM stock rating on Q1 beat expectations

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Evercore ISI reiterates IBM stock rating on Q1 beat expectations

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Dr. Drasko Acimovic on Securing a Seat at the New Global Table

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Dr. Drasko Acimovic on Securing a Seat at the New Global Table

Renowned economist and diplomat Dr. Drasko Acimovic has officially unveiled his paradigm of the “Third Gutenberg Moment,” signaling a fundamental transformation in global institutional identity.

According to Acimovic’s latest analysis, the world has moved beyond mere uncertainty and has entered the operational phase of a new economic and social model.

“The world as we knew it is reaching its sunset,” states Dr. Acimovic. “Just as the printing press broke the monopoly on knowledge and financial management in the 15th century, today Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) are redefining the core pillars of human power and national sovereignty.”

Acimovic outlines this historical cyclicity through three pivotal stages:

  1. The First Gutenberg Moment: The invention of the printing press, which democratised knowledge.
  2. The Second Gutenberg Moment: The internet and mobile revolution, which accelerated global flows.
  3. The Third Gutenberg Moment (Current): The definitive transition toward an AI-driven and digital-first economy.

According to Acimovic, this third stage signifies the end of the era of traditional intermediaries. He argues that CBDCs and advanced AI systems are not merely technical innovations but the foundations of a new architecture for the global economy and the future of international diplomacy.

Dr. Acimovic emphasises that this transition offers a unique window of opportunity. While the previous global hierarchy was largely static, the “Third Gutenberg Moment” acts as a great equaliser. Nations and organisations that proactively integrate these technologies today are securing a seat at the new global table where the rules of the next century are being drafted. For emerging economies, the adoption of an AI-CBDC framework is no longer optional it is the only way to ensure economic relevance in a decentralised world.

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Unlike abstract futuristic theories, Acimovic warns that this transformation is already functional. “We are not waiting for change; we are living it. The institutional framework is transforming in real-time. Those who fail to grasp this tectonic shift will remain tethered to obsolete structures,” the diplomat cautioned.

About Dr. Drasko Acimovic:

Dr. Drasko Acimovic is a distinguished diplomat and economist recognised for his strategic insights into global financial systems. His career includes high-level leadership roles, such as serving as Ambassador in Brussels and as the President of the largest financial services brokerage firm in Eastern Europe, managing operations across 11 nations. Currently, he serves as a Member of the Board of the NGO East West Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to international strategic cooperation.

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At Close of Business podcast April 20 2026

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At Close of Business podcast April 20 2026

Mark Pownall speaks to Ella Loneragan about the recently-completed Perth Film Studios.

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Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts From 2027 in Major Tax Time Overhaul

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Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts

CANBERRA, Australia — Millions of Australian workers will soon have the option to claim a flat $1000 deduction for work-related expenses without keeping receipts or detailed records, under a landmark tax simplification measure set to take effect from the 2026-27 financial year, the Albanese government has confirmed.

Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts
Aussies to Get $1000 Work Expense Tax Deduction Without Receipts From 2027 in Major Tax Time Overhaul

The proposed $1000 standard or “instant” tax deduction, announced during the 2025 federal election campaign, aims to make tax time “easier, faster and better” for approximately 5.7 million taxpayers. It allows eligible individuals earning labour income to choose between claiming the flat $1000 amount or itemising actual expenses with full substantiation as they do now.

Importantly, the change is not automatic and does not provide a direct $1000 cash payment or refund. It reduces taxable income by up to $1000, meaning the actual tax saving depends on an individual’s marginal tax rate. For someone in the 30 per cent bracket, the benefit equates to roughly $300 in reduced tax payable, while higher earners could save up to $450 at the 45 per cent rate (excluding Medicare levy).

The Australian Taxation Office has clarified on its website that the measure applies from 1 July 2026 and will first appear on tax returns lodged from July 2027 onward. It does not affect the current 2025-26 tax year, for which taxpayers must continue using existing rules and keep receipts for all work-related claims.

Treasury and the Parliamentary Budget Office estimate the reform will simplify compliance for many while allowing those with higher expenses to continue claiming more than $1000 if they maintain proper records. Taxpayers who opt for the standard deduction will not need to collect or retain receipts for expenses under the threshold, potentially ending the annual ritual of shoeboxes full of crumpled invoices for items such as uniforms, tools, home office supplies and occupation-specific costs.

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Government figures and Labor MPs have promoted the policy as direct cost-of-living relief. “A new $1000 instant tax deduction will be created from 2026-27 … Taxpayers who claim the instant deduction won’t need to collect receipts for work expenses less than $1000,” one ministerial post stated, highlighting benefits for nurses, teachers, tradespeople and office workers who incur modest but recurring costs.

Critics and tax professionals have raised caveats. Accountants warn that the deduction is not truly “automatic” — taxpayers must still lodge a return and actively choose the standard amount over itemised claims. Those whose genuine expenses exceed $1000 are better off keeping records to maximise their refund. Switching between options after lodgement may also be limited.

H&R Block and other firms note the policy could reduce ATO audit activity for standard claims but may create confusion if people assume it guarantees a fixed saving regardless of income or actual spending. “Nobody will receive $1000,” multiple tax advisers have emphasised, stressing the distinction between a deduction and a refundable offset.

The initiative forms part of broader tax reforms, including proposed staged reductions in the lowest marginal tax rate from 16 per cent to 15 per cent in 2026-27 and further to 14 per cent in 2027-28. Combined, these changes are projected to deliver modest relief for lower and middle earners while simplifying administration.

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For the 2025-26 income year, which ends 30 June 2026, no such standard deduction exists. The ATO continues to scrutinise work-related expense claims closely, applying its long-standing “three golden rules”: the expense must be incurred by the taxpayer, directly related to earning assessable income, and supported by records. Claims for clothing, self-education, home office and travel remain common but require substantiation, with increased data-matching from banks and employers making unsupported claims riskier.

Tax time 2025 has already seen heightened focus on inflated deductions, prompting reminders from the ATO and professionals about proper record-keeping. Many workers who previously claimed several hundred dollars in miscellaneous expenses may find the future $1000 option simpler, even if the net benefit is smaller than itemising.

Eligibility for the new deduction requires labour income, effectively covering salary and wage earners but excluding pure investors or those without employment-related earnings. Self-employed individuals and contractors may still need to claim actual business expenses under different rules.

Implementation details, including exact wording in tax return software and myGov integration, are expected in coming months. The government has indicated further announcements on rollout, with legislation required before the measure becomes law. As of April 2026, the reform remains a firm commitment but not yet enacted.

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Public reaction has been mixed. Social media and community forums show excitement over reduced paperwork, with some users celebrating the end of receipt hoarding. Others express caution, calculating potential losses if they routinely claim more than $1000 and worry the policy may discourage thorough record-keeping habits.

Tax agents report clients already inquiring whether they can “just tick the box” for 2026-27. Advisers recommend continuing to save receipts in the interim and comparing both options once the system is live. For low-expense earners, the standard deduction could provide a hassle-free boost; for high spenders such as construction workers with substantial tool costs, itemising will likely remain superior.

The proposal also aims to free ATO resources previously spent auditing small claims. By offering a standardised pathway, the agency could redirect efforts toward larger compliance risks, potentially improving overall tax system efficiency.

Economists and policy analysts note the measure’s cost to revenue, though exact figures vary. The Parliamentary Budget Office previously costed similar ideas, factoring in behavioural responses where some taxpayers might forgo higher legitimate claims for simplicity.

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In the wider cost-of-living context, the $1000 deduction joins other government measures such as energy rebates, wage growth policies and staged tax cuts. For a typical middle-income household, the combined effect could ease annual tax pressure, though the real value depends on individual circumstances and inflation.

As tax time 2026 approaches, the ATO urges Australians to track expenses normally and use tools like the ATO app or myTax for accurate lodgement. Pre-filled data from employers and banks will continue to streamline returns, with the new deduction expected to add another layer of simplicity in future years.

For now, the message remains clear: save your receipts for the current financial year. The $1000 standard deduction represents a significant shift toward streamlined compliance but arrives too late for 2025-26 returns. Taxpayers should consult registered agents or the ATO website for personalised advice and monitor updates as legislation progresses.

The reform underscores ongoing efforts to modernise Australia’s tax system for a digital age, reducing administrative burden while preserving choice for those who benefit from detailed claims. Whether it delivers the promised “six clicks” to a completed return will become clearer once software providers integrate the option in 2027.

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As April 2026 draws to a close, millions of workers are already mentally filing away the news, hopeful that next year’s tax season brings less stress and more straightforward relief at the keyboard rather than the kitchen table covered in paperwork.

The $1000 work expense deduction, while not a windfall, signals a pragmatic step toward balancing simplicity with fairness in one of the most complained-about annual rituals for Australian employees.

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