8 Reasons Why Indian HNWIs Are Setting Up Family Offices in the UAE

8 Reasons Why Indian HNWIs Are Setting Up Family Offices in the UAE
Photo by Georgie Cobbs / Unsplash

Wealth is no longer confined by borders, and savvy Indian high-net-worth individuals are exploring new horizons. The United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is rapidly becoming a global hotspot for family offices.

What’s behind this surge of interest? What is fueling this growing interest?

Backed by verified data and market insights, let's explore the 8 key reasons why the UAE is becoming a strategic choice for wealth preservation, growth, and legacy planning.

Why Indian HNWIs Choose the UAE for Family Offices

1. Tax-Friendly Environment

The UAE’s tax regime is a major attraction for Indian high-net-worth individuals. The country imposes no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. This tax structure allows families to preserve and grow their wealth more efficiently.

While there is no confirmed statistic on how many Indians relocate specifically for tax reasons, the 2024 Knight Frank Wealth Report shows that India’s ultra-wealthy population is growing steadily, reflecting increasing interest in global wealth structuring.

India’s highest personal income tax rates can exceed 40%, making countries like the UAE especially appealing for those looking to optimize their wealth planning across generations.

2. World-Class Infrastructure and Quality of Life

Apart from financial benefits, the UAE provides world-class infrastructure and a high standard of living.

Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their advanced transportation systems, modern architecture, top-tier healthcare facilities, and international schools.

According to Mercer’s 2023 Quality of Living report, Dubai ranked 79th globally, and Abu Dhabi ranked 84th. These rankings reflect continued improvement in city infrastructure and amenities.

3. Strategic Location and Global Connectivity

Situated between Asia, Europe, and Africa, the UAE serves as a natural hub for international business. Its strategic location allows business owners and investors to easily access global markets.

In 2024, over 92 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport, making it the busiest airport in the world for international travel. This level of connectivity is a key factor for business leaders and families who operate across continents.

4. Strong Indian Community

The UAE is home to a large and influential Indian diaspora, providing both comfort and opportunity for new Indian arrivals. By June 2024, around 4.3 million Indians were living in the UAE. This group makes up about 34% of the total population and is the largest expatriate community in the country

This cultural presence eases the transition for Indian families and also creates a supportive environment for networking and professional collaboration.

5. Business-Friendly Ecosystem

The UAE offers a pro-business climate with simplified regulations and more than 40 free zones that support a wide range of industries. Company registration and licensing can be completed quickly, allowing entrepreneurs and investors to begin operations without delay.

The country ranked 16th globally in the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business index. Approximately 88% of the population are expatriates with over 200 nationals, providing access to a diverse and skilled talent pool.

6. Robust Regulatory Framework

The UAE has built a strong and reliable system to manage wealth and assets. The Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market are key financial hubs.

They are recognized and trusted worldwide. Both follow legal systems like those in the UK, making them easier and more familiar for international companies to work with. By 2024, the Dubai International Financial Centre hosted more than 671 registered foundations and over 800 family-business-related entities.

The center now has more than 6,900 active companies, including nearly 1,800 new firms registered in a single year. These figures reflect strong momentum in the family office and private wealth space.

7. Long-Term Residency Through the Golden Visa

The UAE’s Golden Visa program gives long-term residency to investors, business owners, and talented workers. By 2023, about 158,000 people had received one. The program supports long-term planning and adds personal and financial stability for international residents, including Indian high-net-worth individuals.

8. Investment Opportunities in Emerging Sectors

The UAE is actively diversifying its economy beyond oil, with targeted investments in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. These sectors offer new opportunities for Indian family offices to invest in innovation and sustainability.

According to PwC Middle East, 80% of regional executives have implemented a formal sustainability strategy. In addition, about 58% of family groups in the region are participating in venture capital investments, reflecting growing interest in dynamic and future-focused sectors.

Take the Next Step Toward Building Your Family Office

Thinking about setting up a family office in the UAE? Let 10xM guide you through the key benefits that make the UAE the preferred choice for Indian high-net-worth individuals.

At 10xM, we help you navigate the opportunities and complexities of wealth management in the region with expert advice tailored to your needs.

Don’t miss out on making informed decisions for your family’s future. Book a free consultation with us today and take the first step toward securing your legacy.

Read more