UAE wealth survey records 83% satisfaction among high-net-worth investors

HSBC released findings from a survey of 9,993 high-net-worth individuals across ten markets on 22 October 2026 at the UAE Wealth Investment Summit in Dubai. The research, conducted by Ipsos, included 703 respondents in the United Arab Emirates. Eighty-three percent of UAE participants reported satisfaction with quality of life, compared with a global average of 75 percent across the surveyed markets. The UAE ranked third among the ten countries studied, behind Mexico and India.

Satisfaction scores and business activity#

Twenty-six percent of UAE respondents gave quality of life a rating of ten out of ten, matching the highest share recorded in any market and exceeding the global average of 15 percent. Twenty-one percent of UAE investors stated they are launching, acquiring or investing in a new business venture, compared with 17 percent globally. Eighty-seven percent expressed confidence in meeting short-term financial goals and 81 percent in meeting long-term goals, according to the report.

Inheritance expectations and legacy planning#

Fifty percent of UAE investors surveyed expect to receive a significant financial inheritance, compared with 43 percent globally. Among those able to estimate its value, the average expected inheritance is approximately 2 million dirhams, around twice the global figure, with recipients typically expecting to receive it at age 52. Fifty-eight percent expect to leave a significant financial legacy to heirs or other causes. Thirty-two percent of those planning to leave a legacy want it to provide capital for heirs to start or grow a business, the highest share among the ten markets surveyed and above the global figure of 24 percent.

Intergenerational wealth transfer and support#

Ninety-eight percent of parents surveyed are already supporting the next generation during their lifetime, most often by opening professional networks at 39 percent, acting as a strategic adviser at 33 percent, or providing direct funding at 29 percent. Eighty-two percent said they have a clear strategy for how their wealth will support their family across multiple generations, compared with 75 percent globally. Twenty-six percent stated that guidance on intergenerational wealth planning would help them plan with confidence, compared with 22 percent globally. The survey was released by HSBC on 22 October 2026.