Dubai Strengthens Its Role As A Global Private Wealth Hub In MEASA Region

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a key financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, has unveiled the latest edition of its Future of Finance report series. The report, titled ‘Shift to Private Capital,’ examines how the expansion and globalisation of private wealth are transforming financial markets. It also highlights Dubai's growing appeal for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private capital investors.

The report reveals that the global finance landscape is increasingly leaning towards private markets. Predictions indicate that private market assets could surpass $30 trillion by 2030 as investors seek more dependable and higher-yielding opportunities. Meanwhile, global private wealth has reached an unprecedented $471 trillion, having grown by over $340 trillion since 1995. This growth rate is eight times faster than public wealth expansion during the same period.

Dubai has solidified its position as a leading hub for private wealth in the region by combining the institutional strengths of established markets with the dynamism of emerging ones. In 2025, Dubai climbed to 12th place in the Global Financial Centres Index, standing alongside cities like London, New York, and Paris for its comprehensive financial capabilities.

A significant aspect of this new era is a projected $124 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer over the next two decades. Younger generations are increasingly focusing on technology, sustainability, and impact investments. This shift is driving demand for customised wealth solutions and advanced private capital platforms.

DIFC plays a pivotal role in this growth. By H1 2025, it hosted 7,700 active companies—a 25% increase from the previous year. The ecosystem includes over 440 wealth and asset managers, 85 hedge funds, numerous private equity and venture capital firms, and 1,035 family-related businesses.

Many companies have chosen DIFC and Dubai as their regional base to support private market growth. Notable names include Alarabi Investments, Baron Capital, BECO Capital, Cambridge Associates, CdR Capital Levent Capital, Hayfin, Middle East Venture Partners, Morningstar, Naya Capital, Pearl Diver Capital, PIMCO, Squarepoint Capital, Silver Point Capital and TVM Capital.

Global Finance Contributions

The report features insights from prominent figures in global finance such as Mark Oshida from Cambridge Associates and Philippe Amarante from Henley & Partners. Antoine Colson from IPEM also contributed to the report. Reflecting Dubai’s rising influence in global finance, IPEM will host its first Middle East preview at DIFC in December 2025. A major edition will follow during Dubai Future Finance Week in May 2026.

Antoine Colson stated: "Dubai’s alignment of long-term capital with long-term vision combined with both its strong regulatory framework and thriving family office community make it the natural home for IPEM’s expansion. We look forward to working with DIFC to connect global investors with the opportunities emerging from this dynamic hub."

The ‘Future of Finance: Shift to Private Capital’ report emphasises how Dubai is not just keeping up with global market changes but actively influencing them.

With inputs from WAM