The United Arab Emirates continues to play an increasingly influential role in the global wealth landscape. To gain first-hand insight into developments across the region, Annamaria spent time in the UAE meeting families, trustees, and advisers, and attending two leading industry events: the STEP Arabia Conference in Abu Dhabi and the Jersey Finance Annual Dubai Conference 2025. Both forums brought together senior practitioners from around the world to examine evolving priorities for international families and the frameworks that support long-term cross-border planning.
Across the discussions, several themes stood out. Regulatory and fiscal developments remain high on the agenda, as do succession planning and the continued need for clarity and integrity in international structures. The importance of well-regulated financial centres in supporting global wealth was a consistent point of reflection.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relationships and develop a deeper understanding of the priorities of families and advisers working across the GCC. Maintaining close engagement with these developments remains central to our advisory approach.
Reflecting on her time in the region, Annamaria noted:
“The ambition and pace of change in the Emirates are striking. There is a clear sense of a region positioning itself as a global hub, attracting both human and financial capital. Many advisers spoke of the UAE’s reputation as a safe and efficient environment in a world that feels increasingly uncertain.”
Several insights gathered during her meetings highlight the scale of the region’s momentum:
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AED 500 billion in property transactions recorded in Dubai so far this year
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An expected 100 US family offices planning to establish satellite offices in the UAE by the end of 2026
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Approximately 85 per cent of the population are expatriates
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GDP growth forecast of 6.7 per cent for 2025
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More than 160 private equity firms now operating locally, increasingly focusing on regional investment opportunities
The UAE continues to position itself as a strategic centre for global wealth and investment. Delfin remains committed to staying closely connected to developments across the region as they continue to evolve.
