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- 1700+ Millionaires Coming to UAE; Lambhorgini Sales Stall; Oil Production Will Rebound
1700+ Millionaires Coming to UAE; Lambhorgini Sales Stall; Oil Production Will Rebound
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Saturday, April 25, 2026
Happy Saturday everyone!
The UAE is expected to attract more than 1,700 new ultra-high-net-worth individuals by 2031, reinforcing its position as a global wealth hub amid rising luxury real estate demand. However, parts of the high-end consumer market are feeling pressure, with Lamborghini reporting a standstill in Middle East deliveries as regional conflict disrupts logistics and dealership activity. At the same time, Goldman Sachs projects Gulf oil production could rebound within months of a stable reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting a market still balancing strong long-term capital inflows with near-term geopolitical volatility and supply uncertainty.
In the wake of developments in the region, we hope everyone stays safe. At this critical moment, it is essential to remain united and follow guidance issued by official authorities from your country.
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UAE Set to Welcome 1,700+ Ultra-Wealthy Newcomers by 2031
Knight Frank forecasts 36% surge in ultra-high-net-worth population as Dubai cements status as global luxury hub
The UAE's ultra-wealthy population will swell by more than a third over the next five years, with the number of individuals worth US$30 million or more jumping from 4,851 today to 6,588 by 2031, according to Knight Frank's latest Wealth Report.
The 36% growth trajectory underscores the emirate's magnetic pull on global capital at a time when wealthy individuals are increasingly footloose, seeking jurisdictions that blend prosperity with favourable tax treatment and geopolitical stability.
"Dubai has established its position as one of the most prominent global destinations for wealth and investment in luxury real estate," the report notes, pointing to a 25.1% surge in luxury property prices during 2025—the second-best performing luxury market globally after Tokyo.
That residential fervour translates to transaction volume. Dubai recorded 500 sales above US$10 million in 2025, a near fourfold increase from 113 sales just four years earlier. Only Hong Kong comes close in terms of high-value transaction activity.
The influx reflects broader currents reshaping global wealth. Rising tax burdens elsewhere—particularly the UK's crackdown on non-resident tax status—are accelerating a geographic reshuffling of the ultra-rich. Meanwhile, the UAE's position as a regional financial hub and emerging lifestyle destination continues to strengthen, with Abu Dhabi now carving out its own appeal for those seeking the emirate's economic advantages with a more measured pace of life.
"The rising position of Dubai and the UAE as a growing global hub for finance, business, trade and services has contributed to enhancing its investment attractiveness," the report states.
Family offices are moving aggressively into the market. Institutions including Brookfield, Hines, Gaw Capital and Blackstone have opened UAE operations in recent years, primarily targeting industrial and logistics assets where supply remains chronically tight. Build-to-rent residential also features prominently on their agendas.
For now, the momentum shows no sign of slowing. Beyond residential strength, the commercial real estate sector is attracting $144 billion in fresh institutional capital primed to re-enter markets in 2026, with private investors maintaining their commanding position as the largest buyers globally.
The UAE's ultra-wealthy influx sits within a broader Middle Eastern wealth narrative. The region's share of global ultra-high-net-worth individuals has grown from 2.4% in 2021 to 3.1% in 2026—a modest but consistent climb that the report forecasts will hold steady through 2031.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is experiencing even more dramatic growth, with its UHNWI population surging 63% over the same period. But the scale and international scope of the UAE's luxury market remain unmatched in the region.
For property developers, asset managers and wealth advisers, the message is clear: the golden age of attracting ultra-wealthy capital to the Gulf is far from over.
By the numbers:
UAE UHNWI forecast growth: 36% (2026-2031)
Dubai luxury property price growth (2025): 25.1%
Super-prime sales in Dubai (2025): 500 transactions
Institutional capital primed for CRE re-entry (2026): US$144 billion
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Lamborghini Sales And Deliveries Stall In Middle East: CEO
What Is It About?
Lamborghini’s sales and deliveries in the Middle East have come to a standstill as regional conflict disrupts logistics and forces dealership closures, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said. The Italian luxury automaker, owned by Volkswagen, is unable to ship cars to key Gulf markets including the UAE and Oman, while demand has also slowed during the region’s seasonal sales cycle.
Why It Matters?
The Middle East accounts for around 450 Lamborghini sales annually, roughly 5% of global volume, but contributes disproportionately to profitability. With dealerships closed and shipments blocked, the company risks losing an entire high-margin selling season that cannot easily be recovered later in the year, underscoring how geopolitical tensions are directly impacting luxury consumer markets.
What’s Next?
If disruptions persist, Lamborghini may consider reallocating inventory to other markets, a strategy previously used during the pandemic. While Saudi Arabia remains slightly less affected, uncertainty over the duration of the conflict means recovery timelines are unclear. The brand has warned that prolonged instability could continue to weigh on order fulfilment and regional performance.
Goldman Sachs Sees Gulf Oil Output Rebounding Within Months After Strait Of Hormuz Reopening
What Is It About?
Goldman Sachs expects Gulf oil production to recover largely within a few months once the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens, following disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. About 14.5 million barrels per day—roughly 57% of pre-war output—was offline in April, mainly due to precautionary shutdowns and inventory management rather than physical damage to oilfields.
Why It Matters?
The Strait of Hormuz handles around one-fifth of global oil flows, making it a critical chokepoint for energy markets. While spare capacity in Saudi Arabia and the UAE could support a faster restart, logistical constraints and reduced tanker availability are limiting factors. Extended shutdowns could also impair reservoir performance, slowing recovery across parts of the Gulf.
What’s Next?
Goldman estimates around 70% of lost output could return within three months of stable reopening, rising to about 88% within six months. However, recovery timelines vary by producer, with Saudi Arabia better positioned for a quick ramp-up than Iran or Iraq. The bank warns that prolonged disruption could still cause lasting damage to regional supply capacity.
HubSpot's ex-Head of Paid shares his 2026 playbook
Rex Gelb spent a decade building HubSpot's paid engine. Now he's showing founders exactly how to do it.
On April 27th, get the framework to structure, launch, and scale paid media that drives pipeline, not just traffic. 20 minutes. Live Q&A. Free.
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🔍In other news…
Dubai Investments to decide on DIP IPO by May 15, plans three more listings
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🦄 World of Startups
Saudi fashion platform Aya secures $7m to scale real time production
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