Why Abu Dhabi Tops the List of Tax-Friendly Cities

The UAE capital city Abu Dhabi has established itself as the most tax friendly city in the world by use of a number of key factors:

• Zero Personal Income Tax: Inhabitants of Abu Dhabi are fully exempted of income tax and it is very appealing to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors.

• Minimal Property Transfer Fees: There is a simplification of property transfers with low charges through which property investment and relocation of high value are promoted.

• Stable Legal System: Abu Dhabi is a city with a sound and transparent legal system which is critical in establishing investor confidence and ensuring protection of assets.

• Investor-Friendly Environment: Political stability, infrastructure and regulatory clarity in the city make it a perfect location among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

These are the peculiar advantages that make Abu Dhabi the top city without any income tax and an example of financial attractiveness to the global citizens.

Dubai also has a high attraction though it is ranked at the 2 rd position. As one of the fastest developing metropolises in the world, Dubai is characterized by:

• World-Class Connectivity: Dubai has two major international airlines and has extensive international cover and is therefore very well connected be it business or lifestyle.

• Extensive Tax Treaty Network: Dubai boasts of far too many double taxation treaties and it has contributed to the perception that Dubai is a smart destination in international business and in expatriates.

• Regulatory Clarity: Dubai is also business friendly just like Abu Dhabi and has a well-defined regulatory framework.

• Tax-Free Environment: The environment is zero income tax, zero capital gains tax and low VAT which also contributes to making Dubai one of the most tax-neutral cities.

Dubai continues to be a place of thousands of entrepreneurs, millionaires and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) who are interested in tax efficiency and wealth preservation.

Wealth Migration Fuels UAE’s Fiscal Dominance

The UAE’s top ranking in global tax-friendliness is not just symbolic—it reflects a seismic shift in global wealth migration trends.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025, the UAE is expected to welcome approximately 9,800 new millionaires this year, bringing in an estimated US $63 billion in wealth. This massive movement is driven by:

• Tax-free status

• Business-friendly policies

• Political and economic stability

• Golden visa programs

• High-quality lifestyle offerings
  

  
  

Meanwhile, Knight Frank’s 2024 Wealth Report reveals that over 4,500 UHNWIs have recently relocated to Dubai, further cementing the city’s status as a wealth magnet.

GCC Cities Dominate Global Tax-Friendly Rankings

The trend isn’t limited to the UAE. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly becoming a hub for tax-advantaged cities. In addition to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the following GCC capitals also made it to the top 20 tax-friendly cities in the 2025 index:

• Manama (Bahrain)

• Doha (Qatar)

• Kuwait City (Kuwait)

• Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

• Muscat (Oman)

These cities offer a combination of zero or low tax environments, economic reforms, and streamlined investment pathways that appeal to foreign nationals and investors alike.

Dubai: Home to 81,200 Millionaires and 20 Billionaires

By 2025, Dubai has more than 81,200 millionaires and 20 billionaires, making it a solid position as one of the 20 wealthiest cities in the world. Such a wealth concentration is a direct result of the UAE tax policy and long-term vision to lure international capital and talent.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not only zero tax cities, but they are also contemporary and lively centers that provide lifestyle, infrastructure and economic incentives, in equal measure.

What Makes a City Tax-Friendly?

The Tax-Friendly Cities Index doesn’t just look at personal income tax rates. It considers a blend of metrics, including:

• Legal stability and investor protection

• Tax treaty coverage

• Property transaction costs

• Regulatory transparency

• Ease of setting up businesses

Abu Dhabi and Dubai score high across all categories, making them ideal for individuals and businesses seeking long-term tax efficiency and financial stability.

Final Thoughts: UAE’s Fiscal Magnetism in a Taxing World

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become the shining lights in the face of the world, which is struggling with increasing tax rates and economic insecurity. Their position at the top of the Tax-Friendly Cities Index 2025, is the result of decades of sound policy, economic diversification, and dedication to investor-focused governance.

As an entrepreneur will find no income tax as well as a city to pay, as a family you might think of moving to a better place, or as a global corporation that can optimally pay taxes, there is no better place that can be compared to Abu Dhabi or Dubai.