Why Wealthy Chinese Are Now Choosing Dubai Over Singapore

In recent years, Singapore has long been the top choice for affluent Chinese families looking to establish family offices, safeguard wealth, and secure residency. But today, a major shift is underway - one that is directing China’s ultra-rich toward the Gulf, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

According to a recent Financial Times report, wealthy Chinese individuals are increasingly turning away from Singapore due to tighter regulations, stricter compliance requirements, and rising hurdles in setting up family offices. At the same time, the UAE particularly Dubai is emerging as a more flexible, stable, and opportunity-rich alternative.

A Surge in Interest for Dubai

Private bankers and advisors to high-net-worth individuals report a sharp rise in enquiries from Chinese nationals keen to relocate to the UAE. Setting up a family office not only helps streamline cross-border wealth management, but it also offers an accessible route to long-term residency-something that has become more difficult to achieve in Singapore.

Mike Tan, Standard Chartered’s Singapore-based global head of wealth planning and family advisory, confirms this trend:“They are attracted to the Gulf by the ability to get residency status and enjoy stability.”

The numbers support this shift. Dubai’s offshore financial centre recorded 1,000 family-related entities by mid-year-up from 800 at the end of last year and 600 in 2023. While no official nationality breakdown is provided, advisors note that a significant share of this growth is driven by wealthy Chinese clients.

Why the UAE Is Gaining Momentum

For wealthy individuals seeking a global base, the UAE offers advantages that are difficult to ignore:

• Flexible residency pathways through investment and family office structures

• A stable, pro-business environment with world-class infrastructure

• Tax efficiency, with zero personal income tax

• Strong lifestyle appeal, from safety to global connectivity

• Growing financial ecosystems in DIFC, ADGM, and Dubai South

Compared to tightening rules in Singapore, the Gulf presents a more welcoming framework for wealth planning, family governance, and next-generation succession strategies.

A Strategic Shift With Long-Term Implications

This movement from Singapore to Dubai is more than a trend-it reflects a rebalancing of global wealth flows. China’s high-net-worth community is seeking jurisdictions that offer stability, speed, and long-term residency prospects. And today, Dubai is outperforming traditional hubs in offering clarity, opportunity, and ease of establishment.