Dubai remains a preferred wealth hub for Indian investors despite global uncertainty, says Rajesh Khanna of Wealthbrix Capital Partners- Moneycontrol.com

Dubai remains a preferred wealth hub for Indian investors despite global uncertainty, says Rajesh Khanna of Wealthbrix Capital Partners

Dubai continues to attract Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and businesses as a long-term wealth base, driven by regulatory stability, business‑friendly policies and a comprehensive financial ecosystem, Rajesh Khanna, CEO of Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited, told Navneet Dubey in an interview published on August 6, 2026. Khanna pointed to the UAE’s tax‑free regime, dollar‑pegged currency, absence of capital controls on remittances and world‑class financial infrastructure as the core reasons investors remain confident even amid recent geopolitical tensions.

"The UAE offers a tax‑free regime, a dollar‑pegged currency, no capital controls on remittances, world‑class financial infrastructure and global connectivity," Khanna said, summarising the attributes that sustain Dubai’s appeal.

Khanna said wealth managers have not witnessed exits by wealthy clients; rather, affluent investors tend to hold accounts across multiple jurisdictions. "Wealth managers have seen no exits as high net worth clients are diversified and typically hold investment accounts across the UAE, Singapore and Switzerland," he noted. He also highlighted macro indicators that underpin confidence: the UAE’s non‑oil foreign trade rose 13.1 percent year‑on‑year in H1 2026, demonstrating resilience despite geopolitical headwinds.

Beyond tax benefits, Khanna emphasised the growing importance of regulation and enforceability for long‑term wealth management. "Tax may start the conversation, but regulatory certainty, enforceability and policy consistency determine whether a high net worth investor is comfortable building a long‑term base," he said, adding that custody, succession, enforceable contracts and a reliable ecosystem of banks, asset managers, lawyers and advisers have become decisive factors.

Khanna described a shift in the composition and behaviour of Indian residents and investors in the UAE. NRIs in the UAE are increasingly building businesses, investment portfolios and succession structures rather than merely seeking tax optimisation. "While real estate remains important, Dubai is now a centre for entrepreneurs, family offices and investment professionals," he said, noting that Indian investors are broadening allocations into global equities, fixed income and alternative assets with growing demand for USD exposure.

When asked about reactions to recent geopolitical tensions, Khanna said the immediate response among Indian HNIs has been rebalancing within Dubai rather than exiting the market. "In periods of stress, we are seeing investors rebalance within Dubai rather than exit Dubai," he observed. Investors continue to focus on diversified portfolios combining growth assets, income‑producing investments and disciplined rebalancing. He added that government support and uninterrupted essential services have reinforced confidence, and that real estate holdings remain largely intact, though some caution has emerged toward visitor‑dependent sectors.

• Access to a wide range of asset classes: international real estate, global equities, ETFs, bonds, private markets and alternative investments.
• Institutional strengths: reliable banking, legal clarity, succession planning, healthcare and education.
• Structural drivers: international diversification, business access, succession planning, global mobility and currency diversification.

Looking ahead, Khanna expects the long‑term trend of wealth movement to the UAE to continue, driven by structural motives such as diversification, business operations and family‑office formation. While geopolitical uncertainty has slowed fresh relocation decisions, he said the fundamental drivers—policy consistency, market access and multi‑jurisdictional custody—will support Dubai’s role as a preferred wealth hub for Indian investors over the coming years.