UAE investors see $545,000 median inheritance as wealth transfer looms: HSBC
By Staff Writer
Wealthy investors in the UAE expect inheritances worth roughly twice the global median, with more families looking to pass on assets to fund businesses and support the next generation, an HSBC survey showed.
The median expected inheritance among UAE respondents able to estimate its value was AED2 million ($545,000), with recipients anticipating the transfer at around age 52, according to the research conducted by Ipsos.
Half of affluent and high-net-worth investors surveyed in the UAE expect to receive a significant inheritance, compared with 43% globally.
"A significant transfer of wealth between generations is under way in the UAE, and families want to get it right," said Craig Worobec, HSBC's Head of Wealth and Premier Solutions for the Middle East and UAE.
The survey of 9,993 affluent and high-net-worth investors across 10 markets, including 703 in the UAE, found that 58% of UAE respondents expect to leave a significant financial legacy.
About 32% of those planning to pass on wealth want their heirs to use it to start or expand businesses, against 24% globally.
Separately, 21% of UAE investors surveyed are launching, acquiring or investing in businesses, compared with a global average of 17%.
UAE wealth forecast to reach $6 trillion
The findings come as the UAE's wealth market is projected to expand despite uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict.
Net wealth in the UAE is forecast to reach $6 trillion by 2030, up from $3.6 trillion in 2025, according to Boston Consulting Group's Global Wealth Report 2026, published on October 12.
BCG expects annual growth of 10.6% over the five-year period, driven by increases in financial wealth and real assets, including property.
The number of individuals holding more than $100 million in assets is projected to rise from about 500 in 2025 to 800 by 2030, the report said.
Financial confidence
The HSBC survey also found that UAE investors were more confident about meeting their financial goals than their global peers.
About 87% expect to achieve their short-term financial objectives, compared with 83% globally, while confidence in meeting longer-term goals stood at 81%, against 76% worldwide.
More than eight in 10 UAE respondents said they had a clear strategy for managing family wealth across generations, compared with 75% globally.
The survey also pointed to changing retirement preferences, with 81% of UAE respondents expecting to leave work gradually or adopt flexible arrangements rather than retire completely.
About 35% plan to pursue advisory roles, board positions or other careers after leaving full-time employment, the highest proportion among the 10 markets surveyed.
The UAE ranked among the top three markets for quality-of-life satisfaction, with 83% of respondents satisfied with their living standards, compared with 75% globally.
The findings were released as HSBC held its first UAE Wealth Investment Summit in Dubai on October 22.
The inheritance figures reflect respondents' expectations rather than completed wealth transfers.
(Writing by Mily Chakrabarty; editing by Daniel Luiz)
mily.chakrabarty@lseg.com