Countries with the Most High-Net-Worth Individuals in 2025 within the Gulf Region
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional alliance of six Middle Eastern countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity for expats and investors seeking a high-quality lifestyle and lucrative investment opportunities.
Bahrain, known for its strong financial sector and welcoming expat community, stands out for its more liberal social environment compared to many of its neighbors. The kingdom offers a more understated but equally compelling option for those looking to secure a Gulf base without unnecessary red tape. Bahrain's growing fintech sector and its rebranding as a global hub for innovation, investment, and lifestyle are notable developments in the GCC.
One of the key advantages of investing in Bahrain is the absence of personal income tax, corporate tax on most businesses, and capital gains tax. The process for obtaining a Golden Visa, which offers a renewable 10-year residency to investors, retirees, and highly skilled professionals, typically takes less than two weeks. Investing in property worth at least BHD 200,000 (around US$530,000) also qualifies you for Bahrain's Golden Visa.
Dubai, a global business hub with access to markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa, is another popular destination among high-net-worth individuals. Its free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and corporate tax is at 9%. A property investment of AED 750,000 (around US$204,000) in the UAE can help an individual gain long-term residence.
Qatar is positioning itself as a major financial center, and investing QAR 730,000 (around US$200,000) in property can get you a one-year renewable residence permit. Qatar has a flat corporate tax rate of 10%. Investing in property worth at least QAR 3,650,000 (US$1 million) or more in a designated residential zone can qualify you for permanent residence in Qatar.
Oman, an underrated gem for those seeking a stable, tax-friendly, high-quality lifestyle in the Gulf, offers a straightforward Golden Visa option for residency and allows foreign investors to own property outright in designated areas. English is widely spoken in Oman, and the country has an expat-friendly atmosphere. Oman has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no dividend tax, and its corporate tax is 15%, which is lower than most Western nations. Moreover, Oman allows for the free movement of funds in and out of the country without an exit tax.
Saudi Arabia, with its large-scale economic reforms and investment opportunities under Vision 2030, is also an attractive destination. The best GCC countries for investment migrants in 2025 are expected to be the United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, due to their advanced financial infrastructure, investment incentives, and growing fintech and digital innovation sectors. Saudi Arabia also remains attractive with its economic reforms and investment opportunities under Vision 2030.
Choosing the right country means aligning one's financial, personal, and strategic goals with the ecosystem that can support them. Setting up a company in Bahrain is a quick and straightforward way to obtain residency, usually taking around six weeks. Each GCC country offers its own version of the good life, with a unique mix of tradition and modernity for expats.
In conclusion, the GCC countries, with their low taxes, business-friendly policies, and world-class infrastructure, make attractive destinations for wealth, investment, and luxury living. Whether you're an investor, a retiree, or a professional seeking a new base, the GCC offers a range of opportunities to suit your needs.
