UAE's affluent investors lead global shift to alternatives and gold
Affluent investors in the UAE are at the forefront of a transformation sweeping wealth management worldwide, according to HSBC's 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot. The report highlights how UAE-based investors are not only outpacing global averages in confidence and agility but also deepening their exposure to alternative assets and international opportunities reflecting the region's dynamic approach to building and protecting wealth.
The data gathered from 10,797 individual investors in 12 markets shows a growing appetite for diversification across asset classes and geographies. Younger investors, especially Gen Z, are leading this shift, having tripled their allocations to alternative assets over the past 12 months. Overall, 5 in 10 affluent investors globally expect to have alternative investments in their portfolios within the next year – twice the current level of ownership – with 3 in 10 saying they will have private markets exposure.
Portfolio shifts
Cash allocations in UAE portfolios have plummeted to just 13%, the lowest globally and well below the 20% global average, as investors move decisively to put their cash to work. The UAE data shows gold allocations rose by 5 points with 57% affluent investors planning to invest in gold—and nearly four in ten interested in tokenised gold. Alternatives - such as private market funds and hedge funds - are owned by 36% of affluent investors which is a 4% rise on last years cohort.
Confidence in achieving goals
UAE investors lead the global data in terms of confidence:
86% are confident in achieving short-term goals (vs. 81% globally)
78% are confident in medium-term goals (vs. 72% globally)
85% are confident in long-term goals (vs. 76% globally)
Satisfaction with quality of life is at 85%, which is higher than the global average of 76%.
Commenting on the UAE data within the global context, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking (IWPB), Middle East, Dinesh Sharma, said: "With cash allocations at the lowest globally, UAE investors are actively putting their cash to work, including looking at alternative investments and gold as part of a diversified portfolio. Our research shows that UAE investors are not only focusing on local opportunities like home ownership but are also embracing international diversification, with the US and UK among their preferred overseas markets.
"The point on greater confidence among UAE investors is consistent with the bigger picture which shows so many wealthy and talented individuals coming to the UAE over the past few years. This is a big trend which underpins why we are scaling up our investment here and further establishing our commitment to be the preferred wealth partner for international customers.
"We see the UAE as a dynamic hub for wealth management in the Middle East and fully expect this segment to continue to sustainably grow in the medium and long term."
Global perspective
56% of UAE affluent investors plan to expand internationally—more than any other surveyed market. The US, UK and Germany are the preferred destinations for overseas investment accounts.
The top channels for investment information are social platforms (53%), bank digital channels (38%), and non-bank digital channels (35%)—with a strong reliance on expertise from wealth specialists (62%) and family members (35%) for decision guidance
Globally, younger generations are leading the move out of cash, with Gen Z and millennials reducing their average holdings from 31% to 17%. Looking ahead, however, views on cash are split. Half of affluent investors plan to keep their allocations unchanged while 2 in 10 expect to reduce and 3 in 10 expect to increase.
Looking ahead, investors in the UAE are the most likely to deploy more cash (28%) and those in mainland China are the most likely to increase holdings (34%) in the next 12 months.
Media enquiries to:
Ahmad Othman / +97150 306 9319 / ahmad.othman@hsbc.com
Tony Hannon / +97150 414 7496 / tony.hannon@hsbc.com
All references to Gold include other precious metals, in line with survey.
The full report, including a snapshot for each of the 12 markets is available on HSBC.com. Click here to access.
Full URL: https://www.hsbc.ae/wealth/insights/learn-to-invest/meet-life-goals/wealth-across-generations-strategies-for-a-secure-future/
About HSBC
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,214bn at 30 June 2025, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.
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The National
37 minutes ago
- The National
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Lebanon's real gross domestic product contracted by 24.6 per cent in 2020, largely because of the blast, with a contraction of 33.2 per cent in the third quarter if that year, Beirut-based Byblos Bank said. 'There's been no accountability,' Nasser Saidi, a former economy minister and deputy governor of Lebanon's central bank, told The National f rom Beirut. The inquiry has repeatedly been hampered by political interference, legal challenges and the removal of lead investigators, leaving victims' families still searching for answers. Mr Saidi said: 'We have not seen a report, a verifiable report, of why the explosion took place. This issue of accountability is important because it covers the overall perception that things happen in Lebanon – disasters, economic collapse – and there is no accountability.' Who paid? The Lebanese government has failed to help businesses and people affected by the blast, Mr Saidi said. 'The state has been nearly absent. 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Khaleej Times
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Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website 'Etihad Rail is a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future,' he said. 'It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods.' He emphasised that the project embodies the spirit of the Union and reflects national aspirations for sustainability, connectivity, and improved quality of life across all seven emirates. Sheikh Mohammed also praised the efforts of the Etihad Rail team, calling their work a source of national pride and a key contribution to the country's future-oriented, sustainable transport system. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing from Etihad Rail engineers and officials on project progress and upcoming milestones. Team members expressed their gratitude for the leadership's continued support and described the visit as a historic moment, reinforcing their dedication to delivering a world-class rail network. Connecting the emirates, empowering communities The passenger train connecting Dubai and Fujairah is part of the broader Etihad Rail vision to link 11 cities and regions across the country, from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah on the east coast. Once completed, the network will provide a safe, sustainable, and advanced mode of transportation for citizens, residents, and visitors. Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h and are expected to accommodate up to 400 passengers per trip. By 2030, the system is projected to carry 36.5 million passengers annually. The first four passenger stations will be located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, with further expansion planned across the network. These strategically located hubs aim to reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and boost social and economic ties between communities. The rail system also promises to enhance everyday mobility, empower local economies, and serve as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and sustainable development throughout the country. Leadership endorsement of a national priority Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed at the station by a delegation from Etihad Rail, led by Saeed AlAhbabi, Chief Business Support Officer, along with several senior company executives. Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, emphasised the leadership's role in advancing this national priority. 'We had the honour of hosting Sheik Mohammed aboard a passenger train between Dubai and Fujairah,' Sheikh Theyab said. 'His visit demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the UAE's leadership to support transformative national projects that propel our nation forward.' He noted that Sheikh Mohammed has been an integral part of the journey from the launch of the 'Projects of the 50' initiative in 2021, to the full inauguration of the national freight rail network in 2023. 'Today, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era in transportation and take immense pride in the leadership's support for a project that strengthens connectivity and enhances the UAE's global competitiveness.' Pioneering sustainable infrastructure Etihad Rail continues to advance its passenger service preparations with high standards of operational readiness and safety. Each train will offer a modern, integrated travel experience built around comfort, reliability, and sustainability. The network also reinforces the UAE's growing reputation as a regional leader in transport innovation. The national railway is central to the UAE's broader environmental goals, supporting the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As both a freight and passenger network, Etihad Rail plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, lowering traffic congestion, and promoting green alternatives to road travel. The railway is already fully operational for freight, connecting industrial zones and key logistics hubs across the country. The addition of passenger services will complete a vital link in the UAE's transport ecosystem, driving economic integration and improving quality of life nationwide. As the UAE prepares for commercial operations to begin in 2026, the Etihad Rail project stands as a testament to national unity, forward-looking leadership, and a shared vision for a connected, sustainable future.
