Once seen as a place to spend wealth, Dubai is now where many come to build, grow, and structure it. According to Henley & Partners, the UAE is set to attract nearly 10,000 millionaires this year – drawn by zero income tax, regulatory transparency, and a lifestyle that doesn’t compromise. This shift is mirrored in the city’s financial infrastructure, which has matured significantly over the past decade. Today, more than 440 wealth and asset management firms operate out of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), serving a growing population of globally minded investors.
When finding the right investment firm, the question isn’t about size or brand recognition (though these help) – it’s about alignment. The right company will act as a long-term partner, offering an honest perspective on risk, timing, and how capital can support the life you’re building. Here are five of the top investment firms in Dubai shaping that conversation.
Emirates NBD Private Banking
For investors and families with more than $5 million in assets under management, Emirates NBD is typically the first port of call. This state-owned bank offers a full suite of private banking services, including portfolio management and succession planning, but where it truly stands out is in its regional depth. Clients can tap into real estate financing, Sharia-compliant solutions, and cross-border banking across the Gulf – all handled internally.
It also provides access to exclusive regional IPOs, fixed-income products, and structured notes with teams based in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The investment approach is generally conservative, appealing to those who value stability over experimentation. As with most private banks, the level of personalisation depends largely on your relationship manager – some take an active advisory role, others will be more transactional.
Emirates NBD won’t suit every investor – especially those with more complex offshore needs – but for anyone focused on the Gulf, its regional footing and deep institutional ties make it a natural first choice.
Julius Baer
If discretion matters, another name to trust in Dubai is Julius Baer – a Swiss private bank with 130 years of provenance. Founded in Zurich, Julius Baer opened its DIFC office in 2004 and was the first international wealth manager licensed by the DFSA. It has since grown into one of the most established private banks in the region, with a local team specialising in cross-border portfolio structuring, family office services, and access to international lending.
While the bank doesn’t publish a formal entry point, portfolios in the multi-million-dollar range are generally expected – particularly for access to family office support or private market opportunities. Its platform is open-architecture, meaning it doesn’t rely on in-house products. Instead, portfolios are constructed from a broad pool of global investments, shaped around each client’s individual goals and preferences.
ESG strategies, private equity allocations, and custody services are all available here. Julius Baer is best suited to clients who want a long-term partner with international reach, rather than a fast-moving, deal-oriented advisory shop. For clients with similar goals but a stronger focus on environmental and ESG-led investing, Lombard Odier is another excellent Swiss option in DIFC.
Julius Baer recently closed its Qatar office and is expanding further into the UAE, signalling a firm commitment to the region.
Sarwa
At the other end of the spectrum is Sarwa – a DIFC-regulated digital wealth platform that’s become a go-to for younger investors and expats who want something simple, transparent, and low on fees. Founded in 2017, Sarwa was the first robo-advisory firm to be licensed by the DFSA and has since expanded into trading, crypto, and halal portfolios, accessible via a single app.
There’s no relationship manager or investment committee here – instead, portfolios are built using low-cost ETFs, matched to your risk profile, and automatically rebalanced over time. You can start with as little as $500 for a globally diversified Invest Account, and fees are capped at 0.85%, including custodial costs. While it’s a very different model from traditional private banks, that’s precisely the point: Sarwa is designed for accessibility, not exclusivity.
It won’t suit complex structures or clients looking for estate planning, tax advice, or access to private markets, but for straightforward, diversified investing with no friction, it’s a compelling value proposition.
Holborn Assets
With roots in the UK and a 25-year track record, Holborn Assets has become a familiar name for expats in Dubai looking to manage wealth across borders. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Dubai since 2008, the firm focuses on financial planning for globally mobile clients, covering pension transfers, education planning, insurance, and investment portfolios that can move with you.
Advisors here are typically UK-qualified and work on a one-to-one basis, with portfolios built around a mix of global funds, fixed-income products, and structured notes. Minimum investment thresholds vary depending on the service, and as with most asset managers, the experience depends heavily on the individual advisor. Some clients benefit from consistent, long-term relationships, but others may find the model less cohesive than that of a discretionary wealth manager. Still, for expats seeking portability – especially those managing pensions or assets back home – Holborn remains one of the most recognised and accessible firms in the market.
Another strong choice for UK expats is Skybound Wealth Management, which has licensed offices in the DIFC, UK, Europe, and South Africa.
UBS Wealth Management
UBS is the largest private bank in the world by assets under management, and its DIFC office acts as the regional gateway to that scale. From here, investors can access the bank’s global platform, covering everything from equities and bonds to private markets and lending.
What sets UBS apart is its depth. Clients can tap into expert research, take part in select pre-IPO opportunities, and build portfolios that span multiple jurisdictions, often with legal and tax support. Access to private equity, private credit, and other alternative investments is a particular strength here, especially for those with $5 million or more under management.
That said, UBS is institutional by nature and suits investors who already know what they want, or who need execution at scale, rather than those looking for bespoke planning or personal rapport. Entry typically starts around $2 million, and the relationship is more formal and process-driven than at boutique firms.
Final thoughts
Making money is one thing, but keeping it, structuring it, and putting it to work over time is quite another. Dubai has become an increasingly smart place to do just that, with strong regulation by DIFC and a growing ecosystem of serious investment firms that understand the needs of globally-minded investors. If you’re seeking exclusive investment opportunities in Dubai’s luxury real estate market, please contact us and one of our experts will be glad to assist.
