Dubai has emerged as a leading hub for private jet demand, according to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, published by Henley & Partners in collaboration with New World Wealth. The report highlights that Dubai is home to 81 200 millionaires and 237 centimillionaires, with a remarkable 102 percent growth in the number of millionaires from 2014 to 2024. This increase in wealth has significantly boosted the region’s private jet market, which was valued at $566 million (Dh2 billion) last year and is projected to reach $943 million (Dh3.4 billion) by 2029, as reported by advisory firm Creative Zone.

Tom Murphy, managing director of Gama Aviation, a fixed-base operator providing operational support to private jets, emphasizes that the UAE serves as an ideal platform for business jet activity. He attributes this to the presence of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and the influx of businesses relocating from Europe to establish their headquarters in the region.

In addition to UHNW individuals, other users of private jets in the UAE include governments, royals, media, sports celebrities, and corporations, as explained by Mark Hardman, CEO of RightJet. He notes a noticeable shift in business aviation activity towards the Middle East, particularly in ownership and charter sectors, with significant activity in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Experts attribute part of the surge in private jet interest to the Covid-19 pandemic, as travelers sought to minimize their exposure to others in confined spaces. According to Khaleej Times, Graham Williamson, managing director of Aircraft Management and Charter at Gama Aviation, explains that traditional airlines faced operational challenges, leading many to explore chartering options. He highlights the time-saving aspect of private jet travel as a key benefit, stating, “People were initially exposed to chartering and they thought this actually works because it saves time.”

Once individuals experience the luxury of private jet travel, it becomes difficult to revert to traditional methods. Murphy recalls a client who purchased a jet during the pandemic to protect his elderly wife from potential exposure. This client continues to use the aircraft regularly.

For many, owning a private jet symbolizes the ultimate luxury. It transcends mere transportation, offering exclusivity, time efficiency, and the ability to create a personal oasis. Hardman explains that the decision to buy a private jet depends on various factors, including the client’s profile, utilization, and budget. He advises that if a client is flying over 300 hours a year, acquisition may be worth considering from a commercial perspective.

Estimating the cost of private jet ownership can be challenging due to numerous recurring expenses, such as maintenance, insurance, crew salaries, and fuel. Hardman states, “The operating cost of a $1 million Cessna Citation would be very different from a $135 million Boeing Business Jet (BBJ).” He mentions that the average client in the Middle East spends over $10 million on acquiring a private jet.

The profile of private jet owners has shifted in recent years, particularly since the pandemic, with owners now being at least ten years younger than before, often in their 40s, 30s, or even early 20s. Many come from emerging industries like technology, although sectors like finance and construction still dominate. Matteo Atti, chief marketing officer of VistaJet, notes that 80 percent of their passengers are self-made individuals who are increasingly value-conscious and thoughtful about luxury.

While VistaJet does not engage in private jet sales, it serves UHNW clients through a membership program where members pay for the hours they fly. Atti observes that the demographics of private jet travelers have evolved, reflecting changes in economic power and greater representation among women in leadership roles.

Clients in the UAE often have specific preferences for larger jets, such as the Challenger 605 or Embraer Legacy, which can cost between $10 million and $30 million. Hardman explains that these heavy jets offer ample space and stand-up cabins, catering to clients who travel with larger parties for both business and leisure. He notes that while the typical party size in Europe is two to four, in the Middle East, it averages around six to eight.

Williamson emphasizes the high expectations for quality and service among clients in the region, stating, “People here demand and expect perfection.” Atti adds that clients expect a significantly higher level of hospitality, influenced by the Gulf tradition, which requires authentic and considerate relationships between hosts and guests.

Williamson recalls accommodating a famous pop star’s request for specific catering during a world tour, illustrating the personalized service expected on private jets. Private jets epitomize ultra-luxury, featuring amenities such as bathrooms with showers, dining rooms, and bespoke interiors tailored to individual tastes.

Atti describes the service surrounding private jet travel as “invisible luxury,” where every detail—from the greeting by the pilot to the attentive crew—is meticulously curated to ensure a seamless experience for passengers.