The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been recognized as one of the world’s top 10 countries for next-generation opportunities, primarily due to its Golden Visa program. The UAE secured the seventh position in the Henley Opportunity Index released by Henley and Partners, achieving high scores in employment prospects, earning potential, and economic mobility.

In this evaluation, the UAE received an opportunity score of 67 percent, surpassing countries like Austria, New Zealand, Italy, Hong Kong, Latvia, Malta, Hungary, Greece, and Portugal. The index measures the leading investment migration destinations based on six key parameters: earning potential, career advancement, top-tier employment prospects, premium education, economic mobility, and high livability.

Henley and Partners highlighted that investment migration routes, including the UAE’s Golden Visa and New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa, provide significant advantages for future opportunities. The UAE has launched several long-term residency schemes, such as a 10-year Golden Visa for property buyers, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and outstanding students. Additionally, it offers a Retirement Visa and a Blue Visa aimed at sustainability leaders.

Since its inception in 2019, thousands of investors and property buyers have been granted the 10-year Golden Visa after purchasing properties valued at over AED 2 million. Many affluent individuals from around the globe have chosen the UAE as their home, drawn by the residency scheme.

As Dubai and Abu Dhabi strengthen their roles as prominent wealth hubs, career opportunities are expanding rapidly. Henley and Partners noted that the UAE is becoming a leading economic center, attracting skilled professionals in fields such as engineering, mathematics, private healthcare, science, and technology. This trend fosters a diverse international workforce and broad networking opportunities.

The report emphasizes that the UAE combines innovation, connectivity, and progressive industries, making it a top destination for those aspiring for sustained professional success. In the ranking, Switzerland topped the list of countries with the best investment migration programs, achieving an overall score of 84 percent, followed by Singapore, the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.