Dubai partners with Julius Baer to attract global investors and family offices

Dubai is seeking to build on its growing appeal to international capital through a new partnership with Swiss wealth manager Julius Baer.

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed an agreement with the bank to help international investors, entrepreneurs, family offices, and private clients explore opportunities to establish businesses, manage wealth, and expand their activities in the emirate.

The agreement comes amid continued growth in Dubai’s private wealth ecosystem. Data from the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) shows that the number of family-related entities operating in the center reached 1,289 by the end of 2025, up 61% from the previous year.

The number of family foundations established at DIFC also increased 66% year on year to 1,115.

DET said the growth reflects rising interest from international investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking to base their businesses and wealth in Dubai.

The emirate has ranked as the world’s leading destination for Greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for five consecutive years. Its economy expanded by 5.4% in 2025.

Under the agreement, Julius Baer will use its international client network and global market presence to help channel investor interest into business and investment opportunities in Dubai.

The Swiss bank operates in more than 25 countries and 60 locations. Its assets under management stood at CHF547 billion ($684.4 billion) at the end of June 2026.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said the partnership would help convert interest from international investors and family offices into business activity and investment while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global wealth hub.

Rahul Malhotra, Head of Region Emerging Markets at Julius Baer, said the bank continues to see strong demand from international clients considering Dubai as a base for their wealth, businesses, and families.

He said the emirate’s economic stability, institutional infrastructure, and long-term growth outlook continue to strengthen its appeal, adding that the agreement builds on Julius Baer’s more than 20-year presence in Dubai.