Number of millionaires decline in UAE: Capgemini

The number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs), as well as their wealth, declined in the UAE last year fell due to a fall in market capitalization, according to a new study released on Tuesday.

The World Wealth Report 2019, published by Capgemini, found that the wealth and population of the millionaires fell nine per cent and six per cent, respectively, in 2018. However, it didn't disclose the number of millionaires and the size of their wealth.

While Knight Frank recently said that the number of millionaires in the UAE increased from 52,344 in 2017 to 53,798 in 2018.

According to Capgemini, the Middle East region recorded an impressive HNWI population and wealth growth numbers, thanks to improving oil prices combined with significant fiscal and structural reforms. The total population of the millionaires in the remained unchanged at 0.7 million. While their wealth grew from $2.5 trillion in 2017 to $2.6 trillion in 2018.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait demonstrated impressive growth on account of improving GDP growth and strong financial market performance. In Saudi Arabia, the HNWI population and wealth increased seven per cent and four per cent, respectively. While Kuwait registered an increase of eight per cent and six per cent, respectively.

The number of HNWIs in Saudi Arabia increased from 179,000 in 2017 to 191,000 and from 174,000 to 188,000 in Kuwait.

Globally, the number of millionaires declined 0.3 per cent to 18 million while their wealth declined three per cent or $2.1 trillion year-on-year to $68.1 trillion in 2018 largely due to a drop in wealth in the Asia-Pacific region (specifically China) while Europe accounted for about one-quarter of the overall decline or $500 billion.

Countries with the highest number of millionaires:

Top countries per HNWI

USA 5.322m

Japan 3.151m

Germany 1.350m

China 1.189m

France 635,000

UK 556,000

Switzerland 384,000

Canada 362,000

Italy 275,000

Australia 266,000

Netherlands 259,000

India 256,000