UAE private jet companies thrive on influx of millionaire flyers

A record number of flights taken on private jets has prompted UAE aviation companies to bolster their luxury charter fleets, amid an influx of millionaires and billionaires. 

Dubai-based jet operator Vista Global has placed a $1 billion order with Canadian manufacturer Bombardier. The deal for 40 Challenger 3500 business jets has an option for an additional 120 planes, which would bring the value to as much as $4.7 billion, Reuters reports.

With the lure of an advantageous tax regime and a safe and luxurious lifestyle, Dubai and neighboring Abu Dhabi have become the world’s top destinations for millionaires, driving a sustained boom in luxury property and, now, demand for private jets. 

Dubai’s main private jet hub at Dubai South reported a record-breaking 20,289 business aviation movements in 2025, up 17% on the prior year.

Shares in Montreal-based Bombardier have risen by more than 200% over the past year based on strong revenue growth, including higher demand for aftermarket servicing. The company is looking at increasing production of private jets to meet the growing demand.

The 3500 model is an upscale version of Bombardier’s Challenger 350, seating up to 10 passengers. It features a 6-foot cabin height, deep-reclining seats and voice-controlled cabin lighting, temperature and entertainment. 

Dubai climbs wealth rankings with surge in millionaires

Dubai is growing wealthier than ever as the number of millionaires in the Gulf emirate jumped more than 12% last year to 81,000.

That placed the city in 18th place on the annual ranking of the world’s richest cities published by Henley & Partners, up from 21st place last year.

Dubai’s population of centimillionaires – those with $100 million or more – rose to 237 from 212, while the city added five more billionaires from the 15 living there in 2024.

Leading this year’s list was New York, with 349,500 millionaires; the San Francisco Bay area, with 305,700; and Tokyo, with 298,300.

Exclusive wealth network Tiger 21 opens doors to Dubai millionaires

Tiger 21, an international networking group for millionaires and billionaires, has set up shop in Dubai.

The organization, which has about 1,600 members around the world, provides a forum for members to share tips on wealth preservation, inheritance, investments, legacy building and philanthropy, The National reports.

Prospective members for Tiger 21 need to have at least $20 million in assets and must be referred by existing members before undergoing an extensive background check.

Membership costs about $33,000 a year, following a one-time initiation fee of $4,900.