A Quarter of UAE Residents Uncertain About Their Financial Future: Insights from HSBC Survey

October 13, 2025

Dubai, UAE – A significant portion of UAE residents contemplating a move or retirement outside the country are grappling with uncertainty about their financial futures, according to newly released survey data. The findings spurred HSBC to introduce an enhanced banking service with a focus on international financial planning.

Financial Concerns Drive Demand for planning Tools

The study, conducted by yougov on behalf of HSBC, discovered that 25 Percent of respondents expressed apprehension regarding their financial arrangements for a post-UAE life.An alarming 8 Percent admitted to having no financial plan in place whatsoever. A primary obstacle cited by individuals intending to relocate was the intricacy of managing assets across different nations, impacting 28 Percent of the respondents.

Insufficient income and a lack of forward planning followed closely, affecting 18 Percent and 16 Percent of prospective expatriates, respectively. This growing apprehension reflects a broader trend of increased financial complexity in a globally mobile world. According to a recent report by Deoitte, cross-border financial management has increased 30% in the last five years.

HSBC Unveils ‘Future Planner’ to Address Client Needs

In response to these concerns,HSBC announced on Monday the rollout of its upgraded premier banking services in the UAE. Central to this enhancement is “Future Planner”, a pioneering digital tool intended to aid affluent and internationally focused clients in charting their long-term financial objectives.

Available through HSBC’s mobile application, Future Planner enables users to model diverse financial possibilities, monitor progress toward crucial goals such as retirement and educational funding, and project their projected net worth. HSBC asserts that this tool is the first of its kind currently available in the UAE market.

“The UAE stands as a remarkably international hub, where our clients’ financial lives frequently extend across borders and currencies,” stated Dinesh Sharma, HSBC’s Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye. “By integrating refined digital planning capabilities with personalized specialist guidance and our robust global network, we are empowering our clients to make confident financial decisions, irrespective of their location.”

A Holistic Approach to Premier Banking

The newly structured Premier offering is built around four core areas: wealth, health, travel, and international banking. The updated service includes broadened investment and insurance choices,health and wellness partnerships,and streamlined international banking features like instant global transfers and simplified overseas account setup.

HSBC reported a significant 535 Percent surge in trading volume on its World Trader platform during the first half of 2025 compared to the prior year, alongside a 75 Percent increase in assets under management, reaching $883 million. This upswing underscores a growing investor appetite among UAE-based clients. The bank has also expanded its physical presence, opening its inaugural Middle East Wealth Center in Dubai’s Jumeirah district.

Another noteworthy trend is the rising emphasis on health and wellbeing, with 34 Percent of UAE adults prioritizing it over the past year. HSBC’s commitment extends to this area with partnerships designed to support customer wellbeing.

Key benefits of HSBC Premier’s New Offering

Feature	Benefit
Future Planner	Simulates financial scenarios and tracks progress.
Expanded Investments	greater portfolio diversification.
Global Transfers	Faster and more efficient international money movement.
Wealth Centres	Personalized financial advice.

“Our commitment is to be the preferred international bank for affluent clients, delivering both wealth management solutions and seamless day-to-day banking services, both locally and internationally,” Sharma added.

Did You Know? The UAE is currently home to over 8.8 million expatriates, representing over 80% of the total population, according to the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.

Pro Tip: Regularly reviewing your financial plan, especially when considering a move abroad, is crucial. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your strategy aligns with your goals.

What steps are you taking to prepare financially for your future, and how confident are you in your current plan?

Understanding Global Financial Planning

International financial planning involves navigating complex tax regulations, currency fluctuations, and diverse investment landscapes. It is crucial to consider factors such as repatriation of funds, retirement income planning in different jurisdictions, and estate planning to minimize potential tax liabilities. As global mobility increases,the demand for specialized financial advice is expected to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Planning for Expats

• What is the biggest financial challenge for UAE expats? The complexity of managing finances across multiple countries is often the most significant hurdle.
• How can HSBC’s Future Planner help me? It allows you to simulate financial scenarios, track your goals, and forecast your net worth.
• What are the four pillars of HSBC Premier’s new offering? Wealth, health, travel and international banking.
• Is it tough to open an overseas bank account? HSBC’s Premier service streamlines the process of opening accounts abroad.
• What should I consider when planning for retirement abroad? Evaluate tax implications,healthcare access,and cost of living in your intended destination.
• Are there any tax implications when moving assets abroad? Yes, it’s crucial to understand both UAE exit tax regulations and the tax laws of your destination country.
• Is Financial planning significant for UAE residents? Absolutely, as the UAE is a diverse country where manny residents will eventually repatriate or retire elsewhere.

Share this article with friends and family who are considering a move abroad, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What financial planning steps can UAE residents take to address concerns about achieving their financial goals, as indicated by the 25% uncertainty rate?

The Growing Financial Anxiety in the Emirates

Recent findings from an HSBC survey paint a concerning picture of financial confidence within the UAE. Approximately 25% of residents express uncertainty regarding their financial future, a figure that highlights a growing need for financial literacy and robust financial planning strategies. This article delves into the key takeaways from the HSBC report, exploring the contributing factors and offering actionable advice for navigating these challenging times. We’ll cover everything from UAE financial planning to personal finance in the UAE and strategies for building financial security.

Key Findings of the HSBC UAE Financial Future Survey

The HSBC survey, conducted in late 2025, revealed several critical insights into the financial wellbeing of UAE residents. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant data points:

* Uncertainty Prevalence: 25% of residents are unsure about their ability to achieve their financial goals.

* Inflation Concerns: A significant 68% of respondents cited rising inflation as a major obstacle to financial progress. This impacts cost of living in UAE and purchasing power.

* Retirement Planning Gaps: Nearly 40% admitted to not having a complete retirement plan in place. This underscores the importance of retirement planning UAE.

* Investment Hesitancy: A notable portion (32%) expressed reluctance to invest, frequently enough due to market volatility and a lack of financial knowledge.This impacts investment options in UAE.

* Debt Management: 18% of respondents are actively managing significant debt, impacting their ability to save and invest. Debt consolidation UAE is becoming a popular search term.

factors Contributing to Financial Uncertainty

Several interconnected factors are fueling this financial anxiety among UAE residents.

Global Economic Headwinds

the global economic climate, characterized by geopolitical instability and fluctuating interest rates, directly impacts the UAE economy. This translates to increased costs for businesses and consumers alike.

Rising Cost of living

The UAE cost of living, notably in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has been steadily increasing. Housing, education, and healthcare costs are significant contributors. this is driving searches for budgeting tips UAE.

Inflationary Pressures

As highlighted in the HSBC survey,inflation remains a primary concern. The rising prices of essential goods and services erode purchasing power and make it harder to save. Understanding UAE inflation rate is crucial for financial planning.

Lack of Financial Literacy

A lack of comprehensive financial education leaves many residents unprepared to navigate complex financial landscapes. This includes understanding investment options, managing debt, and planning for retirement.

Actionable Steps to Enhance Financial Wellbeing

Despite the challenges, there are proactive steps UAE residents can take to improve their financial outlook.

Develop a Realistic Budget

Creating a detailed budget is the cornerstone of financial stability. Track income and expenses to identify areas where you can save. Utilize budgeting apps or spreadsheets to streamline the process.

Prioritize Debt Management

Develop a strategy to tackle existing debt. Consider options like debt consolidation or balance transfers to lower interest rates. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt first.

Invest for the Future

Don’t let market volatility deter you from investing. Diversify your portfolio across different asset classes to mitigate risk. Consider consulting a financial advisor to develop a personalized investment strategy. Explore best investments in UAE.

Enhance Financial Literacy

Invest time in learning about personal finance. Numerous online resources, workshops, and courses are available to improve your financial knowledge. Look for courses on financial planning for expats in UAE.

Secure Your Retirement

start planning for retirement early, even if it seems distant.Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans and consider opening a personal retirement savings account.

The Role of Financial Advisors in the UAE

Navigating the complexities of the UAE financial landscape can be daunting. A qualified financial advisor can provide personalized guidance and support.

* Personalized Financial Planning: Advisors can definitely help you create a tailored financial plan based on your individual goals and circumstances.

* Investment Management: They can assist with selecting and managing investments to maximize returns while minimizing risk.

* Retirement Planning: Advisors can help you develop a comprehensive retirement plan to ensure a agreeable future.

* Tax Optimization: They can provide guidance on tax-efficient investment strategies.

real-World Example: The Impact of Early Investment

Consider a 30-year-old expat in Dubai who begins investing AED 1,000 per month in a diversified portfolio with an average annual return of 7%. By the age of 60, this consistent investment could potentially grow to over AED 800,000, demonstrating the power of compounding and early investment. This highlights the importance of long-term investing UAE.

Resources for UAE Residents

Here are some valuable resources for improving your financial wellbeing:

* HSBC UAE: [https://wwwhsbcae[https://wwwhsbcae