DET and Julius Baer will assist family offices and investors seeking to set up operations in Dubai.
Dubai: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has entered into a strategic agreement with Swiss wealth manager Julius Baer to support international investors, entrepreneurs, and family offices looking to establish or expand their presence in the emirate.
The partnership will establish structured pathways for private clients considering Dubai as a hub for their wealth, businesses, and families, while advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Julius Baer will leverage its international network across more than 25 countries and 60 locations to connect clients with investment and business opportunities in Dubai.
The Swiss wealth manager reported assets under management of 547 billion Swiss francs as of the end of June 2026.
Turning interest into investment
DET said the partnership will help transform growing international interest in Dubai into tangible business launches and investment opportunities.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of DET, said the collaboration would enhance Dubai’s ability to assist investors seeking stability, confidence, and access to global markets.
The agreement is designed to support family offices, entrepreneurs, and private clients exploring long-term investments and capital deployment in the emirate.
Family office growth
Dubai’s private wealth sector continues to expand, with the Dubai International Financial Centre reporting significant growth in the number of family-related entities operating in the emirate.
DIFC recorded 1,289 family-related entities at the end of 2025, marking a 61 per cent year-on-year increase.
Families operating from the financial centre also established 1,115 foundations, representing a 66 per cent rise compared with the previous year.
The growth comes amid broader economic expansion in Dubai, with the emirate’s GDP rising by 5.4 per cent in 2025.
Dubai has maintained its position as the world’s top destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for five consecutive years.
Another global banking partnership
The Julius Baer alliance follows a separate collaboration between DET and Deutsche Bank focused on attracting international investors, family offices, and global businesses to Dubai.
The partnership leverages Deutsche Bank’s expertise across private banking, corporate banking, and investment banking to identify clients exploring relocation, cross-border structuring, or business expansion opportunities.
DET provides support to referred clients through their Dubai market entry journey, including assistance with company establishment, coordination with government entities, and access to relevant residency options.
Deutsche Bank will also host a Wealth and Family Office Forum in Dubai and involve DET in international roadshows and client engagement events.
