Wealthy Cities Where Education Meets Opportunity

Investing in a world-class education for one’s children remains a cornerstone of long-term family success. Countries such as Switzerland, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia continue to set the global benchmark for academic excellence and remain highly sought after by ambitious students worldwide. However, as new economic power centers emerge, there is a growing awareness among internationally mobile families and investors of the opportunities available in other dynamic locations that offer high quality education along with strong employment and career prospects.

Cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai, which rank in the Top 50 Cities for Millionaires in 2025, are rapidly rising in global standing, not only as thriving business and finance hubs but also as attractive destinations for high-quality education and long-term opportunity. For globally minded parents, these locations represent compelling alternatives — where top-tier schooling is matched by vibrant economic ecosystems, strategic residence or citizenship pathways, and a high quality of life.

As economist Branko Milanovic puts it, “If you want to be rich, you’d better be born in a rich country — or emigrate there.” For families aiming to future-proof the next generation, placing children in high-opportunity environments — both academically and geographically — can dramatically shape their long-term trajectories. This concept underpins the new Henley Opportunity Index, a proprietary benchmarking of how first-class education and expanded access drives success. Wealthy families are now laser-focused on securing their heirs’ fortunes. Yet truly future-proofing requires more than just financial legacies. Protecting children’s potential also means clearing pathways to allow access to the world’s best opportunities. The three cities mentioned above and also feature prominently in the Henley Opportunity Index in terms of the earning and career advancement potential they hold.

Why Singapore stands out

The dynamic city-state of Singapore ranks 2^nd in the Henley Opportunity Index reflecting its exceptional appeal. It scores a perfect 100/100 for earning potential, an impressive 99/100 for top-tier employment prospects, and 92/100 for economic mobility — figures that underscore its magnetism for skilled professionals from across the globe.

In addition to its economic strengths, Singapore offers a highly regarded education system known for its progressive methods and international outlook. Students are equipped to thrive in a globalized, fast-evolving world. Despite its small size, Singapore has two universities ranked among the Top 250 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Singapore also offers a vibrant, multi-cultural, and secure living environment, making it a desirable destination for both education and career pursuits. Through the Singapore Global Investor Program, ultra-high-net-worth global citizens can access bespoke visa options that promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Investors consistently praise the jurisdiction’s stability, tax efficiency, and top-tier academic ecosystem — making it an ideal launchpad for the next generation.

Hong Kong’s competitive edge

Hong Kong (SAR China) is recognized in the Henley Opportunity Index for its high earning potential (85/100) and strong employment prospects (81/100). While compact in size, the city-state is home to five of the world’s Top 250 universities, attracting highly talented individuals from around the world and shaping innovation across various fields.

As a key gateway to Asia, Hong Kong offers promising career options with access to world-class companies and a flourishing start-up ecosystem that drives innovation. The demand for highly skilled professionals remains high, with many opportunities to secure roles in leading international firms. Consistently ranked among the world’s most competitive economies, Hong Kong provides opportunities across finance, technology, and the creative industries.

For those looking to advance their careers in a fast-paced and global economic ecosystem, Hong Kong is a prime destination for success. The Hong Kong Residence by Investment program offers numerous options for global investors looking to secure access to one of Asia’s most dynamic financial and educational hubs for their children, including the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

The UAE’s rise as an educational powerhouse

The UAE is recognized in the Henley Opportunity Index for its top-tier employment prospects (84/100) and high earning potential (78/100). As Dubai and Abu Dhabi solidify their positions as key wealth hubs, career opportunities are expanding rapidly, attracting industry leaders exploring opportunities in a competitive and well-connected global market.

The Emirates stands out as a leading economic center, where rapid progress is fueled by the strong presence of multi-national companies. It attracts individuals highly skilled in engineering, mathematics, private healthcare, science, and technology, fostering an international workforce and extensive networking possibilities.

The country is also positioning itself as an emerging global education hub to sustain its attractiveness to international investors and high-net-worth families, internationalizing education by partnering with universities, expanding international school networks, and fostering cross-border academic collaboration.

Offering a blend of innovation, connectivity, and progressive industries, the UAE is a top destination for those seeking sustained professional success. The UAE’s residence by investment initiative offers 10-year renewable golden visas to those investing in local real estate, providing a strategic base for regional HQs tapping markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The UAE has actively formed international partnerships with UK and US universities. In 2007, London Business School opened its first satellite campus in Dubai offering an Executive MBA program. New York University Abu Dhabi was formed in 2010 as a degree-granting portal campus of NYU which was established as a private liberal arts college in UAE.

Looking ahead, the first full-scale international boarding school in the UAE, the Harrow International Boarding School Abu Dhabi, is set to open in 2026, bringing British-style education to the region. 

Investment migration: A strategic advantage

In a world where access to opportunity is increasingly shaped by geography and connectivity, wealth hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE are not only nurturing the next generation of global talent but also offering tailored investment migration pathways that open doors to future success.

Through Henley & Partners Education services, families can secure the best international education for their children, and our complementary investment migration advisory services will help them acquire a portfolio of residence permits and citizenships that give them the right to study, live, work, and invest in countries of their choice. By aligning educational goals with strategic residence or citizenship planning, globally minded families can empower their children to thrive in some of the world’s most dynamic, secure, and opportunity-rich environments. As these cities continue to internationalize and innovate, they are redefining what it means to be a global citizen in the 21^st century.