The Billionaire Lifestyle in Dubai: How the Ultra-Rich Spend Their Money

Tuesday, 15 April 2025

The world has always been fascinated by the lives of the rich and famous — and for good reason. Lavish vacations, exotic cars, and gold-plated luxuries aren’t just the stuff of dreams — they’re part of daily life for the ultra-wealthy. And nowhere is this opulence more pronounced than in Dubai.

Often referred to as the “City of Gold,” Dubai has earned its reputation as one of the top luxury destinations in the world. Home to a growing number of billionaires, high-net-worth individuals, and royal families, the city has become a global symbol of wealth, glamour, and unapologetic indulgence.

But just how do the richest people in Dubai spend their fortunes? Let’s take a deep dive into their extravagant lifestyle — from custom-made Bugattis to gold-dispensing ATMs.

Table of Contents

• A Golden Obsession: When Luxury Meets Metal
• ATMs That Dispense Gold, Not Cash
• Booking Celebrities for Private Parties
• License Plates That Cost More Than Supercars
• Ultra-Luxury Jewelry and Timepieces
• Palatial Hotel Experiences
• Traffic Jams Made of Supercars
• Fashion First: Where Couture Meets Everyday Wear
• Gold-Plated Fine Dining
• Multimillion-Dirham Mansions
• Frequently asked questions

1. A Golden Obsession: When Luxury Meets Metal

For Dubai’s elite, owning luxury items isn’t enough — they must be covered in gold. Whether it’s electronics, furniture, or even cars, 24-karat gold is the norm, not the exception. A standard iPhone? Too ordinary. Instead, billionaires opt for custom-crafted, gold-plated phones — often studded with diamonds.

But the obsession doesn’t end with gadgets. Ultra-wealthy car enthusiasts have commissioned vehicles entirely wrapped in gold or white gold, including models from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and Bugatti. One of the most eye-popping examples is the Bugatti L’Or Blanc, worth over $2.4 billion, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece owned by an Arab billionaire residing in Dubai.

2. ATMs That Dispense Gold, Not Cash

When you’re living a billionaire’s life, withdrawing paper money is passé. In Dubai, you can head to a gold-plated ATM to withdraw actual gold bars, coins, and medallions.

These ATMs, located in premium spots like the Burj Khalifa, allow users to swipe their credit or debit cards and walk away with tangible gold. Prices update every few minutes based on global markets, and the entire experience is as smooth as a luxury shopping spree. This service is tailor-made for the city’s wealthiest — because in Dubai, even your cash withdrawals can glitter.

3. Booking Celebrities for Private Parties

Ever dreamed of meeting your favorite celebrity? For Dubai’s richest, this dream is a regular occurrence — often within the comfort of their private villas. High-profile entertainers like Paris Hilton, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and Chris Brown are frequently flown in for private performances and exclusive parties.

Booking one of these stars can cost anywhere between AED 1.1 million to AED 1.8 million, but for billionaires in Dubai, that’s just another line item on their entertainment budget. Social media is filled with photos of local billionaire teens mingling with the likes of Messi, Akon, Jackie Chan, and Nicki Minaj, thanks to their family connections and elite status.

4. License Plates That Cost More Than Supercars

In most parts of the world, a license plate is a legal requirement. In Dubai, it’s a status symbol worth millions. The city’s richest residents are known to spend astronomical sums for exclusive, single-digit license plates.

One of the most well-known examples is Arif Ahmad Al Zarouni, who splurged a staggering AED 18 million on the “Sharjah No. 1” plate. For many in Dubai’s high society, having a rare plate is as important — if not more — than the luxury vehicle it’s attached to. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the number plate to cost more than the Lamborghini or Ferrari itself.

5. Ultra-Luxury Jewelry and Timepieces

Step into the world of bespoke diamond jewelry and you’ll understand why Dubai is one of the most opulent fashion capitals. Members of the city’s elite regularly flaunt custom-designed pieces from high-end brands like Bulgari, Harry Winston, Cartier, and Chopard.

Take for example a 50-carat Bulgari Serpenti bracelet worth over $75,000, or an emerald-encrusted Harry Winston watch with a price tag of $1 million. These aren’t worn only at galas or red carpet events — in Dubai, they’re daily fashion statements.

6. Palatial Hotel Experiences

When billionaires vacation — or even take a local staycation — only the most exclusive suites will do. Dubai is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, with prices to match their extravagance.

• Atlantis The Palm: A night in one of the iconic underwater suites can cost over $8,000.
• Burj Al Arab: The Royal Suite, often regarded as one of the most luxurious hotel rooms in the world, can reach up to $24,000 per night — about the same as many people’s annual rent.

These hotel stays include everything from personal butlers to chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces and private helicopter transfers — just another day in the billionaire lifestyle.

7. Traffic Jams Made of Supercars

In most cities, a lineup of Lamborghinis and Ferraris would be front-page news. In Dubai? It’s just Thursday evening traffic in the marina.

Dubai’s elite treat hypercars like everyday vehicles — often seen cruising in Bugattis, McLarens, Koenigseggs, and even gold-plated SUVs. Luxury car showrooms in Dubai frequently showcase limited-edition models months before they hit other markets.

Even Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, is known for his enviable collection of rare supercars — including a custom Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG, which was one of the first of its kind.

8. Fashion First: Where Couture Meets Everyday Wear

Fashion is serious business in Dubai, especially for the ultra-rich. The Dubai Mall alone houses over 1,200 retail outlets, including flagships for brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, Prada, and more.

Dubai’s elite are often the first to get their hands on new collections, sometimes even before they officially launch globally. From red-carpet gowns to custom footwear, fashion is more than self-expression here — it’s a power statement.

9. Gold-Plated Fine Dining

When dinner is served, it’s not unusual for it to arrive with a glimmer — literally. Dubai is famous for its gold-infused culinary creations, with gourmet restaurants serving everything from 23-carat gold cappuccinos to gold-flaked wagyu steaks.

One of the most talked-about desserts is “The Golden Phoenix” cupcake from Bloomsbury’s, priced at $1,200. Made with edible gold sheets, Ugandan vanilla beans, and gold-dipped strawberries, this decadent treat is served on a gold-plated stand. And that’s just dessert.

10. Multimillion-Dirham Mansions

Beyond fashion, food, and cars, the true measure of wealth in Dubai lies in real estate. Exclusive neighborhoods like Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Hills Estate feature some of the most extravagant homes in the region — and possibly the world.

These properties boast:

• Private beachfronts
• Infinity pools
• In-home elevators
• Personal cinemas
• Designer interiors by world-famous architects
• Membership to elite golf and yacht clubs

Some villas even surpass AED 50 million and are designed with bespoke fittings, Italian marble, and private jet hangars.

From golden ATMs to personal performances by global superstars, Dubai is a city where luxury has no limits. It’s not just a destination — it’s a lifestyle reserved for those who dream big and spend even bigger.

For the ultra-rich who call Dubai home, opulence isn’t optional — it’s expected. Whether you’re admiring a diamond-studded watch or a car wrapped in white gold, one thing is clear: in Dubai, wealth is meant to be seen, savored, and shared.