Hidden Gems of Economic Prosperity: Cape Town, Bengaluru, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh

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economic growth wealth surge

Get ready to witness exceptional wealth growth in Cape Town, Bengaluru, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh. These cities are emerging as hidden gems of economic prosperity and are projected to challenge the traditional wealth hierarchy. With a compelling mix of robust economies, business opportunities, and strategic locations, these cities are poised to propel themselves to the forefront of global economic attention in the coming decade. Their impressive wealth growth stories highlight the shifting paradigms of global wealth distribution and their rise to prominence is worth watching.

Hidden Gems of Economic Prosperity: Cape Town, Bengaluru, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh. These cities are forging ahead, each narrating their unique tales of exceptional wealth growth. Their expected wealth booms could propel them to the forefront of global economic attention in the coming decade, challenging the traditional wealth hierarchy.

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Cape Town: The Mother City’s Wealth Boom

Situated at the heart of South Africa, Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, is bracing itself for an influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Presently, the city is home to 7,400 millionaires. However, an incredible surge of 85% is projected over the next decade, raising the estimated count of millionaires to 13,500 by 2033. This expected economic bloom stands as a testament to the unique appeal of Cape Town, which seamlessly marries its captivating charm with burgeoning economic prospects.

Cape Town’s expected wealth explosion is not by chance, but is backed by its robust economy and strategic location. The city’s lure is not just about scenic beauty, but also about its potential for business opportunities. The rise in the number of wealthy individuals in the city is likely to stimulate further economic growth and attract more investors.

While Cape Town is not featured in the BRICS Top 10 Wealthiest Cities 2024 list, it is fast becoming a significant player in the global economy. This South African city’s anticipated economic growth paints a promising future and highlights its position as a rising powerhouse within the global wealth landscape.

Bengaluru: The East’s Silicon Valley

Bengaluru, the Indian city often compared to Silicon Valley, is also on the brink of a notable economic advancement. With a currently thriving technology sector, Bengaluru is the home of around 13,200 millionaires. This number, however, is estimated to soar to over 30,000 by 2033 – a staggering 125% wealth growth within the next decade.

This predicted wealth explosion is indicative of Bengaluru’s growing wealth and propels it to the vanguard of the fastest-growing cities within the BRICS bloc. Bengaluru’s economic boom is backed by its robust IT industry, which continues to attract investors from across the globe.

While Bengaluru may not currently occupy a spotlight, its impending economic explosion is poised to shift global attention, potentially redefining its economic status and affirming its position among the world’s economic giants.

Middle East: Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh

The Middle East is also anticipating an economic expansion, specifically in Sharjah, UAE, and the Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth, expects a significant wealth surge in these cities. Although Sharjah may not be as affluent as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it’s emerging as a new epicenter of millionaire growth, outpacing both cities in terms of percentage growth.

Presently, Sharjah is home to around 4,100 HNWIs, but this number is expected to climb to over 9,000 by 2033, marking a 120% increase in wealth.

In Saudi Arabia, the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh are also primed for an impressive wealth explosion. Jeddah, which currently hosts around 7,500 HNWIs, is projected to double that figure, soaring to over 15,000 by 2033. Riyadh, currently housing approximately 18,200 HNWIs, is anticipated to almost double its millionaire population, reaching around 35,000 HNWIs by 2033. These anticipated growth rates of 100% and 90% respectively underscore the emerging economic power of these cities.

Rising to Global Prominence

Cape Town, Bengaluru, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while currently not hitting the radar of the BRICS Top 10 Wealthiest Cities, are forging ahead, each narrating their unique tales of exceptional wealth growth. This predicted expansion over the next decade not only emphasizes the dynamism of these cities but also challenges the traditional wealth hierarchy.

These five cities are a testament to the shifting paradigms of global wealth distribution, quietly yet confidently charting their rise to prominence.

While these cities might not be currently in the limelight, their expected wealth booms could propel them to the forefront of global economic attention in the coming decade. Their predicted economic evolution is a story that is still being penned. As of now, the world observes as Cape Town, Bengaluru, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh ready themselves to reveal their latent potential and reshape the global wealth map.

1. Which cities are emerging as hidden gems of economic prosperity?

Cape Town, Bengaluru, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh are emerging as hidden gems of economic prosperity.

2. What is Cape Town’s expected wealth growth rate?

Cape Town’s expected wealth growth rate is 85% over the next decade, raising the estimated count of millionaires to 13,500 by 2033.

3. What industry is driving Bengaluru’s economic growth?

Bengaluru’s economic growth is being driven by its robust IT industry.

4. Which cities in the Middle East are expecting a significant wealth surge?

Sharjah, Jeddah, and Riyadh are expecting a significant wealth surge in the Middle East.

5. What percentage growth in wealth is expected in Jeddah and Riyadh?

Jeddah and Riyadh are expected to experience growth rates of 100% and 90% respectively.

6. What do these cities’ expected economic evolutions indicate?

These cities’ expected economic evolutions indicate a shift in global wealth distribution and their rise to prominence challenges traditional wealth hierarchies.

Kagiso Petersen is a Cape Town journalist who reports on the city’s evolving food culture—tracking everything from township braai innovators to Sea Point bistros signed up to the Ocean Wise pledge. Raised in Bo-Kaap and now cycling daily along the Atlantic Seaboard, he brings a palpable love for the city’s layered flavours and even more layered stories to every assignment.

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