UAE’s Wealthy Investors Lead in Taking ‘Mini Retirements,’ HSBC Survey Finds
Wealthy investors in the UAE plan to take an average of 3.2 “mini retirements” during their lives – the highest number among 12 countries surveyed, according to HSBC’s 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot.
What is a mini retirement?
A mini retirement is a planned career break that can last from a few months to several years. During this time, people step away from work to travel, spend time with family, learn new skills, or follow personal passions. Unlike one long retirement at the end of life, people take several shorter breaks across their careers.
Findings in the UAE
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41% of wealthy investors in the UAE plan mini retirements.
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51% of them expect to take 2–3 breaks, while 22% want more than 3.
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On average, breaks happen every six years.
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81% of UAE respondents feel financially ready for this, compared with 74% globally.
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Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are leading the trend.
Why people want breaks
Top reasons include:
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Spending time with family (31%)
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Starting a business (27%)
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Living an international lifestyle (27%)
Main worries are:
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Returning to the job market (34%)
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Family responsibilities (33%)
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Healthcare benefits (33%)
Funding usually comes from personal savings (40%), investment income (39%), and rental income (37%).
Global snapshot
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72% of investors worldwide know about mini retirements, and 75% are open to flexible retirement plans.
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Most expect to take 2–3 breaks, each lasting 6–12 months, starting around age 47.
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Average planned spending is $339,800 per break, though many keep costs lower.
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Family time, health, travel, and personal growth are the biggest motivations.
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87% of those who have taken a break say it improved their quality of life.
Generational trends
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Gen Z and Millennials plan about three mini retirements each.
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Gen X and Baby Boomers plan fewer.
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Younger investors rely more on side hustles and digital income, while older ones lean on pensions and rental income.
Gender and destinations
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Men and women are almost equally likely to take mini retirements.
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Family time is the top motivation for both.
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Most people prefer staying in their home country, but the US, Japan, and Singapore are the most popular international choices.
Expert view
HSBC says this shows how retirement is changing: instead of waiting until old age, people want to enjoy life through several planned breaks while still working.
Published: 5th September 2025
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