Entrepreneurs from the UAE rank as the world's most prolific travelers.

A recent study has unveiled that entrepreneurs in the UAE rank second in international operations or expansion efforts, trailing behind Hong Kong but surpassing their global counterparts.

According to HSBC’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report, 86 per cent of the almost 1,000 businessmen surveyed for the study opined that the UAE-based entrepreneurs are most likely to operate internationally, while 96 per cent of the respondents said those in Hong Kong are better positioned.

The UAE, which has one the world’s most conducive and thriving ecosystems for entrepreneurial ventures, is also home to the highest number of globetrotting entrepreneurs in the world, followed by India. Some 64 per cent of UAE-based entrepreneurs live a global life, with a minimum of two and a maximum of six locations they call home. Compared to that the most domestically based entrepreneurs are found in the US (78 per cent) and France (65 per cent).

The study also found that almost one-third of UAE’s wealthy have yet to discuss succession plans with their families. About 13 per cent said they don’t plan on ever broaching the subject.

The survey covered entrepreneurs with investable assets ranging from $2 million to more than $20 million across nine markets including the UAE, the US, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Two-thirds of entrepreneurs in the UAE were found to come from a family business background.

The UAE, which has one the world’s most conducive and thriving ecosystems for entrepreneurial ventures, is also home to the highest number of globetrotting entrepreneurs in the world, followed by India. Some 64 per cent of UAE-based entrepreneurs live a global life, with a minimum of two and a maximum of six locations they call home. Compared to that the most domestically based entrepreneurs are found in the US (78 per cent) and France (65 per cent).

The study also found that almost one-third of UAE’s wealthy have yet to discuss succession plans with their families. About 13 per cent said they don’t plan on ever broaching the subject.

The survey covered entrepreneurs with investable assets ranging from $2 million to more than $20 million across nine markets including the UAE, the US, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Two-thirds of entrepreneurs in the UAE were found to come from a family business background.

“We are seeing this trend when talking to our clients, as corporates and family conglomerates in the UAE are increasingly expanding internationally. They often expand first within the region with Saudi being a key growth market, but increasingly now also look to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. We are very excited about this opportunity and with HSBC’s strong network spanning over 50 markets, we can support and often accelerate our clients’ international growth plans," Richard Van Der Meer, head of Commercial Banking, UAE, HSBC Middle East.