Investment boom: Global interest grows in the UAE property market

The UAE has always understood that cities are built not just with steel and glass, but they are shaped by vision and ambition. From Dubai’s expanding skyline to Abu Dhabi’s evolving waterfronts and Sharjah’s renewed urban masterplans, the nation is reshaping the global narrative around real estate investment, offering a market built for lifestyle, backed by strong economic fundamentals.

What positions the UAE is not just the architecture and infrastructure that they have built throughout the years, but also its investor-friendly ecosystem. Key advantages include zero personal income tax, property-linked residency through long-term Golden Visas, and a transparent regulatory environment. These benefits, combined with the country’s reputation for security and ease of doing business, enhance its global appeal. According to the 2024 Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report, Dubai ranks among the top 10 cities worldwide for lifestyle, business environment, and safety. 

Looking at the property market, nationwide, the UAE saw over 226,000 real estate transactions in 2024 alone, with total value reaching Dh761 billion. Data from the Dubai Land Department shows that first quarter of 2025 has sustained last year’s strong momentum, with total sales value increasing by 29% year-on-year basis. The growth is set to continue, as nearly 182,000 residential units are expected to be delivered across the UAE over the next two years.

Blagoje Antić, Owner and CEO of DHG Holding.

While some analysts forecast a modest correction in prices by late 2025 due to a doubling in supply, the broader outlook remains positive, since the demand for high-quality housing is rising, driven by population growth, the establishment of new businesses, and major  infrastructure projects. With residential rents still rising and gross yields hovering around the 7% mark, well above cities like London, Singapore, and New York, it’s clear the UAE continues to deliver unmatched value for both capital preservation and rental income generation.

Looking beyond these metrics, we see a deeper trend where the international buyers, from Europe, USA, India, China, and the wider GCC, are increasingly looking at the UAE property as a strategic portfolio play. In recent years, the cost of investing in Europe has grown significantly — both in financial and regulatory terms. High entry prices, slower planning procedures, and rising tax burdens are causing investors to turn away from Europe to other markets. In contrast, the UAE has evolved into one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

Whether it’s diversifying assets, securing a position in a dynamic economy, or a premium lifestyle — investing in this market is no longer just about a high-rise view or luxury amenities. It’s about long-term resilience and value, as well as smart infrastructure and connectivity, in what is considered to be one of the world’s most future-ready nations.

At DHG, we have always believed in building for the future. When we entered the UAE real estate market three years ago, backed by 30 years of success in Switzerland and Europe, we were pleased to see that our vision of developing legacies and communities, not just properties, aligns perfectly with this market. That is how both DHG Properties and the UAE ensure the longevity and lasting value of real estate. It’s not about building more, but building better — and global investors recognize that.

As 2025 unfolds, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the UAE is not just participating in the global property conversation, it’s helping lead it. In a world where investors are demanding more from their assets, more transparency, more security, more return, the UAE stands tall as a market of choice. For those looking to future-proof their portfolios with an investment that offers both stability and upside, the time to look toward the UAE is not tomorrow. It’s today.

 Blagoje Antić is Owner and CEO of DHG Holding.