UAE ranks top global real estate investment destination

Dubai: The UAE remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for real estate investment, despite recent regional challenges, according to a new global survey commissioned by Arada. Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index, conducted by US-based Penta Group, ranked the country as the leading investment destination. The study found that 56 percent of global investors expressed strong interest in the UAE’s property market — more than any other market surveyed — placing it ahead of the United States (54 percent), the United Kingdom (41 percent), France (28 percent), and Spain (27 percent). Conducted between 1st April and 23rd April across 12 key markets, the survey included 689 established property investors. It represents the first major research effort focused on international buyer sentiment toward the UAE real estate sector. Findings indicate that familiarity with opportunities in the UAE’s real estate market stands at 51 percent, aligning closely with the UK (51 percent) and the US (53 percent). The UAE’s appeal is particularly strong among investors in nearby markets, with 91 percent of Indian investors, 92 percent of Egyptian investors, and 85 percent of Saudi investors ranking the country among their top three destinations. Among European investors, the UAE emerged as the top investment choice outside their home country for French investors (63 percent), German investors (60 percent), and Swiss investors (57 percent). Strong potential returns are the leading investment driver globally, cited by 38 percent of respondents. This factor is especially significant for Australian investors (57 percent), Spanish investors (56 percent), and British investors (41 percent). Safety and stability are the primary considerations for Chinese investors (65 percent) and German investors (58 percent). The UAE’s regulatory framework, political stability, and transparent property laws continue to position it as one of the world’s most trusted environments for property investment. Ease of purchase and ownership was highlighted by 34 percent of respondents overall, increasing to 57 percent among Saudi investors and 41 percent among Egyptian investors. This reflects the UAE’s reputation as a low-barrier and investor-friendly market. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “These findings confirm what we have observed in our own sales performance—that despite recent headwinds, international investors recognise the UAE’s structural strengths, including regulatory maturity, a strong performance track record, and stable economic fundamentals. The country’s ability to adapt—whether during the pandemic or the financial crisis—has reinforced its position as a global investment destination.” Overall, the findings highlight the UAE’s strong position in the global investment landscape, with leadership across key investor priorities including returns, stability, tax efficiency, and accessibility. The report’s publication coincides with the UAE’s announcement of major infrastructure investments, including the AED34 billion Dubai Metro Gold Line, the world’s first commercial air taxi network, and the AED6 billion Fourth Federal Corridor aimed at reducing inter-emirate congestion and improving national connectivity. For Arada, whose global project pipeline exceeds AED130 billion, the research validates both the strength of the UAE market and the company’s strategy of expanding into other high-potential markets.