The unprecedented boom in the UAE’s property market is no longer solely concentrated in Dubai’s burgeoning off-plan segment. A significant surge in activity is now evident across other emirates and in the ready-to-move-in property market, signalling a more diversified and robust growth trajectory for the nation’s real estate sector.
While Dubai continues to grab headlines with record-breaking transactions, including a historic $18 billion in sales in May 2025, the underlying strength of the market is broadening. This broader growth is being fueled by a sustained influx of high-net-worth individuals, new residents, and long-term investors seeking both luxurious lifestyles and strong returns across various property types and emirates.
Beyond Off-Plan: The focus is increasingly shifting to the secondary and ready property markets. Buyers are now keenly seeking immediate occupancy, benefiting from rising rental yields and the availability of premium, completed properties. This contrasts with earlier periods where off-plan launches dominated investor interest. The limited supply of prime, ready villas and townhouses, particularly in established Dubai communities, has driven prices up significantly, with luxury segments witnessing a 92% increase in prices over the past three years. This demand from ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) is a key factor in the surge of the ready market.
Expanding to Other Emirates: The growth narrative is also extending beyond Dubai, with other emirates witnessing notable upticks in real estate activity:
- Abu Dhabi: The capital continues to attract investment, particularly in master-planned communities, driven by its strong economic base and government-led initiatives to boost tourism and business.
- Sharjah & Northern Emirates: These regions are gaining traction due to relatively more affordable entry points, growing infrastructure, and their appeal to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining well-connected to Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah, in particular, is emerging as an attractive destination for luxury tourism and related real estate investment.
Key Drivers of the UAE-Wide Surge: The overarching factors underpinning this widespread property boom include:
- Economic Diversification: The UAE’s successful efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, focusing on tourism, technology, and finance, create sustained demand for housing.
- Pro-Business and Residency Policies: Initiatives like the Golden Visa program, remote work visas, and favorable business regulations continue to attract global talent and investment.
- Global Safe Haven Status: The UAE’s political stability and robust legal framework position it as a secure destination for wealth preservation amidst global uncertainties.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Continuous investment in modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education enhances the country’s appeal for long-term residency.
The current market dynamic suggests a maturing real estate landscape in the UAE, where demand is not only strong but also diversified across property types and geographies, indicating a sustainable growth trajectory well into the future.
Key Highlights:
- The UAE’s property market surge is now broader, extending beyond just Dubai’s off-plan homes to include ready properties and other emirates.
- Demand for ready properties, especially luxury villas and townhouses, is soaring due to immediate occupancy needs, rising rental yields, and limited prime supply, with prices up 92% in three years for these segments.
- Other emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah are also experiencing increased real estate activity due to affordability, growing infrastructure, and new tourism/business projects.
- The overall UAE growth is driven by economic diversification, pro-business policies (like Golden Visas), its global safe haven status, and world-class infrastructure.