UAE ranks among world's most sought-after real estate investment destinations, research reveals

The UAE remains one of the world’s most attractive real estate investment destinations in spite of the recent regional challenges, according to a new global survey commissioned by Arada.

Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index, which was conducted by US-based Penta Group, ranked the country as the top investment destination, with 56 per cent of global investors expressing serious interest in the UAE’s property market, more than any other market surveyed, and ahead of the United States (54 per cent), the United Kingdom (41 percent), France (28 per cent) and Spain (27 per cent).

Conducted between 1st April to 23rd April across 12 key markets, the survey of 689 established property investors is the first piece of major research conducted into international buyer sentiment about the UAE real estate market.

Findings from Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index show that familiarity with opportunities in the UAE’s real estate sector, at 51 per cent, is on a par with that of the UK and US, at 51 per cent and 53 per cent respectively.

The UAE’s appeal is particularly pronounced for investors in nearby markets, with 91 per cent of Indian investors, 92 per cent of Egyptian investors and 85 per cent of Saudi investors citing the country as a top-three destination.

Among European investors, the UAE was the top choice outside the home country for French investors at 63 per cent, German investors at 60 per cent and Swiss investors at 57 per cent.

Strong potential returns are the number one investment driver globally at 38 percent, with Australian investors at 57 per cent, Spanish investors at 56 percent and British investors at 41 per cent all ranking return potential as their primary consideration.

Safety and stability is the defining factor for Chinese investors at 65 per cent and German investors at 58 per cent, while the UAE's regulatory framework, political stability and transparent property laws make it one of the world's most trusted environments for property investment.

Ease of purchase and ownership was cited by 34 percent of respondents overall, rising to 57 percent among Saudi investors and 41 percent among Egyptian investors, reflecting the UAE's reputation as a low-barrier, 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 advantages in regulatory maturity, track record of performance, and stable economic fundamentals. Continued adaptation has been key to the UAE’s rise as a global investment destination - whether it’s the pandemic or the financial crisis, this country has demonstrated time and again that it adjusts fast and better than anywhere else in the world.”

Taken together, the findings paint a compelling picture of the UAE's position in the global investment landscape, showing a market that leads on the factors investors care about most: returns, stability, tax efficiency and accessibility.

Publication of the research also comes as the UAE announces record infrastructure investments, including the Dhs34 billion Dubai Metro Gold Line, the world's first commercial air taxi network, and the Dhs6 billion Fourth Federal Corridor to cut congestion between Emirates and boost connectivity across the country.

For Arada, whose project pipeline exceeds Dhs130 billion globally and whose communities are designed to deliver the lifestyle appeal, quality and long-term value that international buyers increasingly demand, the research validates both the strength of the UAE market and the company's strategy of expanding into similarly high-potential markets.