The UAE Property Investment Index ranked the UAE as the leading investment destination, with 56% of global investors showing serious interest in the country’s real estate market. The UAE outperformed other major markets, including the United States (54%), the United Kingdom (41%), France (28%) and Spain (27%).
Conducted between 1 April and 23 April across 12 key markets, the survey of 689 established property investors is the first major piece of research into international buyer sentiment about the UAE real estate market since the regional conflict began on 28 February.
Findings from Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index indicate that:
Familiarity with opportunities in the UAE’s real estate sector, at 51%, is on a par with that of the UK and US, at 51% and 53%, respectively.
The UAE’s appeal is particularly pronounced among investors in nearby markets, with 91% of Indian investors, 92% of Egyptian investors and 85% 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 (63%), German investors (60%) and Swiss investors (57%).
Strong potential returns are the top investment driver globally (38%), with Australian (57%), Spanish (56%) and British (41%) investors all ranking return potential as their primary consideration.
Safety and stability are the defining factors for Chinese (65%) and German (58%) investors — and 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% of respondents overall, rising to 57% among Saudi investors and 41% 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 sales performance – that despite recent headwinds, international investors recognise the UAE’s structural advantages, including regulatory maturity, a 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 quickly 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, highlighting a market that leads on the factors investors care about most: returns, stability, tax efficiency and accessibility. The publication of the research coincides with the UAE’s announcement of record 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 to cut congestion between Emirates and boost connectivity across the country.
For Arada, whose project pipeline exceeds AED130 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 to expand into similarly high-potential markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia.