UAE tops global real estate rankings as investor demand surges worldwide
Returns, safety and ease of ownership dominate global decision-making factors
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its position as one of the world’s most desirable real estate investment destinations, according to a new global survey commissioned by Arada and conducted by US-based Penta Group.
Despite recent regional challenges, international investor sentiment towards the UAE property market remains exceptionally strong, placing the country ahead of several major global economies.
The UAE Property Investment Index surveyed 689 established property investors across 12 key markets between 1st and 23rd April. It found that 56 percent of global respondents expressed serious interest in the UAE’s real estate sector, ranking it ahead of the United States at 54 percent, the United Kingdom at 41 percent, France at 28 percent, and Spain at 27 percent.
UAE market appeal
The research highlights the UAE’s growing familiarity among global investors, with awareness of its property opportunities standing at 51 percent, comparable with both the United Kingdom and the United States. The appeal is particularly strong in nearby and emerging markets, with 91 percent of Indian investors, 92 percent of Egyptian investors, and 85 percent of Saudi investors identifying the UAE as a top-three investment destination.
Among European investors, the UAE also stands out as a preferred choice outside domestic markets, ranking highest among French investors at 63 percent, followed by German investors at 60 percent and Swiss investors at 57 percent. This reflects a widening geographic spread of interest in the country’s real estate landscape.
Investor drivers
Returns remain the dominant driver of global property investment decisions, with 38 percent of respondents citing strong potential gains as their primary motivation. This figure rises significantly among Australian investors at 57 percent, Spanish investors at 56 percent, and British investors at 41 percent, underscoring the UAE’s reputation for competitive yield opportunities.
Safety and stability also play a crucial role in shaping investor confidence. Chinese investors prioritise this factor at 65 percent, while German investors follow at 58 percent, reflecting growing emphasis on secure and predictable markets. Ease of purchase and ownership further strengthens the UAE’s position, cited by 34 percent of respondents overall, and rising to 57 percent among Saudi investors and 41 percent among Egyptian investors.
Infrastructure growth
Large-scale infrastructure development continues to enhance the UAE’s long-term investment appeal. Key projects include the Dh34 billion Dubai Metro Gold Line, a major expansion aimed at improving urban mobility, alongside the world’s first commercial air taxi network. The country is also advancing the Dh6 billion Fourth Federal Corridor project, designed to ease congestion between Emirates and improve nationwide connectivity.
These developments come as Arada’s global project pipeline exceeds Dh130 billion, reflecting continued confidence in high-growth markets aligned with long-term lifestyle demand. The research underscores how sustained investment in infrastructure, combined with regulatory strength and economic stability, continues to shape the UAE’s standing in global real estate markets, positioning it as a leading hub for international property investors.