Insights

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Abu Dhabi Residential Market Performance H1 2025

Abu Dhabi’s economy demonstrated strong momentum in H1’2025, driven by robust non-oil trade, foreign investment, and high business confidence. Non-oil foreign trade rose 34.7% to AED 195.4 billion. Business sentiment remained positive, with Abu Dhabi Chamber membership exceeding 158,000 companies and foreign net investment on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) nearly doubling to AED 13.6 billion. The aviation sector supported this growth, handling over 15.8 million passengers, aided by expanded international connectivity. Strategic infrastructure projects, ongoing diversification, and investor-friendly policies strengthened economic activity and attracted skilled talent, providing a solid foundation for the residential market.

UAE’s New First-Time Home Buyer Law: What Does it Mean for UAE Residents?

Dubai’s property market has long been a beacon for international investors, but for many residents, the dream of owning their first home has remained just out of reach. Rising prices, high down payments, and strict lending criteria have often created barriers for those looking to step onto the property ladder. In response, the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in collaboration with […]

Dubai Office Market Performance H1 2025

Dubai’s investment landscape continued to flourish in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its status as the UAE’s leading economic hub. The Emirate attracted 526 greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, representing 86% of the national total and securing USD 3.03 billion in capital inflows. This growth was further supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which recorded a 32% year-on-year increase in new business registrations, with 1,081 companies established. The Dubai office market also delivered an outstanding performance in H1’2025, reaching its highest sales activity in recent years. Approximately 1,900 transactions were completed, reflecting a 21.6% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, the total value of office sales surged to AED 5.4 billion, marking an 83.9% rise compared to H1’2024.

Dubai Residential Market Performance H1 2025

According to the latest statistics from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai attracted approximately 94,700 investors in the first half of 2025, marking a significant 26% increase compared to the same period last year. Of these, around 59,000 were new investors, representing a 22% rise year-on-year. Notably, UAE residents accounted for 45% of these new investors, highlighting strong local participation in the market.

How Does Geopolitics Affect Real Estate Markets?

The days when Francis Fukuyama could plausibly argue that the world had reached ‘The End of History’ seem a very long time ago now.[1] The cozy consensus that he envisaged, and which for a time seemed an accurate forecast of the 21st Century, has now been replaced by fissures between nations. Territorial and ethnic disputes have escalated into war, as in Ukraine; profound disagreements over state legitimacy and coexistence have spiralled into open conflict as seen most recently in the ‘Twelve Day War’ between Israel and Iran; and even trade and tariffs have divided nations – witness the disputes between the United States and China. Only the threat of nationalisation can be said to have declined almost uniformly around the globe; the experience of Venezuela in that regard has served as a cautionary tale to Governments everywhere.[2]

Economic Impact Assessments: At the Crossroads of Economics and Real Estate Development

Governments worldwide, including now in the Gulf, want to know what economic benefits they will receive from alternative policy settings as well as from developments beyond their control. Policy examples include changing visa or competition regulations, or creating free trade or enterprise zones.[1] Other developments that Governments may want to analyse include the impact of particular domestic industries,[2] wildfires[3] or travel restrictions[4] on the economy as a whole. At a project level, cities and public agencies want similar information when they make specific decisions, for example analysing the economic benefits of Expo 2020 in the UAE,[5] deciding on transportation projects in Hong Kong,[6] analysing Saudi smart cities,[7] and authorising real estate developments.[8]

Why Expo City Dubai Is the Next Hotspot for Property Investment

In a world marked by geopolitical instability, fluctuating interest rates, and evolving regulatory landscapes, global property investors are searching for stability, growth, and long-term value. Traditional markets in Europe and Asia are showing signs of caution, while sentiment remains mixed across North America. In this landscape, the UAE, with Dubai as its crown jewel, is steadily reinforcing its status as a haven for real estate investment.

Build It and They Will Come – Myth and Reality

A straightforward idea Provide the infrastructure, then construct the buildings, and both owners and tenants will appear almost as as if by magic to occupy them. Whatever its origin, this seemingly straightforward idea has come to be associated with supply-driven real estate policies. They have been enacted now for many decades, not only in the Gulf but worldwide. But is […]

Tokenisation of Real Estate: Past Dreams, Present Achievements and a Measured Outlook for the Future

A long history The need for tradeable, liquid real estate assets has long been widely recognised. There have been a range of attempted solutions to the problem. Probably the most well-known attempt was the securitisation market. From tentative origins in medieval Europe, securitised real estate – and especially mortgages – rose to become instrumental in the Global Financial Crisis when […]

Abu Dhabi Residential Market Performance Q1 2025

Abu Dhabi’s economy recorded robust growth in 2024, with real GDP rising by 3.8% year-on-year to reach an all-time high of AED 1.2 trillion, according to preliminary estimates from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). This expansion was largely fuelled by the non-oil sector, which grew by a record 6.2%, increasing its share of total GDP to 54.7%. Building on this momentum, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts further acceleration, with GDP expected to grow by 4.2% in 2025 and 5.8% in 2026.

Plant and Machinery Valuation: The Basics

Accurate valuation of plant and machinery is essential for businesses, impacting financial reporting, investment decisions, and asset management. Given Dubai’s dynamic economy and rapid technological advancements, several factors influence valuation outcomes.  

Dubai Office Market Performance Q1 2025

Dubai’s office market maintained strong momentum in Q1 2025, driven by solid economic fundamentals and rising investor confidence. The Dubai International Chamber reported a 39.0% year-on-year increase in new foreign company registrations, including 11 multinational corporations and 42 SMEs. At the same time, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce supported the international expansion of 28 local firms. This dual dynamic further reinforced Dubai’s position as a global business hub.

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