Offices

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26 August 2025

Unlocking the Kingdom: Housing Markets and Foreign Ownership Rules

To date, certain countries have attracted the lion’s share of overseas investment into their residential markets: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the UAE and the United States. These countries are all characterised by remarkably lenient regulations for foreign nationals wishing to buy real estate in their domestic markets. In the UK, for example, there are virtually no restrictions at all, neither geographic, nor residency, not sectoral, nor value. Controls exist only to confirm identity and to prevent money laundering.1 The USA, Australia and Canada are somewhat more restrictive – Canada even imposed a freeze on overseas purchases of residential real estate altogether in 2023.2
14 August 2025

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.
31 July 2025

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The cozy consensus that he envisaged, and which for a time seemed an accurate forecast of the 21st Century, has now been replaced by fissures between nations.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]
22 July 2025

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]
21 July 2025

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.
7 July 2025

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 […]
3 June 2025

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.
27 May 2025

Dubai Residential Market Performance Q1 2025

The UAE’s GDP is forecasted to grow by 4.7% in 2025, while Dubai is expected to see a 3.3% increase. This sustained economic expansion, supported by population growth and continued investor confidence, reinforces the UAE's and Dubai’s positions as competitive global hubs. In the real estate sector, Dubai’s residential market recorded over 42,000 sales transactions in Q1 2025, reflecting a 10.0% quarterly decline due to a slowdown in new project launches and seasonal factors. However, year-on-year performance remained strong, with transaction volumes rising by 23.1% and total sales value reaching AED 114.4 billion, a 29.6% increase. Apartment sales led the market, while demand for villas and townhouses also grew, reflecting end-users’ preference for larger living spaces.
19 May 2025

Oman Real Estate Market Performance 2024 and Future Outlook

Oman’s economy showed steady growth in 2024, with GDP rising by 1.0%, from OMR 40.7 billion in 2023 to OMR 41.1 billion. Non-oil sectors grew by 4.1%, reflecting significant progress in the country’s diversification efforts. Looking ahead, GDP is projected to reach OMR 42.6 billion in 2025, with a long-term target of OMR 80.2 billion by 2040, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. The Sultanate also aims for non-oil sectors to account for 90% of the economy by 2040, marking a shift toward a more sustainable and diversified economic model.
9 April 2025

Dubai Office Market Performance 2024

In 2024, Dubai reinforced its position as a global hub for trade and investment through strategic initiatives and progressive policies. The Emirate’s economy demonstrated strong growth, with GDP expanding by 3.1% in
2 April 2025

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Transforming Real Estate and Connectivity

The Dubai Metro has played a pivotal role in the city’s development since its launch in 2009. The addition of the Blue Line underscores the government’s commitment to seamless public transport solutions, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. With a goal to have 55% of residents within 800 metres of mass transit stations, the Blue Line will serve as a critical component of this vision, fostering sustainable growth and accessibility.
11 March 2025

Sheikh Zayed Road: Dubai’s Newest Freehold Area – What it Means for Investors

The recent decision by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to allow private property owners of properties on Sheikh Zayed Road (from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Water Canal) and Al Jaddaf area to convert their ownership status to freehold to all nationalities marks a pivotal shift in the city’s property landscape. This move is set to redefine investment dynamics […]

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