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  • Dubai Issues New Building Safety Law with Mandatory Certificates

    Dubai Issues New Building Safety Law with Mandatory Certificates

    The new legislation applies universally across Dubai, covering structures in private development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, regardless of construction date. Officials describe the measure as part of Dubai’s commitment to maintaining high construction standards and protecting residents, tenants, and investors.

    Mandatory Quality and Safety Certificates

    Under the law, all buildings must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate following comprehensive inspection by a licensed engineering office. The certificate validity depends on building age: 10 years for structures under 40 years old, and five years for those aged 40 years or older.

    Dubai Municipality will lead implementation through a digital system managing safety requirements, maintaining a unified building database, and conducting regular inspections. The authority will establish sustainability standards, monitor maintenance practices, and regulate building materials across the emirate.

    Owner Obligations and Enforcement

    Building owners bear significant responsibility under the legislation. Owners of buildings less than 20 years old must perform regular maintenance and address any structural defects or safety risks. They must allow authority inspections and ensure repair work proceeds when required, even after certification.

    The law introduces strict penalties for non-compliance. Violators face fines between Dh100 and Dh1 million, with repeat violations within two years potentially incurring doubled penalties up to Dh2 million. Administrative measures may include suspended building permits, halted property transactions, or suspended lease certifications until violations are resolved.

    Tenant Protections and Compliance Timeline

    Buildings approved for demolition must follow tenant eviction rules under Law No. 26 of 2007. Displaced tenants receive priority to return after reconstruction at their original rental rates unless alternative terms are agreed.

    Building owners, contractors, and engineering offices have one year from the law’s effective date to comply. The chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council may extend this deadline if necessary. The law takes effect 60 days after publication in the Official Gazette.

    The legislation arrives as Dubai’s property market recorded Dh60.6 billion in February 2026 transactions, reinforcing the emirate’s focus on quality standards amid continued market expansion.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Market Records $1.16 Billion Weekly Sales

    Abu Dhabi Property Market Records $1.16 Billion Weekly Sales

    The emirate’s real estate sector maintained strong performance in early March, with a villa in Hidd Al Saadiyat selling for Dh88 million, marking the highest ready property transaction of the week, according to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Adrec) data released March 10, 2026.

    A duplex at Four Seasons Private Residences on Saadiyat Island fetched Dh68 million, representing the week’s top off-plan sale. Al Reem Island alone recorded 115 transactions valued at Dh189 million, underscoring sustained demand across multiple segments.

    The weekly figures reinforce Abu Dhabi’s growth trajectory following exceptional 2025 performance. Total transaction volumes reached approximately 22,400 deals last year, up 55% year-on-year, while aggregate sales value climbed to Dh73.2 billion.

    “Overall, Abu Dhabi’s residential market enters 2026 from a position of strength, supported by disciplined supply, strong investor confidence, robust demand drivers, and a supportive macroeconomic backdrop,” according to Cavendish Maxwell.

    Apartments dominated 2025 activity, accounting for 66.1% of transactions, while villas and townhouses recorded strong growth driven by families and high-net-worth individuals seeking larger living spaces.

    Residential stock expanded with approximately 7,400 units completed in 2025, bringing total supply to around 315,000 units. While 15,900 units are projected for 2026 completion, actual deliveries are likely to range between 6,500-9,000 units based on recent handover trends.

    Pricing momentum remained robust across both sales and rental markets. Apartment sales prices increased 15.1% year-on-year, while villa prices rose 12.2%. Rental growth showed apartment rates up 12.5% and villa rents climbing 5.5%, with elevated rental levels reinforcing sales demand as tenants increasingly view homeownership as a cost-effective long-term option.

    The market’s resilience mirrors trends across the UAE, where Dubai recorded sustained momentum despite geopolitical headwinds. Abu Dhabi’s strong fundamentals entering 2026 position the emirate for continued growth, with sales prices and rental rates expected to record further increases in the near term, though growth pace will vary across communities as new supply enters the market.

    The market is expected to remain resilient throughout 2026, supported by measured supply delivery that prevents near-term imbalances while maintaining pricing strength across prime communities.

  • Abu Dhabi Residential Market Enters 2026 with Strong Fundamentals

    The market is expected to remain resilient throughout 2026, with sales prices and rental rates likely to record further increases in the near term, although the pace of growth will vary across communities as new supply gradually enters the market.

    Record-Breaking 2025 Performance

    In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s residential real estate market delivered a record-breaking performance, with total transaction volumes reaching approximately 22,400 deals—up 55% year-on-year—while total sales value climbed to AED73.2 billion. This performance was driven by robust end-user demand, sustained investor activity, and a wave of new project launches that kept the off-plan segment at the center of market activity.

    Apartments dominated the market, accounting for 66.1% of transactions, while villas and townhouses also recorded strong growth, supported by demand from families and high-net-worth individuals seeking larger living spaces.

    Off-Plan Segment Leads Market Activity

    The off-plan segment continued to lead market activity, accounting for 71% of total transactions, supported by flexible payment plans, competitive developer incentives, and strategic launches across key districts. Meanwhile, ready market activity also remained resilient, supported by population growth, rising rental costs, and a growing shift among tenants toward homeownership.

    On the supply side, residential stock continued to expand steadily, with approximately 7,400 units completed in 2025, bringing total supply to around 315,000 units. While approximately 15,900 units are projected for completion in 2026, recent handover trends suggest actual deliveries are likely to be lower, in the range of 6,500-9,000 units. This measured pace of supply delivery is expected to support pricing momentum and help prevent near-term market imbalances.

    Sustained Price Growth Across All Segments

    Apartment sales prices in Abu Dhabi continued their upward trajectory in 2025, rising 15.1% year-on-year, accelerating from the 10.9% growth recorded in 2024. This strong price performance was driven by a broadening buyer base, as owner-occupiers sought affordable homeownership amid rising rental costs and investors were attracted by strong rental yields and capital appreciation potential.

    Villa sales prices grew 12.2% year-on-year in 2025, slightly accelerating from 11.6% in 2024, driven by a combination of end-user and investor demand. This trend has been shaped largely by the post-pandemic shift in lifestyle priorities, with buyers increasingly seeking larger living spaces, community-focused environments, and access to outdoor areas.

    Rental growth also remained robust, with apartment rents rising 12.5% and villa rents increasing 5.5%. Elevated rental levels have further reinforced sales demand, as tenants increasingly viewed homeownership as a more cost-effective long-term option.

    Structural Demand Drivers Remain in Place

    Looking forward, transaction activity is expected to remain elevated in 2026, with the off-plan segment continuing to lead the market. Several structural factors are expected to support robust housing demand beyond 2026, including population growth, continued talent inflows, business-friendly visa policies, and expanding employment across various sectors.

    Long-term residency initiatives, including the Golden Visa program, are also expected to broaden the buyer base by attracting high-net-worth individuals and professionals seeking stable, long-term ties to the emirate.

    Taking these factors into account, Abu Dhabi’s residential market is expected to enter 2026 from a position of strength. Supply discipline, strong investor confidence, and a supportive macroeconomic backdrop support market resilience and help mitigate external shocks. While potential risks should continue to be monitored, the likelihood of a broad market correction remains relatively low, supporting the outlook for sustainable growth throughout the year.

    The Abu Dhabi market’s performance mirrors broader trends across the UAE, where expatriates now drive 62% of home sales and the UAE real estate sector concluded 2025 with exceptional growth led by Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking performance.

  • DIFC Delivers 600,000 Sq Ft Office Project Ahead of Schedule

    DIFC Delivers 600,000 Sq Ft Office Project Ahead of Schedule

    The completion of DIFC Square marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s commercial real estate sector, responding to unprecedented demand from multinational corporations expanding their regional operations. The three-building glass-façade complex was delivered within an accelerated 24-month design-and-construction timeline.

    Several prominent financial institutions and professional services firms have secured space in the development, including Bank of Singapore, Deutsche Bank, Gallagher Insurance, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Moody’s, and TP ICAP. Some companies are relocating to larger premises within the complex, while others are expanding their footprint by taking additional space.

    “Financial centres of the future focus on innovation, being sustainable, digitally inclusive and customer centric. At DIFC, we are ensuring that all our real estate projects align with this vision, while playing a critical role in ensuring the quality of life that attracts and retains global talent in Dubai as a top four global financial centre,” said Saleh Al Akrabi, Chief Real Estate Officer at DIFC Investments.

    Tenants who have already received their offices have begun fit-out works, according to DIFC. The relocation of existing tenants into DIFC Square is expected to create 100,000 square feet of additional capacity in the centre’s Gate District and Gate Village, which remain among the most sought-after office locations within the financial hub.

    The development includes dedicated parking and retail spaces, with several dining outlets set to open in the complex, including Duck and Rice, Saddle, Hudson and Rye, Liban, and Cakes and Bubbles.

    DIFC Square forms part of the centre’s wider expansion plans to deliver 1.6 million square feet of commercial space in 2026 and 2027. Upcoming projects include DIFC Living, Innovation Two, and Immersive Tower.

    The new development has been built to LEED standards, with certification by the US Green Building Council expected soon. The completion comes as commercial property sales surged 82% in early 2026, driven by limited Grade A office supply in core business districts.

    Dubai’s office market has demonstrated exceptional strength over the past year, with sales values reaching Dh13.1 billion in 2025—more than doubling from 2024 in the strongest performance in over a decade—as occupancy rates in premium locations exceed 95%.

  • Palm Jumeirah Off-Plan Apartment Sells for Dh92.5 Million

    Palm Jumeirah Off-Plan Apartment Sells for Dh92.5 Million

    The 11,520-square-foot apartment was sold at an average price exceeding Dh8,020 per square foot, according to data from the Dubai REST application operated by the Dubai Land Department. The property is located within the Armani Beach Residences development, one of Palm Jumeirah’s high-end branded residential projects.

    The transaction comes amid sustained activity across Dubai’s property market, with total real estate transactions reaching approximately Dh2.4 billion by midday trading on Monday, while property sales alone exceeded Dh1.86 billion.

    Dubai’s luxury property segment has experienced exceptional growth in recent years, fuelled by increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals drawn to the emirate’s investor-friendly regulatory framework, favourable tax environment, and global lifestyle appeal.

    The emirate recorded 6,668 luxury property transactions worth a combined Dh143.8 billion in 2025, compared with 4,735 deals valued at Dh99.3 billion in 2024, marking a 41% increase in transaction volume and a 45% rise in total value.

    The Dh92.5 million sale follows another significant transaction earlier this month, when Dubai recorded a Dh422 million apartment sale at Aman Residences, marking the third most expensive apartment transaction in the emirate’s history.

    The ongoing strength in Dubai’s luxury residential market reflects broader trends across the emirate’s real estate sector. February 2026 saw property sales surge 18% to $16.5 billion, with off-plan sales comprising 62% of total activity.

    Palm Jumeirah remains one of Dubai’s most sought-after addresses for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, combining waterfront luxury with proximity to the city’s business districts and lifestyle amenities. The island’s branded residences, including projects by Armani, continue to attract international investors seeking trophy assets in the emirate.

  • CBA Real Estate Surpasses Dh2 Billion in Dubai Property Sales

    CBA Real Estate Surpasses Dh2 Billion in Dubai Property Sales

    The milestone reflects years of consistent deal-making across residential and investment sectors, including apartments, villas, and off-plan developments throughout Dubai.

    Unlike firms pursuing rapid expansion, CBA Real Estate has built its reputation on long-term relationships with investors and a careful, disciplined approach to property selection, according to founder Salman Bin Ali.

    Two billion dirhams in transactions is an important milestone for our company. But it is really the result of hundreds of individual deals where clients made thoughtful, well-informed investment choices.

    The firm has positioned itself as a brokerage that prioritizes long-term value over short-term market trends in Dubai’s fast-moving property environment.

    Patience Over Speed

    Salman Bin Ali emphasized that success in Dubai’s real estate market comes from strategic patience rather than reactive decision-making.

    A lot of investors believe success comes from moving quickly. In reality, the real advantage comes from patience, waiting for opportunities that truly make sense rather than chasing every new project.

    Over the years, the company has advised a diverse range of international clients seeking both lifestyle properties and investment opportunities, with many returning for repeat investments.

    Repeat Business Model

    The firm’s approach has generated strong client retention, with investors expanding their portfolios through CBA Real Estate after initial successful transactions.

    In this industry, relationships matter. When clients see positive results from their first investment, they naturally come back to expand their portfolio.

    The achievement comes as Dubai’s property market continues to demonstrate strength, with the emirate attracting investors globally through its expanding economy, robust infrastructure, and international business connectivity.

    Dubai’s real estate sector has shown sustained momentum throughout early 2026, with foreign investors maintaining active participation despite regional uncertainties.

    Salman Bin Ali outlined the firm’s continued focus on value-driven advisory.

    Dubai remains one of the most exciting property markets in the world. Our focus will continue to be on helping investors make decisions that deliver value not just today, but for many years into the future.

    The Dh2 billion milestone underscores the viability of relationship-based real estate advisory in a market often characterized by high-volume transaction models and aggressive growth strategies.

  • Indian Investors Lead Dubai Property Market Despite Regional Tensions

    Indian Investors Lead Dubai Property Market Despite Regional Tensions

    Indian investors are once again emerging as the dominant force behind Dubai’s booming real estate market, reinforcing the emirate’s status as one of the most attractive overseas property destinations for Indian capital despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.

    According to a research note by property consultancy Anarock Group, Indian nationals account for roughly 20–22 per cent of all foreign property purchases in Dubai, making them the largest overseas investor group in the market. The scale of Indian participation reflects a combination of financial returns, geographical proximity and long-standing economic ties between India and the UAE.

    Industry estimates suggest Indian investors purchased Dh35 billion to Dh40 billion worth of residential properties annually in recent years, highlighting the scale of capital flowing into the emirate from India.

    Attractive rental yields, strong capital appreciation and the stability of the UAE dirham—which is pegged to the US dollar—continue to make Dubai one of the most compelling global property markets for Indian investors. Residential properties in Dubai typically generate annual rental yields between 6 and 9 per cent, among the highest in major global property markets such as London, New York and Singapore.

    Dubai’s property market entered the current period of geopolitical uncertainty after completing one of the strongest growth cycles in its history. According to Dubai Land Department data analysed by Anarock and other industry consultancies, total real estate transactions reached Dh917 billion ($250 billion) in 2025, the highest value ever recorded in the emirate.

    “Transaction volumes crossing 270,000 deals clearly reflect strong investor participation and deep liquidity in the market. Residential real estate has been the main growth engine, and since 2021 housing prices in Dubai have risen roughly 60–75 per cent, making it one of the strongest housing cycles globally in the post-pandemic period.”
    — Dr Prashant Thakur, Executive Director and Head of Research and Advisory at Anarock Group

    Global property consultancies have also highlighted the exceptional performance of Dubai’s housing market. According to Knight Frank, the emirate recorded more than 500 residential sales worth over $10 million in 2025, underscoring the extraordinary growth of its luxury property segment and the rising influx of wealthy global buyers.

    Indian investors have been particularly active in both luxury and mid-market segments, with demand driven by high rental yields and long-term wealth preservation strategies.

    Indian Developers Expand Footprint

    Beyond individual investors, Indian developers are also expanding their footprint in Dubai’s real estate landscape. According to Anarock, companies with Indian roots now account for around 8–10 per cent of the development pipeline in Dubai.

    Among the most prominent players is Sobha Realty, which developed the luxury Sobha Hartland community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City and continues to expand its portfolio of premium projects. Danube Properties, another developer founded by Indian entrepreneur Rizwan Sajan, has launched more than 20 residential projects in Dubai and remains a major player in the mid-market segment.

    Other Indian groups, including Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate and Casagrand, have also begun exploring high-end residential developments in the emirate. The growing footprint of Indian developers mirrors the broader expansion of Indian capital into Dubai’s property ecosystem, reinforcing the deep economic linkages between the two economies.

    Geopolitical Tensions and Market Resilience

    The latest geopolitical tensions introduce a psychological factor that could influence investor behaviour in the near term. However, Dubai’s position as a global financial hub continues to provide strong structural support to its real estate sector.

    “The current geopolitical tensions will undoubtedly introduce a degree of caution among investors,” the Anarock report noted. “Transaction volumes may moderate in the near term as buyers assess the evolving risk environment. Yet Dubai’s position as a global financial and lifestyle hub continues to provide strong structural support to its real estate sector.”

    Another potential transmission channel is tourism—a key pillar of Dubai’s economy. The broader Middle East tourism sector is estimated to be worth around $367 billion annually, and prolonged regional instability could dampen travel sentiment across the region. Such a scenario would primarily affect short-term rental apartments, hospitality properties and retail assets located in tourist-heavy districts.

    However, Dubai’s housing demand is not solely dependent on tourism. One of the emirate’s strongest structural supports is its rapidly expanding population. Dubai’s population crossed four million residents in 2025, driven largely by expatriate inflows, according to official statistics.

    The emirate’s property market also benefits from one of the most diversified investor bases globally, with buyers from more than 150 nationalities participating in the market. This diversity reduces reliance on any single investor group, helping the market remain resilient even during periods of geopolitical volatility.

  • Dubai Property Market Has Nothing to Fear, Says Emaar Founder

    Dubai Property Market Has Nothing to Fear, Says Emaar Founder

    The UAE’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate exceptional confidence amid geopolitical uncertainty, according to one of its most prominent figures. Mohamed Alabbar, CEO and founder of Emaar Properties, one of the world’s largest real estate developers, expressed absolute certainty that Dubai’s property market will weather both regional tensions and the wave of new supply expected in 2026 and 2027.

    “We are not here for the short run. We are here for a long, long time to do business,” Alabbar said in a recent interview with CNBC. He characterized the incoming supply as a natural feature of a market built on decade-long ambitions rather than short-term speculation. While acknowledging that a brief cooling-off period is possible, he dismissed concerns about structural problems ahead.

    Market Sentiment Remains Firm

    To illustrate current confidence levels, Alabbar shared a telling anecdote from his personal property search. Currently looking for a seafront apartment for his own use, he noted that after two days of viewing, not a single seller was willing to negotiate on price.

    “Nobody wants to budge. Nobody wants to give a discount. That’s a true situation.”

    The observation serves as a quiet but powerful signal of where sentiment stands on the ground, reflecting sustained demand despite external pressures.

    Structural Resilience Built on Prudent Lending

    Alabbar highlighted a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes Dubai from other global property markets: its real estate sector is not built on bank borrowing. Lending to buyers remains tightly restricted, insulating the market from credit-driven collapses seen elsewhere during financial crises.

    “Our real estate business is not built on bank borrowing. Bank borrowing is very restricted in this market,” he explained, adding that while consumer confidence may experience temporary dips, the UAE’s policy environment has a proven track record of restoring it quickly.

    This assessment aligns with recent market performance. Dubai real estate continues processing deals exceeding $100 million, with developers reporting uninterrupted operations despite some buyers adopting a cautious stance.

    Long-Term Capital Recognizes Stability

    On the broader question of geopolitical uncertainty and Dubai’s reputation as a refuge for global wealth, Alabbar expressed unwavering confidence. He argued that investors who study the trajectory of UAE policy over years and decades will consistently find the same qualities: consistency, sustainability, wisdom, and stability.

    “A country like this, with all these principles and stable leadership and the safety, it has shown that it can deliver,” he stated.

    Alabbar reserved particular admiration for the UAE’s leadership and its capacity for long-range strategic planning. While acknowledging he is not versed in military affairs, he said he was genuinely moved by the country’s demonstrated capabilities during recent tensions.

    “People with true capital understand this, they appreciate this, and they will double down on investing.”

    The sentiment echoes statements made earlier this week, when Alabbar noted that recent attacks have ultimately reinforced confidence in the country’s stability, pointing to decades of consistent policy and institutional strength.

    Market Context and Performance

    Alabbar’s confidence comes as Dubai’s property sector maintains strong fundamentals. The emirate’s real estate market recorded 874 transactions worth AED2.46 billion on March 2, 2026, demonstrating sustained investor confidence as economic fundamentals continue to outweigh short-term geopolitical sentiment.

    The debt-free structure of Dubai’s real estate market, combined with prudent lending restrictions and long-term government planning, positions the emirate to absorb new supply without the leverage-driven volatility that has characterized property cycles in other global cities. As regional tensions persist, Dubai’s market continues to attract capital seeking stability, transparency, and proven governance frameworks.

  • Dubai Real Estate Defies Regional Tensions with $100M Deals

    Dubai Real Estate Defies Regional Tensions with $100M Deals

    The UAE property market is operating normally despite heightened geopolitical tensions, with real estate activity continuing across the country and developers maintaining scheduled project launches.

    A $100 million-plus property transaction was recorded in Dubai this week, demonstrating sustained investor appetite even as some international buyers pause purchase decisions to monitor regional developments.

    Broker Ben Crompton confirmed that transactions already underway are progressing as planned.

    Buyers who already signed MOUs are proceeding as normal, and some deals are still being negotiated. Most buyers are in a ‘wait-and-see’ mode as you can imagine.

    He noted that property prices typically decline only during periods of forced selling triggered by widespread job losses or sharp interest rate increases—conditions that have not materialized in the UAE.

    International Investors Monitor Closely

    International investors, who represent a significant share of UAE property buyers, are watching the situation more closely than long-term residents, according to market participants.

    A second broker, speaking anonymously, said a major project scheduled to launch next week is proceeding as planned.

    They are not postponing launches because of the current situation.

    The broker emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s market is anchored by families with deep roots in the emirate.

    A large proportion of residents here are families who have been in the UAE for many years. They consider this their home and they are planning long-term—with schools, jobs and their families here—so they still want to buy property.

    However, some foreign buyers from the UK, US, and Germany have become more cautious, the broker noted.

    Opportunity for Strategic Investors

    Market professionals indicated that short-term uncertainty can create opportunities for cash investors. When sellers exit quickly and reduce prices, those units tend to be acquired rapidly by investors with available liquidity.

    The broker cited examples of properties valued at Dh1.3 million being negotiated at Dh1 million for quick transactions, with investors planning to hold until market conditions stabilize.

    Real estate is a slow and stable market. It doesn’t react like the stock market where prices can suddenly fall by 10 per cent in a day. For significant price changes to happen, a large number of people would need to move in the same direction. Right now, the majority still believe in the UAE and its government, so the market remains stable.

    Developers Emphasize Continuity

    On March 6, 2026, Emaar Properties confirmed normal operations across all assets. Earlier, Aldar Properties stated that all its residential communities, retail destinations, commercial offices, hotels, schools, and development sites continue to operate without interruption.

    Aldar highlighted its strong financial position with more than Dh30 billion in available liquidity, including Dh14.2 billion in free cash and Dh16.4 billion in undrawn bank facilities.

    Developers have not adjusted launch pricing, but some are offering more flexible payment plans—such as 35-65 or 40-60 structures instead of 50-50—to reduce upfront costs and maintain investor confidence.

    Economic Fundamentals Remain Robust

    Crompton emphasized that broader economic conditions supporting the property market remain strong.

    The economic fundamentals are very strong. Capital hates uncertainty more than anything. The sooner there is long-term clarity, the sooner investors will feel comfortable committing again.

    The UAE real estate sector has been supported by strong population growth, international investment, and economic expansion. Dubai’s population has surpassed four million, driving unprecedented housing demand as the emirate’s property market recorded nearly Dh900 billion in transactions during 2025.

    Industry professionals point to continued long-term demand across key residential hubs including Reem Island, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island, where new infrastructure and lifestyle developments are expected to support property values over time.

    The broker concluded:

    There is still strong belief in the long-term prospects of the market. Real estate in the UAE has historically moved upward over the long term, even if there are short-term fluctuations.

  • Alabbar: UAE Proves Safety Credentials Amid Regional Tensions

    Alabbar: UAE Proves Safety Credentials Amid Regional Tensions

    Speaking in a CNBC interview that aired on Friday, Alabbar said the UAE’s ability to intercept incoming threats has underscored its reputation as a global safe haven.

    The past days have proven that we are really a safe country.

    The developer emphasized that the UAE’s long-term policy consistency and stability have been built over decades and cannot easily be undermined.

    “If you were to look and study the trajectory of UAE policies, you will see consistency, you will see sustainability, you will see wisdom, you will see stability — all for one purpose: to create an incredible life for the people who live here,” he said. “You don’t build this over one year, two years: it took us over 40 years for the leadership to establish this.”

    Alabbar added that recent developments are unlikely to weaken investor confidence in the UAE, noting that Dubai’s property market continues to attract strong interest.

    “Success does not happen by luck,” he said. “Because of years of great policies, stability, competence and fairness that exist in this country, that really have pushed tremendous belief in this country and what the future holds.”

    Alabbar also dismissed concerns about a major correction in Dubai’s property market, despite regional tensions. “I know my business well. I know the banking system. I know the business environment,” he said. “I have no concerns.”

    He pushed back against predictions made by global ratings agency Fitch in 2025 about a 15% property price correction, calling the forecast “very unrealistic” based on his analysis of business data.

    High Interception Rate Demonstrates Defense Capability

    Alabbar’s comments come as figures released by the UAE Ministry of Defence on March 5 show that the country’s air defence systems have intercepted the vast majority of missiles and drones launched toward the UAE since the escalation began.

    According to the ministry:

    • 1,072 drones were detected, with 1,001 intercepted
    • 196 ballistic missiles were detected, with 181 intercepted
    • Eight cruise missiles were detected, with all eight intercepted

    A total of 71 drones impacted on land, while two ballistic missiles struck inside the country and 13 fell into the sea, according to the ministry’s latest update. The figures highlight the scale of the attacks but also the effectiveness of the UAE’s layered air defence systems.

    Meanwhile, the intensity of strikes across the region appears to be declining. Iranian ballistic missile launches were down 90% from the first day of fighting, while drone attacks have fallen 83%, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal on Friday.

    Institutional Strength Reinforces Investor Confidence

    Analysts say the UAE’s response to the crisis may ultimately reinforce investor confidence. Simon Wolfe, co-founder and managing partner of Marlow Global, said the country’s institutions and communications have remained strong despite the scale of the attacks.

    “In the short term, there is a physical reality here that optimism cannot shortcut. Airports, ports and energy infrastructure will take weeks to come back online, and the disruption to trade flows and aviation connectivity is real and immediate,” Wolfe told Gulf Business this week.

    However, Wolfe said the UAE’s response demonstrates the strategic qualities that attracted global investors to the country in the first place.

    “Look at what the UAE has actually done in the face of an extraordinary assault: its institutions have held, its government has communicated with clarity, and it has called for negotiated resolution within days of being targeted,” he said. “And perhaps most importantly, the air defences have, in large part, held. This demonstrates exactly the kind of strategic maturity that made it attractive to global capital in the first place.”

    The UAE real estate sector has demonstrated operational resilience in early March 2026, with Dubai recording sustained transaction activity despite heightened regional tensions.