Estattor.com

Tag: UAE property

  • 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.

  • UAE Long-Term Renters Turn Homeowners Amid Flexible Payment Plans

    UAE Long-Term Renters Turn Homeowners Amid Flexible Payment Plans

    Competitive pricing compared to global cities, flexible payment plans, and residency incentives such as the Golden Visa are helping nudge more UAE residents towards home ownership, according to real estate experts.

    Blagoje Antic, CEO and Founder of DHG, noted strong interest in emerging, master-planned communities with a clear long-term vision, such as Meydan Horizon and Dubai Islands.

    “Looking ahead to 2026, demand is moving toward communities that balance accessibility with green spaces and a more sustainable way of living,”

    he said.

    The shift comes as buyer intent remains strong. Last month, a survey revealed that seven in 10 UAE residents plan to buy property in the next six months. The findings, based on Property Finder’s bi-annual Market Pulse survey, gathered responses from 5,540 participants and showed that buyers expect only moderate changes in prices.

    That intent is increasingly translating into actual purchases, supported by government-backed initiatives aimed at making home ownership more accessible. Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme has enabled more than 2,000 residents to purchase their first home in the past six months, generating over Dh3.25 billion in residential property sales, according to figures from the Dubai Land Department.

    Launched in July 2025 by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and DLD, the programme offers first-time buyers priority access to new projects, tailored mortgage solutions and preferential pricing. More than 41,000 residents have registered for the programme so far, with nearly half of completed purchases made by residents who have lived in Dubai for more than five years without previously owning a home, highlighting its role in converting long-term renters into homeowners.

    Industry experts say this renewed confidence is drawing more first-time buyers and long-term residents into the market, with purchasers increasingly focused on build quality, location, developer reputation, and how well a home will hold up over time.

    “End users are more informed and are prioritising good layouts, practical design, amenities, and strong community infrastructure,”

    Antic said. “One- and two-bedroom apartments remain the most in-demand, mainly due to affordability and strong rental demand, with well-planned layouts and quality finishes playing a bigger role in decision-making.”

    Svetlana Vasilieva, Head of Secondary Sales at Metropolitan Premium Properties, said most first-time buyers currently have a budget range between Dh2 million and Dh3 million. She added that while some developers rarely offer incentives, others provide flexible payment plans or upfront discounts to encourage sales.

    “My advice to first timers is to buy with resale and long-term value in mind, not just what fits your budget today,”

    she said.

    Affordability and space remain key considerations.

    “Many first-time buyers are looking for larger apartments or townhouses within family-oriented communities and are willing to live further out to achieve a lower price per square foot,”

    Vasilieva added. In Dubai, buyers are most frequently enquiring about Arabian Ranches 3, The Valley, Dubai South, Nad Al Sheba and Town Square.

    Elie Namaan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ellington Properties, said market momentum is increasingly being driven by end-users buying with intent rather than urgency.

    “We have noticed far more confident and deliberate first-time buyers than even a year ago. These buyers are asking sharper questions and making decisions after more consideration, not just around price but around how a home fits into their daily life,”

    he said.

    Namaan added that livability has become central to the decision-making process, with buyers prioritising thoughtful layouts, natural light, storage, walkability and a sense of community over short-term gains.

    “There’s a growing recognition that a first home is not just a financial milestone, but an everyday environment that needs to support work, wellbeing and long-term comfort,”

    he said.

    The trend aligns with broader market shifts toward value-driven purchases across the region, as buyers prioritize developer credibility and long-term stability. With Dubai recording over 200,000 transactions in 2025 and residential prices rising 12.1%, the emirate continues to attract investors seeking quality and sustainable communities.

  • BEYOND Developments Unveils EVERMORE Master Plan on Marjan Beach

    BEYOND Developments Unveils EVERMORE Master Plan on Marjan Beach

    The announcement, made on February 13, 2026, marks BEYOND’s inaugural venture outside Dubai and introduces a French-inspired waterfront development spanning over 7 million square feet of gross floor area. The project is positioned opposite Wynn Al Marjan Island on one of the emirate’s most strategic beachfront plots.

    Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of BEYOND Developments, emphasized the significance of the launch:

    “Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing a new phase of development, underpinned by disciplined planning, rising global relevance and the long-term vision of its leadership whose support has been instrumental in enabling our entry into the emirate. EVERMORE stands as a defining milestone in our journey, marking our first expansion outside Dubai and first destination in Ras Al Khaimah.”

    The master plan introduces 250,000 square meters of landscaped open spaces, including a central botanical garden, designed as a fully pedestrian-oriented development. Shaded walkways and green connections link the botanical garden to 3.5 kilometers of accessible beachfront, prioritizing walkability and resident well-being.

    EVERMORE integrates residential, hospitality, and retail components, including 1 million square feet of hospitality and branded residential offerings. The destination features a festival and events plaza, botanical souqs, an F&B village, and a continuous beachfront promenade, forming a self-sustained cultural and leisure district.

    Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan, highlighted the project’s importance:

    “As the second-largest master plan within our portfolio, it strengthens Marjan Beach’s evolution as a destination where lifestyle, hospitality, and nature come together to shape the future of the emirate. This master plan adds a meaningful new layer to the beach’s evolution and strengthens its positioning as a global lifestyle and investment destination.”

    The architectural vision draws inspiration from French classical design, reinterpreting proportion, symmetry, and spatial order through a contemporary lens. Cascading buildings are arranged to maximize uninterrupted sea and landscape views, with wind-flow strategies, shaded pathways, dense greenery, and pedestrian bridges ensuring year-round comfort.

    The unveiling took place through an immersive launch experience featuring light installations, layered soundscapes, and theatrical storytelling, translating the spirit of the master plan into a sensory narrative for attendees.

    EVERMORE is designed to contribute meaningfully to the Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030, aligning with the emirate’s evolving urban and economic development strategy. The project’s scale and positioning reflect growing confidence in Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate investment landscape, as developers increasingly look beyond Dubai’s saturated markets.

  • Dubai Property Market Sets Record with Dh15.6 Billion Single-Day Transactions

    Dubai Property Market Sets Record with Dh15.6 Billion Single-Day Transactions

    The Dubai Land Department’s data reveals an unprecedented surge in real estate activity, with sales reaching Dh11.4 billion covering land, residential units, buildings, mortgages, and property gifts. This landmark achievement reflects the emirate’s diverse and expanding property market.

    Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of Arabian Gulf Properties, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that it represents strong confidence from both local and international investors in Dubai’s real estate sector. The transaction volume underscores the city’s ability to attract large-scale investments in a globally competitive environment.

    The market’s momentum is supported by gradually easing property prices. In December 2025, property prices stabilized, reaching Dh1,673 per square foot—105% above the market’s 2020 trough and 35.7% above the 2014 peak.

    Real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Core predicts that 2026 will be characterized by more selective, fundamentals-driven performance. The continued attraction stems from broader economic growth, corporate expansion, and Dubai’s strengthening position as a global business hub.

    The record-breaking day signals a promising trajectory for Dubai’s real estate market, attracting both residents transitioning to property ownership and foreign investors seeking attractive opportunities.