Gulf Business Real Estate Summit: Dubai defies gravity with record sales, soaring prices

The Gulf Business Real Estate Summit took place in Dubai on November 25, 2025, bringing together top experts from finance, regulation, development, and brokerage to examine the future of the UAE real estate sector. The half-day event offered a platform to discuss pressing industry issues, including sustainability, regulatory changes, emerging technologies, and market opportunities amid record-high transactions and sales.

The summit addressed critical questions: How is tokenisation reshaping real estate investment? Will Dubai face a market correction in 2026? Where does value lie in off-plan properties, and how are evolving trends transforming the role of brokers in a rapidly changing market?

Read-Beyond the boom: what’s next for UAE real estate?

Tokenising UAE Real Estate: From concept to mainstream

The first panel, “Tokenising UAE Real Estate – From Pilot to Mainstream,” examined how the industry is moving from concept-stage initiatives to scalable investment solutions. Moderated by Neesha Salian, editor at Gulf Business, the discussion featured industry leaders including Cherif Sleiman (CRO, Property Finder), Scott Thiel (CEO and founder, Tokinvest), Riz Ahmed (CEO, SmartCrowd), Fouad Bekkar (CEO, Coraly.ai), and Felix Vartanov (director, Black River Capital).

Cherif Sleiman emphasised the importance of trust and transparency. “The regulatory environment still requires maturation, and investors need confidence not only in the assets themselves but also in the entities responsible for custody and settlement,” he said. Sleiman added that although tokenisation technology has existed for over a decade, mainstream adoption requires seamless operation so consumers can transact without navigating complex protocols.

Scott Thiel, CEO of Tokinvest, echoed these sentiments: “Mass adoption will depend on removing barriers, raising awareness, and ensuring investors can participate in an intuitive, accessible manner. The goal is to make investing in tokenised real estate as user-friendly as possible, even for those with limited technological familiarity.”

The panel underscored that achieving widespread adoption requires collaboration among developers, investors, and regulators, alongside technological solutions prioritising simplicity, security, and transparency.

Dubai market correction: Myth or reality?

The second panel, “Is a Dubai Real Estate Correction Imminent?”, moderated by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor at Gulf Business, examined potential risks in a market experiencing rapid growth.

Lewis Allsopp, chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, rejected predictions of an imminent downturn, citing strong underlying fundamentals such as population growth, infrastructure expansion, and $700bn in investment commitments. “Dubai remains highly attractive to high-net-worth individuals, including Premier League footballers. Real-world demand contrasts sharply with short-term reports suggesting weakness,” he said.

“It all depends on the location. Take fully developed areas, for example, The Palm, we’ve seen prices absolutely skyrocket over the years.

However, rental transactions are currently dropping in double digits. We are even seeing the launch of The Jebel Ali Palm now. So yes, Palm Jumeirah will, of course, hold its value to a degree and remains one of the go-to areas in Dubai, but there’s always something new on the horizon that can affect prices in the future,” said Gregory Lewis, founder & CEO of AirDXB.

Saurabh Bhatia, Director at Klay Capital, added insights by segment:

• Residential: Prime and luxury segments remain in high demand; mid-segment properties may experience mild corrections.
• Retail: Experiential and premium retail continue to thrive, while legacy retail may need reinvention.
• Office and commercial: Grade A and luxury offices attract new businesses and international headquarters, with potential growth in manufacturing expected to boost demand.

Bhatia outlined four factors influencing market corrections: global economic shocks, external geopolitical events, oversupply (mainly in mid-segment units), and government policy changes. He noted most upcoming handovers are pre-sold, cushioning potential price adjustments. “Even a 10–15 per cent correction would be healthy and create opportunities for new entrants,” he said.

Off-plan UAE: Where value still lies

The final panel, “Off-Plan in the UAE – Where the Value Still Lies”, moderated by Rajiv Pillai, deputy editor at Gulf Business, focused on the growing off-plan market.

Mohammad Khader, head of Project Development at Almal Real Estate Developments, emphasised the need for developers to differentiate through strategic choices and high-quality products. “Investors seek control and clarity. At the end of the day, the key answer is simple: it all comes down to the product,” he said. Khader highlighted that buyers increasingly compare multiple options and that developers must equip them with the right tools and information for confident decision-making.

Ben Crompton, managing partner at Crompton Partners Estate Agents, highlighted strong foreign interest, particularly from India, Tanzania, Russia, and Singapore, in luxury and waterfront properties. “Developers are offering premium units at record prices, and buyers are accepting these levels because they see strong long-term potential,” he said. Certain premium areas, such as Massa, have reached $6,000 per square foot, demonstrating confidence in UAE infrastructure and growth prospects.

Crompton stressed that the market has matured, with buyers increasingly willing to invest in high-end properties, recognising long-term appreciation and value.

A transforming landscape with resilient growth drivers

Insights from the summit underscore a UAE real estate sector that is evolving yet resilient. Strong economic fundamentals, robust investor confidence, and sustained demand across multiple segments continue to underpin growth.

Emerging trends such as tokenisation and innovative investment models signal a market preparing for its next chapter. With record-breaking sales milestones, rising occupancy rates, and a sophisticated investor base, the UAE property market appears poised to maintain momentum while navigating a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.