Dubai among top 3 global prime housing markets for capital gains: Savills
Prime rental values in Dubai rose 2.9 per cent in the past six months and 13.3 per cent in the year to June, reflecting moderating yet resilient growth after a strong run
Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes
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Dubai ranked among the world’s top three prime residential markets for capital appreciation in H1 2025, as values climbed more than 5 per cent, outpacing the global average, real estate consultancy Savills said in its latest index.
The gains were supported by rising immigration flows, steady investor confidence and limited luxury supply. Savills forecast prime values in Dubai to rise a further 4 to 5.9 per cent in the second half of the year, keeping the city among the world’s strongest performers.
Prime rental values in Dubai rose 2.9 per cent in the past six months and 13.3 per cent in the year to June, reflecting moderating yet resilient growth after a strong run.
Renewal rates remain high as Dubai continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and international buyers seeking long-term residence.
Dubai’s prime residential market continues to draw interest
“Despite wider macroeconomic uncertainty, Dubai’s prime residential market continues to demonstrate stability bolstered by strong fundamentals,” said Andrew Cummings, head of Residential Agency, Savills Middle East. “The city’s global connectivity, investor-friendly policies and ongoing infrastructure development continue to underpin its status as one of the world’s leading real estate markets.”
Across the 30 global cities tracked by Savills, prime capital values grew by just 0.7 per cent in H1 2025, while rental values rose 2 per cent. Tokyo led with an 8.8 per cent rise in capital values, while Berlin and Seoul also posted growth above 5 per cent alongside Dubai.
Savills projects average capital value growth of 1.5 per cent and rental growth of 1 per cent across the global markets in H2 2025, with Dubai expected to remain one of the top performers.
The report also highlighted mortgage dynamics in the UAE, where loan terms typically span 15 to 30 years with fixed and variable options.
Minimum deposits are 15 per cent for nationals and 20 per cent for expatriates.
In the prime segment, mortgages are often used strategically for capital efficiency and liquidity management rather than affordability.
flynas has announced the resumption of direct flights between Jeddah and Kuwait starting November 1, 2025. The move is part of the airline’s broader expansion strategy and aligns with national aviation and tourism objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
The resumed service will include three weekly flights between Kuwait International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This addition brings flynas’ total frequency between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to 10 flights per week, including an existing daily Riyadh–Kuwait service.
This expanded connectivity is a strategic part of flynas’ long-term growth plan titled “We Connect the World to the Kingdom.” It supports the National Civil Aviation Strategy aiming to connect Saudi Arabia with 250 international destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. The route will also contribute to the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) by enhancing access to the Two Holy Mosques.
Boost to tourism and bilateral travel
The revival of Jeddah–Kuwait flights is expected to stimulate business and tourism travel between the two nations, strengthening bilateral ties. It will also support economic diversification efforts in line with Vision 2030 by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global travel hub.
flynas continues to lead regional aviation innovation. As the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), it now operates 139 routes across more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries, offering 2,000+ weekly flights. Since its inception in 2007, the airline has flown over 80 million passengers, with plans to expand its network to 165 destinations.
In another industry-first initiative, flynas recently launched a dedicated check-in counter for children and their families, becoming the first family-friendly airline in Saudi Arabia. Announced in July 2025, this initiative aims to create a fun, stress-free, and inclusive travel experience for families.
Under the campaign slogan “Make Them the Stars of the Journey,” the first phase of this initiative was launched at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, at the domestic terminal. The counter is designed with bright visuals, a custom-built, child-height counter, and colorful branding featuring the airline’s Fernas mascot.
The space includes branded barriers, playful signage, and a welcoming environment tailored specifically for children. Staff are specially trained to provide warm, friendly, and personalised service. Young travelers also receive customised boarding passes, adding a fun and memorable touch to their journey.
This pioneering move is a part of flynas’ broader commitment to inclusivity in travel and enhancing the overall passenger experience for all segments of society.
Emirates is set to expand its Premium Economy service to four more cities across the Middle East and West Asia, as it continues to upgrade its fleet with next-generation Airbus A350s and retrofitted A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The move aims to meet growing demand for upscale travel options and ensure a more consistent customer experience across its network.
Starting October 26 2025, Emirates will operate flights EK903/904 to and from Amman with a four-class A380 featuring refreshed interiors, including the Premium Economy cabin. With this upgrade, both daily services to Amman will now offer the airline’s latest signature products, an Emirates Media Centre report said.
Image credit: Emirates/Website
Mumbai will benefit from a retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK504/505 from the same date, expanding access to Emirates’ newest cabin products on 22 weekly flights to the Indian commercial capital.
From 30 October, Emirates will deploy the Airbus A350 on EK862/863 services to Muscat every Thursday and Saturday. This change will bring the airline’s acclaimed A350 experience to all nine weekly flights to the Omani capital.
Meanwhile, starting December 4, Bahrain will see an additional retrofitted Boeing 777 operating on EK833/834 every Thursday. This enhancement will make all flights to Bahrain exclusively served by aircraft featuring Emirates’ signature cabins, including the Premium Economy and a refreshed Business Class.
Image credit: Emirates/Website
Scaling premium economy across the network
These deployments are part of a broader strategy to scale Emirates’ Premium Economy offering, which now spans over 635 weekly flights. By the winter season, 68 cities will be served by aircraft equipped with Premium Economy, with 36 of them exclusively operated by such aircraft.
As the appetite for premium travel grows, Emirates plans to offer over 2 million Premium Economy seats annually by the end of 2025, up from 1.8 million today.
The fleet-wide upgrade is part of one of the largest retrofit programs in aviation history. To date, 67 aircraft have been refurbished, with work progressing at a pace of one aircraft every three weeks. The airline aims to retrofit 219 aircraft, including 110 Airbus A380s and 109 Boeing 777s. Emirates is also currently flying nine A350s to 15 global destinations.
Dubai’s real estate sector continues its upward trajectory with Dhs431bn in sales and over 125,000 transactions recorded so far this year. This represents a 25 per cent increase in transaction value compared to the same period last year, underlining the emirate’s rising stature as a global investment and lifestyle destination.
According to industry insiders, the growth is being fueled by sustained demand across luxury, branded, and emerging lifestyle communities, with a growing number of international investors relocating and setting up roots in the city.
While investors from the UK, India, and Russia have long held a strong presence in the Dubai property market, their motivations and preferences have continued to evolve.
“Across the board, there is a demand for quality, design, and lifestyle upgrades. However, each buyer segment has distinct preferences,” said Patrick Rouse, Chief Development Officer at Deyaar Development.
“UK investors often look for well-managed communities and rental yield potential. Indian buyers prioritise location, family-friendly amenities, and long-term residency prospects. Russian buyers tend to favour larger units and luxury finishes in prestigious locations,” Rouse added.
Importantly, Dubai’s appeal has broadened well beyond these core markets. “Thanks to its global positioning and strategic reforms, we are now seeing buyers from all over the world,” Rouse noted.
The city’s evolution into a full-fledged relocation destination has also gained momentum post-pandemic. A growing number of high-net-worth individuals and families are making Dubai their primary base, rather than investing remotely.
“Relocation is undoubtedly on the rise,” Rouse confirmed. “The pandemic shifted global preferences, and many people now view Dubai not just as an investment market but as home. Our conversations with clients show a clear uptick in people moving their businesses, enrolling their children in local schools, and choosing Dubai as their main residence.”
Investor-friendly policies powering global confidence
A key factor underpinning Dubai’s property boom is its pro-investor regulatory landscape. From 100 per cent foreign ownership in many sectors to simplified visa options tied to real estate investment, Dubai has created an ecosystem designed to welcome and protect global capital.
“Add to that no property tax, transparent regulations through RERA, and a mature escrow system, and you have a market that not only attracts but protects investors,” said Rouse.
He also pointed to the Smart Rent Index by Dubai Land Department (DLD), which has helped stabilise rental pricing and curb inflation. “This ecosystem is crucial in building trust and repeat investment,” Rouse reiterated.
Five landmark developments leading the market
Against this backdrop of confidence and growth, real estate consultancy Whitewill has spotlighted five standout freehold projects offering long-term value, prime locations, and lifestyle-centric living.
Image credit: Supplied
Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers: Branded living in Dubai’s skyline
Rising next to the iconic Museum of the Future and adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road, the Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers is a project developed by Meraas in collaboration with Jumeirah Group.
Set within Dubai’s financial district, the twin towers, spanning 59 and 56 floors, will deliver 754 branded residences in 1 to 4-bedroom layouts.
Prices start at Dhs3.5m, with sky residences reaching up to Dhs25m.
Rental yields are projected between 6–8 per cent, with capital appreciation potential of 35–50 per cent upon handover in 2030.
Offering seamless integration with the Emirates Towers Hotel, this project is tailor-made for executives, diplomats, and high-net-worth individuals seeking a five-star lifestyle in the city’s skyline.
Image credit: Supplied
PASSO by BEYOND: Iconic beachfront on Palm Jumeirah
Positioned on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, PASSO by BEYOND brings two wave-inspired towers, Avita and Bella, alongside six beachfront villas, representing one of the new beachfront launches on the Palm.
Comprising around 625 branded residences (1–4 bedrooms, penthouses, and mansions), prices start from Dhs4.1m, with premier units priced up to Dhs 28 million. Projected rental yields are 6–7 per cent, while off-plan appreciation is estimated between 8–12 per cent annually. Completion is expected in H2 2029.
With private beach access, cascading rooftop pools, panoramic views of Atlantis and Burj Al Arab, and curated wellness pavilions, PASSO stands out as a lifestyle-first beachfront address.
Image credit: Emaar Properties/Selvara (Website)
Selvara at Grand Polo Club & Resort: Equestrian living in Dubai South
In a move to redefine luxury suburban living, Emaar introduces Selvara, located within Dubai South’s Grand Polo Club & Resort. Built around a vast 5.54 million square metre masterplan, Selvara features over 790 villas, each four-bedroom home offering more than 3,800 square foot of living space.
Starting at Dhs6.2m, Selvara promises gross rental yields of 6–8 per cent.
Phase one is scheduled for handover in Q2 2029.
With Spanish-inspired architecture, expansive stables, 340,000 square metre of polo fields, and seamless access to Expo City and Al Maktoum Airport, Selvara offers a distinctive equestrian lifestyle combined with strategic connectivity.
Image credit: Supplied
Lumena by Omniyat: Grade-A commercial tower with a statement
Redefining Dubai’s commercial skyline, Lumena by Omniyat will soar 260 meters over Business Bay, offering 91 prime office units along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Designed by renowned GAD Architecture, the tower features floor plates from 4,000 square foot to full-floor 16,000+ square foot configurations.
Prices begin at Dhs23m, with yields estimated at 7–9 per cent.
Completion is slated for Q4 2029.
Notable features include a Sky Theatre, executive wellness suites, and Omniyat’s proprietary business club concept. The tower targets top-tier certifications, including LEED and WELL Platinum, marrying prestige and sustainability.
Image credit: Supplied
Baystar by Vida: Affordable waterfront living
At the heart of Rashid Yachts & Marina, Baystar by Vida offers lifestyle-focused waterfront living through two mid-rise towers, marking the first Vida-branded residential project in this district.
Housing 319 residences (1–4 bedrooms), starting from Dhs2.1m, the project promises rental returns of around 8 per cent per annum, with handover expected in Q4 2029.
Residents will enjoy direct access to a superyacht marina, a 500-metre canal pool, infinity pools, yoga decks, and a vibrant retail promenade. Baystar delivers a luxury marina lifestyle at an accessible entry point.
Dubai’s real estate market is increasingly defined by scarcity of prime supply, rising rental demand, and government-backed stability. These five developments embody that convergence of design, investment, and lifestyle.
From branded residences in the heart of the skyline to equestrian enclaves and iconic waterfront living, Dubai offers something for every investor class. With transparent policies, strong infrastructure growth, and a global influx of capital, the city remains one of the most attractive real estate destinations worldwide.
District cooling services provider Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has announced that it approved 23,339 No Objection Certificate (NOC) applications during the first half of 2025, representing an 18.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
The rise in applications highlights the company’s strong partnerships with consultants, contractors, and real estate developers, while underscoring the growing demand for district cooling services in Dubai. It also reflects Empower’s focus on delivering streamlined, hassle-free services that enhance business operations, efficiency, and productivity across the construction and real estate sectors.
Empower’s NOC service is designed as a smart, efficient digital solution, allowing contractors and developers to easily submit applications online via the company’s website. By simplifying the process, the service supports accelerated development timelines, reduces the risk of violations and potential damages, and helps stakeholders avoid fines while saving both time and effort.
H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen Dubai’s position among the world’s most advanced and intelligent cities, by providing distinguished and highly efficient services in line with the emirate’s continuous economic, urban, and commercial growth.”
He added: “The No Objection Certificate (NOC) service is an example of Empower’s pioneering offerings, aligned with the principles of sustainable development and the UAE’s net zero goals. The growing demand for these services reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Dubai’s sustainable infrastructure and providing a range of smart solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint, and improve quality of life of the emirate’s residents and Empower’s approximately 148,000 customers.”
Consultants, contractors, and real estate developers can apply for Empower’s NOC services by registering online at https://enoc.empower.ae.
COLABB, a new Dubai-based commercial real estate investment and creative development firm, has officially launched. Positioned as an interdisciplinary platform, COLABB brings together investment, interior design, and digital strategy under one umbrella to redefine how commercial and hospitality properties are acquired, developed, and positioned in the market.
COLABB supports private and institutional investors in identifying and acquiring high-potential assets by integrating acquisition, creative strategy, and execution. The firm’s model ensures that investment decisions are complemented by design innovation and digital storytelling, while property renovation and repositioning drive long-term asset value.
Founded by Olga Sukhanova, who has more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate, COLABB is backed by a track record that includes over $300m worth of deals in the Moscow City project, Russia’s largest business district.
Olga Sukhanova, founder of COLABB
Traditional commercial real estate, Sukhanova noted, often leaves investors juggling multiple vendors and contractors, creating coordination issues, delays, and inefficiencies. COLABB addresses this by offering a fully integrated service model. From market analysis, sourcing, financial and legal structuring, and deal execution to property matching, leasing, and long-term operations, clients work with a single team.
The firm operates across three interconnected divisions – Invest, Interior, and Digital – providing a coordinated approach from the first acquisition through to final positioning and marketing. COLABB also offers project consulting, working alongside architects, contractors, and partners from the early stages to ensure cultural relevance and design impact.
Olga Sukhanova, founder of COLABB, commented: “We are entering a new era in the UAE market where the focus will shift from scale, speed, and brand names to meaning, aesthetics, and depth. Investors and developers will increasingly seek projects with cultural and emotional resonance where culture, investment, and design work in synergy.
“COLABB was born from a desire to build with purpose and connect culture with capital. We want to go beyond transactions and create a platform where real estate, design, investment thinking, and creativity converge to deliver lasting value. We approach every project not as a product, but as a strategic and emotional experience.”
By combining investment expertise with cultural insight and design innovation, COLABB positions itself as a partner for investors seeking meaningful, future-forward developments in Dubai and beyond.
