Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a 9 per cent increase in public transport ridership in the first half of 2025, with nearly 395.3 million riders using various transit modes, up from approximately 361.2 million in the same period in 2024. The daily average ridership climbed to 2.18 million, compared to 1.98 million last year.

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The RTA’s multi-modal transport network includes the Dubai Metro, Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, and shared mobility services such as app-based vehicles, hourly rentals, and on-demand buses, a Dubai Media Office report said.

Confidence in the system

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the consistent growth reflects the public’s growing confidence in the reliability and quality of Dubai’s transportation services.

“The continued growth in public transport ridership reflects users’ confidence in the system’s efficiency and the quality of services provided across all modes. We remain committed to delivering safe, comfortable, and sustainable mobility solutions for every segment of society,” Al Tayer stated.

He highlighted the transformation of the public transport sector, describing it as the “backbone of mobility” across the emirate. Since 2006, the share of journeys made using public and shared transport has increased from 6 per cent to 21.6 per cent by the end of 2024.

Vision for growth

Al Tayer emphasized the authority’s long-term vision to make public transport the first choice for commuters by improving accessibility and connectivity across Dubai.

“We are moving forward with a clear vision to make public transport the preferred choice for daily commuting by smartly expanding transport lines and networks, strengthening connectivity between stations and key destinations, and offering flexible, inclusive mobility solutions.”

Dubai Metro Blue Line and green mobility push

One of the major projects under development is the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which is currently under construction. Spanning 30 kilometres and comprising 14 stations, the new line is expected to serve nine key districts with a combined population of one million. The project is aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

In line with its sustainability goals, the RTA also announced the procurement of 637 buses, including 40 electric vehicles, compliant with Euro 6 low-emission standards, the first and largest such fleet in the UAE. The buses are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026 and will support the expansion of the bus network.

“They also align with our strategic objective to convert the entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050,” Al Tayer added.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve service quality, the RTA has completed the development of 16 bus stations and six depots this month.

Mode share and ridership trends

The Dubai Metro accounted for the largest share of riders in the first half of the year, at 36.5 per cent, followed by taxis at 26 per cent, and public buses at 24 per cent.

May emerged as the busiest month, with 68.8 million riders, while other months saw between 61 and 68 million users. Al Tayer noted that the ridership growth reflects Dubai’s economic recovery and the effectiveness of RTA’s strategic transport initiatives.

“Dubai’s public transport network, with all components operating in full integration, serves as the backbone of mobility across the emirate. It has succeeded in fostering a positive shift in public attitudes toward mass transit,” he said.

Metro station performance

The Dubai Metro saw nearly 143.9 million riders during the first half of 2025 across both the Red and Green Lines.

• BurJuman Station, serving both lines, recorded the highest ridership at 6 million.
• Al Rigga Station followed with 8 million, and Union Station with 6.6 million.
• On the Red Line, Mall of the Emirates (5.6 million), Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (5.4 million), and Business Bay (5.3 million) were top performers.
• On the Green Line, Sharaf DG Station led with 1 million riders, followed by Baniyas (4.1 million) and Stadium Station (3.6 million).

Other transit modes

The Dubai Tram carried 4.9 million riders, while public buses transported 95.7 million. Marine transport services, including water buses, ferries, and abras, served 9.7 million passengers.

Shared mobility options — including ride-hailing apps, hourly rentals, and on-demand buses — accounted for 37.6 million riders. Meanwhile, taxi services transported 103.5 million riders, making them the second-largest mode by usage after the Metro.

Building an integrated ecosystem

RTA’s strategy hinges on developing an integrated and sustainable transportation network that connects all transit modes — from metro lines to marine services, first-and-last-mile solutions, and shared mobility.

This includes not only expanding the physical infrastructure, such as roads and stations, but also investing in smart transport systems that increase the efficiency of traffic and public transport management.

Other key initiatives include:

• Enhancing pedestrian and cycling facilities.
• Improving connectivity between different modes.
• Implementing policies that encourage the shift away from private vehicle use.

Looking ahead to 2030

As part of its long-term strategy, the RTA aims to increase the share of trips made using public and shared transport from 21.6 per cent today to 25 per cent by 2030.

These goals are aligned with broader sustainability objectives, including emissions reduction, improved air quality, and efficient land use across Dubai.

Saudi Arabia has officially published the full text of a new law regulating real estate ownership by non-Saudis, following cabinet approval earlier this month.

The legislation, released in the Umm Al Qura official gazette on Friday, July 25, will come into effect 180 days from publication and marks a significant shift in the country’s real estate and investment policy, a Saudi Gazette report said.

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The new law grants non-Saudis, including individuals, corporations, and non-profit organisations, the right to own property or obtain other real rights within designated zones to be defined by the Council of Ministers.

These rights include usufruct (beneficial use), leaseholds, and other interests, but will be subject to geographic and usage-based restrictions.

Importantly, all legal property rights held by non-Saudis prior to the law’s enactment will remain protected.

Key restrictions remain

Despite the liberalization, the law maintains a firm stance on property ownership in the holy cities. Ownership remains prohibited in Makkah and Madinah, except under specific conditions for individual Muslim owners. Foreign individuals legally residing in the country may own a single residential property outside restricted zones for personal housing purposes.

A central provision mandates that the Council of Ministers, based on recommendations from the Real Estate General Authority and with approval from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, will designate the permissible zones for foreign ownership. These zones will include limits on ownership percentages and the duration of usufruct rights.

Foreign-owned non-listed companies, licensed investment funds, and special-purpose entities may acquire real estate throughout the Kingdom, including in Makkah and Madinah, provided the ownership is for operational needs or employee housing. Listed companies and investment vehicles are permitted to own property in line with Saudi financial regulations.

Diplomatic missions and international organisations will also be allowed to own property for official use, subject to Foreign Ministry approval and reciprocity.

Mandatory registration and oversight

Non-Saudi entities must register with the relevant authorities prior to acquiring real estate. Legal ownership or rights will only be recognised following registration in the national real estate registry.

To enforce compliance, the law introduces a real estate transfer fee of up to 5 per cent for transactions involving non-Saudis. Violations could incur fines of up to SAR10m, with penalties including forced sales in severe cases such as the use of falsified documents. Proceeds from such sales will be transferred to the state after necessary deductions.

A committee under the Real Estate General Authority will be established to monitor violations and impose sanctions. Affected parties can appeal committee decisions to the administrative courts within 60 days.

Repeal of previous rules for GCC citizens

The new law also revokes a previous ban on real estate ownership by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens in Makkah and Madinah, thereby aligning the rules for all non-Saudi individuals and entities under a single legal framework.

Executive regulations, including geographic boundaries and implementation procedures, are expected to be issued within six months.

The law replaces the previous foreign ownership legislation issued under Royal Decree No. M/15 in 2000.

Dubai’s real estate market is demonstrating powerful momentum in 2025, marked by high buyer intent, growing investor confidence, and evolving preferences among premium property seekers.

A series of new data-driven reports from Property Finder, MERED, and Betterhomes underscore how both local and international buyers are reshaping the city’s dynamic property landscape.

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From the mass market to the luxury segment, a shared thread is clear: buyers are more informed, more intentional, and more focused on long-term value than ever before.

Majority of home seekers plan to buy soon, despite price caution

Leading real estate platform Property Finder has launched PF Market Pulse, a bi-monthly sentiment tracker capturing real-time consumer insights from over 13,000 users actively browsing property listings in the UAE.

The platform’s first two survey cycles, conducted in May and June 2025, reveal sustained buying appetite: 72 per cent of respondents in May said they plan to purchase a home within six months, with 69 per cent holding that view in June, signalling consistent demand despite broader market shifts.

However, expectations around pricing are beginning to shift. While 34 per cent of buyers in May expected prices to rise, this dipped to 30 per cent in June, with 44 per cent now anticipating a price drop, a marked increase from 37 per cent the month prior. This shift reflects growing buyer sentiment that recent price surges may be cooling.

“The results not only highlight a resilient appetite for home ownership in the UAE,” said Sevgi Gur, CMO at Property Finder, “but also reflect a more informed, confident buyer that’s increasingly responsive to market signals.”

With PF Market Pulse, Property Finder aims to give stakeholders, from developers to end-users, timely access to evolving trends, bolstering its role as a thought leader and insight provider in the MENA real estate ecosystem.

Premium buyers prioritise design, flexibility, and value

Insights from the premium end of the market echo similar themes of discernment and intentionality. International developer MERED, known for its design-driven residential offerings, recently shared findings from its latest customer engagement at ICONIC Residences – Design by Pininfarina.

The report, compiled from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) engaged in the first half of 2025, paints a detailed picture of today’s premium buyer:

• 65 per cent prioritise privacy and exclusivity
• 60 per cent value architectural quality
• 55 per cent rank location and connectivity as key
• 50 per cent seek strong long-term investment potential
• 45 per cent demand lifestyle-driven amenities

According to MERED, one- and two-bedroom layouts remain in highest demand, particularly for their flexibility and appeal to both short-term rental investors and self-users. Ownership intent is increasingly diverse: 45 per cent buy for personal use, 30 per cent for investment, and 25 per cent choose a hybrid model.

“Today’s generation of investors is sophisticated and discerning, expecting timeless architecture, wellness integration, and a genuine sense of community,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED.

“At MERED, we see this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark with projects that speak to ambition, identity, and the way people want to live and invest in their future.”

Younger, tech-savvy buyers enter the market

The buyer profile is also evolving. While professionals aged 40–50 from fields like finance, law, and healthcare remain dominant, MERED reports a growing presence of younger buyers from tech, digital finance, and crypto backgrounds.

These demographic favours branded residences, smart layouts, and properties that offer mobility, functionality, and income-generating potential. Many view real estate not just as a stable asset class, but as a flexible extension of lifestyle.

In response, developers are integrating features like medical-grade air filtration, ultra-purified water systems, wellness spaces, and outdoor terraces, features that align with a desire for both luxury and quality of life.

Over 85 per cent of premium buyers ask about amenities in early conversations, indicating that community features and environmental quality are now seen as core, not complementary.

Demand remains strong across all segments

Complementing both Property Finder and MERED’s findings, April 2025 transaction data released by Betterhomes reveals that Dubai’s overall property market remains robust.

The city recorded 15,213 property sales transactions worth Dhs46.18bn in April, a 23.1 per cent month-over-month increase. This growth was fuelled primarily by off-plan sales, which made up 59 per cent of transactions, while the resale market also gained ground, rising to 41 per cent from 38 per cent the previous month.

Apartments led transaction volume, especially studios and one-bedrooms, which accounted for more than two-thirds of sales. Villas and townhouses also maintained strength, particularly among families seeking larger homes and community-centric living.

Top-performing communities included:

• Apartments: Motor City, Dubai Marina, Dubai Land
• Villas/Townhouses: Dubai Hills Estate, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates

“It’s not just about the big numbers; it’s about consistent demand across a wide range of communities and property types,” said Christopher Cina, director of Sales at Betterhomes. “Communities like Dubai Hills Estate and Motor City are seeing real traction, which tells us people aren’t just buying for investment. They’re buying to live, to grow, and to stay.”

Rental market sees sustained interest

On the leasing side, Dubai recorded 29,423 rental transactions in April. While this figure marked a 23 per cent dip from March, tenant interest remained strong, supported by a 1.2 per cent rise in leads at Betterhomes, suggesting that while fewer contracts were finalised, overall demand has not diminished.

Rental prices continued their upward trend:

• Apartments averaged Dhs140,000/year
• Villas hit Dhs296,000/year
• Townhouses held firm at Dhs226,800/year

Communities like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), and Dubai Land led apartment leasing activity, while Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai Hills Estate, and Jumeirah Village Triangle attracted families seeking larger spaces.

Informed, strategic buyers now drive the market

The convergence of insights from Property Finder, MERED, and Betterhomes paints a picture of a real estate landscape defined by intention, personalisation, and evolution.

• Buyers are acting, not speculating: Despite shifting price expectations, most prospective buyers still plan to purchase within six months.
• Design and liveability matter: Whether mass-market or luxury, buyers value design, location, and quality over flashy features.
• Investment remains key: Even in lifestyle-led segments, the potential for capital appreciation is a driving force.
• The market is maturing: From wellness integration to branded residences, Dubai’s developers are meeting buyer expectations with increasingly sophisticated offerings.

As Dubai cements its global status as a hub for real estate innovation, investment, and lifestyle, these insights serve as both a mirror of current sentiment and a guidepost for what’s next.

Key takeaways

• 72 per cent of UAE users on Property Finder intend to buy property within six months.
• Price expectations are cooling: 44 per cent now anticipate a drop.
• Dubai property sales rose 23 per cent in April, totalling Dhs46.18bn across over 15,000 transactions.
• Off-plan remains dominant, but resale market is growing.
• Premium buyers prioritise privacy (65 per cent) and architectural quality (60 per cent).
• Younger buyers from tech and crypto are entering the luxury market.
• Villas and townhouses see strong rental interest; average villa rent now Dhs296,000/year.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and US-based Westinghouse Electric Company have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States, the companies said.

The agreement, signed in Washington, DC, aims to support the expansion of nuclear power in the US, in line with federal ambitions to quadruple the country’s nuclear capacity by 2050.

It comes as the US seeks to meet growing electricity demand driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data center expansion.

Supporting US plans to quadruple nuclear capacity

Under the terms of the MoU, ENEC and Westinghouse will explore opportunities to accelerate the rollout of Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactors.

The companies also plan to collaborate on US nuclear new build and restart projects, reactor deployment models, fuel supply chain cooperation, and operations and maintenance.

ENEC touts Barakah experience as model

“This marks a significant step in supporting the United States’ bold ambitions to rapidly expand its nuclear fleet,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC. “With ENEC’s proven track record in large-scale nuclear deployment, our collaboration with Westinghouse brings together two leaders in our fields.”

The AP1000 is currently the only large modular reactor design fully licensed and ready for construction in the U.S., according to Westinghouse. Interim CEO Dan Sumner said the company is working with partners to meet a federal target of having 10 new large-scale reactors under construction by 2030.

“A fleet of AP1000 reactors would generate billions in direct economic impact and create tens of thousands of skilled jobs,” Sumner said. “ENEC’s expertise in nuclear deployment is a valuable asset to this goal.”

The partnership also aligns with ENEC’s international strategy to export nuclear development expertise gained from the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE, which is now fully operational and supplies approximately 25 per cent of the country’s electricity.

ENEC is pursuing global opportunities through its ADVANCE programme, which includes an interest in small modular and advanced reactor technologies.

Westinghouse, which built the world’s first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957, is involved in about half of the world’s operating nuclear plants.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Property developer Aldar has set a new benchmark for Abu Dhabi’s high-end real estate market, announcing the sale of an eight-bedroom beachfront mansion on Saadiyat Island’s Faya Al Saadiyat development for Dhs400m ($109m), the highest-ever recorded price for a residential property in the emirate.

The deal comes months after Aldar sold a penthouse at the nearby Nobu Residences for Dhs137m, underlining strong demand for ultra-luxury real estate in the UAE capital, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and overseas buyers.

Spanning 6,561 square metres and located within the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the mansion offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding greenery.

It includes a private car gallery, golf simulator, cinema, wellness and fitness suites, and a beachfront pool.

The interiors were designed by UK-based firm 1508 London and Nordic Office Architects, with an emphasis on open-plan living and minimalist design using local materials.

“This record transaction at Faya Al Saadiyat sets a new benchmark for luxury real estate in Abu Dhabi,” said Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development. “It underscores the strong demand for ultra-premium beachfront homes and reflects the success of the emirate’s long-term urban and investment strategies.”

Aldar mansion sale reflects Abu Dhabi’s status as a preferred destination

The sale also highlights Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a preferred destination for international investors, supported by visa reforms, infrastructure investments, and cultural offerings.

In H1 2025, Aldar reported Dhs5bn in property sales on Saadiyat Island alone.

Expatriates made up 86 per cent of buyers, with 40 per cent purchasing from overseas.

Top nationalities included Russians, French, British, Chinese, and Americans.

The new owner of the Dhs400m mansion was not disclosed.

Ghazi Saeed Al Ateibi, executive director at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), said: “Abu Dhabi is a world-leading destination for real estate investment, backed by transparent governance and strong regulation. Transactions of this size signal growing confidence in the maturity of the market.”

Faya Al Saadiyat, a gated development of 21 homes, is scheduled for completion in 2028.

It includes two mansions and 19 six- and seven-bedroom villas. The community is targeting Estidama 3 Pearl and Fitwel certifications, with sustainability features such as energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies.

Located near the Saadiyat Cultural District, residents will have direct access to key cultural institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Museum, as well as new retail and dining hubs like Saadiyat Grove.