With record-breaking property sales and a steady influx of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), Dubai is increasingly positioning itself as a premier destination for global investors seeking long-term residency, asset diversification, and a stable economic environment.

Read-6,700 millionaires relocated to the UAE in 2024, report reveals

According to Jeremy Savory, CEO of Savory & Partners, Dubai’s booming real estate market is a direct reflection of its growing international appeal. “As Dubai has physically grown, so has its reputation. Property sales are up 89 per cent year-on-year, with land transactions accounting for half of all activity in April 2025,” he said. In 2024 alone, Savory & Partners facilitated 70 property purchases, several of which led to long-term residency in the UAE.

Pro-business environment and financial appeal

Savory attributes this trend to the UAE’s resolutely pro-business infrastructure, streamlined company incorporation, and ease of accessing regional wealth. “The combination of a low-tax environment, excellent airline connectivity, and sophisticated financial systems is a significant draw for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs),” he added.

Government incentives also play a major role in attracting global capital. “The absence of capital gains tax and personal income tax continues to be a major pull factor,” said Savory. Industry estimates suggest more than 5,000 HNWIs are expected to relocate to the emirate in 2025 alone.

Golden Visa fuels investor confidence

One of the game-changers has been the UAE’s Golden Visa program, which incentivizes long-term real estate investment. “The visa is tied to the property asset, encouraging investors to take a longer-term view rather than speculate,” said Savory. He noted that the program has helped stabilize the market by raising the entry-level price point to around $550,000, pushing investors toward luxury and premium segments.

Additionally, developers are increasingly offering Golden Visa facilitation as part of their sales process, further streamlining the experience for foreign buyers.

Economic indicators bolster investor sentiment

Dubai’s expanding GDP, strong job creation, and growth in sectors like tourism, logistics, and finance are also shaping investor decisions. “These broader economic trends reduce vacancy risk and boost the long-term appreciation potential of real estate assets,” Savory explained. Dubai also continues to offer one of the highest rental yields globally—another major attraction for investors seeking alternatives to markets like London and Hong Kong.

“Dubai ranks among the top globally in terms of ease of property ownership and digital land registries, especially with full foreign ownership allowed in designated freehold zones,” he added.

Beyond business: A lifestyle destination

Beyond financial considerations, Dubai’s reputation as a family-friendly and secure city also draws in UHNWIs. “It’s an excellent place to raise a family, with top-tier schools and medical facilities,” said Savory, who himself is a resident.

Global investment gateway

Helena Savory, Managing Partner at Savory & Partners, emphasized Dubai’s rising status on the global investment map. “The city offers unmatched geographic connectivity, excellent infrastructure, and attractive investment returns. It’s a top choice for foreign investors seeking diversification and stability,” she said.

Foreign investors are particularly drawn to Dubai’s tax-friendly policies and swift transaction processes. “Cash deals can be completed in as little as 1–2 weeks, much faster than many cities across Europe where the process often takes up to 12 weeks,” Helena noted.

Ideal starting point for portfolio builders

For new investors building a global property portfolio, Dubai presents compelling advantages: “You have no income tax on rental or capital gains, entry points as low as $150,000, and relatively straightforward mortgage processes,” she said. The city’s lifestyle offerings, high safety ratings, and growing culinary scene also enhance its appeal as a second-home destination.

Emerging markets and best practices

While Dubai remains the primary focus, Helena pointed to other emirates and districts that are gaining traction. “You can expect rental yields between 5–9 per cent depending on the location. Hotspots include JVC, Arjan, and Dubai South for affordable options, and Palm Jumeirah or Emaar Beachfront for luxury buyers,” she said.

When it comes to building a successful portfolio in the UAE, diversification is key. “Mixing asset classes, understanding market cycles, and working with trusted agents can help investors access off-market deals and optimise returns,” she advised.

From the recent launch of the Trump Tower Dubai in partnership with the Trump Organization to exploring tokenised real estate and branded luxury developments from Muscat to Madrid, CEO Ziad El Chaar explains to Gulf Business editor, Neesha Salian, how Dar Global — the international arm of Dar Al Arkan — is redefining the global real estate landscape. With a focus on investor-first focus, ESG principles, and brand-driven development, the conversation offers insight into the company’s global footprint and the leadership mindset shaping its operations and future.

This is an exciting time, especially with the project involving the Trump Organization. What has driven the strategy behind this partnership and your broader regional expansion?

We started Dar Global almost four years ago, though the parent company, Dar Al Arkan, has a legacy spanning over 31 years. Dar Global focuses on developing international cities for HNWIs.

When we went public in 2023 on the London Stock Exchange, we committed to becoming one of the world’s top 50 global real estate developers. That goal requires pushing our annual revenue close to $3bn. So, we built the team, launched branches, and initiated developments across key cities.

Now it’s time to amplify results. We’ve been partnering with globally respected brands to maximise returns for our shareholders and real estate investors. The Trump brand, in particular, has strong global recognition and premium appeal. I helped introduce the Trump brand to Dubai 10 years ago with a golf community that became one of the city’s best.

We launched in Muscat with Trump-branded residences, attracting investors from over 50 nationalities. In Jeddah, we created a 47-storey premium tower with a Trump members-only club — another project that has drawn global attention, especially with Saudi Arabia’s new foreign investment laws that only came into effect last year. The brand brings luxury, exclusivity, hospitality, and international reach.

Read: Eric Trump tells Gulf Business why the region is the future of luxury real estate

Dubai’s real estate market is famously competitive. How do you see the Trump Tower project standing out among other iconic developments?

In real estate, the key element is always location. We chose a prime spot on Sheikh Zayed Road, right at the entrance of Downtown Dubai. This gives residents access to all the amenities of Downtown — without the traffic.

The views are stunning — Burj Khalifa on one side, and the sea, Jumeirah Bay, and La Mer on the other.

Beyond location, we’re adding value through hospitality. We’ve been investing heavily to bring the Trump Hotel brand to Dubai. We’re also introducing the Trump Members Club, and residences that come with access to what will be the world’s highest outdoor swimming pool.

When you combine all of that with Dar Al Arkan’s 31-year track record, you have a truly compelling offer. Our promise is to consistently outperform the market — not with hype, but with delivery and design that attract strong returns.

Let’s talk about technology and sustainability. Where does Dar Global stand on tokenisation and ESG?

Tokenisation is very close to my heart. I tried to initiate a real estate tokenisation project in Dubai back in 2018 and even published a white paper on the topic.

Dubai, with its investor diversity, is ideal for tokenisation. But it’s not just about creating tokens —you also need liquidity. If there’s no exchange to trade tokens, the system is half-cooked. We need a Dubai Security Tokens Exchange, like the Dubai Financial Market, where real estate tokens can be traded.

On sustainability, we take ESG seriously. Being listed in London means we comply with strict FCA guidelines. We try to go beyond local market standards and lead in ESG delivery.

In addition to the Trump brand, you’ve partnered with several others. What drives your strategy in branded residences?

We currently have 14 branded residence partnerships. Our strategy is investor-focused. We develop only in international cities with demand from multiple nationalities. Branded residences offer high desirability and limited supply, making them stable, high-yield products.

These global names help us offer something unique in each city. When you add a respected brand to a luxury location, you create a product that’s both exclusive and consistently in demand.

How are your international markets progressing, particularly Spain, Oman, the US, among others?

Our strategy is to develop in cities with broad, international demand. Many of our investors buy in multiple global locations — so in a way, we’re helping them complete their collections.

We’re already active in Doha, Moscow, Dubai, Muscat, Riyadh, Jeddah, Central London, southern Spain, and soon, Athens. We’re also exploring collaborations in parts of the US.

For now, we’re focusing on deepening our presence in these existing cities. Opening a new development setup is costly, so our priority is to grow where we’ve already established a footprint.

What leadership principles have guided you and your company to this level of success?

It’s all about focus. We don’t do everything. We chose a path — luxury real estate in international cities — and we’ve stayed true to it.

Every project we pursue is evaluated through one lens: is this good for our investors and shareholders? Can our team deliver it without being stretched? We don’t build because we like an idea; we build only if it serves all our stakeholders.

What advice would you give to other real estate leaders navigating today’s volatile global market?

Focus on scarcity. In real estate, it’s all about supply and demand. Don’t be the 700th tower in the suburbs with generic views. Those products perform only when the market is booming.

Instead, offer something unique: a one-of-a-kind product, a top-tier location, or cost leadership — though the latter is the hardest because you can’t control material costs. If you’re not unique or cost-efficient, don’t enter this business.

You are a busy CEO. How do you find a work-life balance?

I was taught by my late parents that you give everything to your work and livelihood — and whatever time is left, you live your life.

This idea of working six hours a day and prioritising weekends doesn’t hold in our world. If a client wants to meet on a Saturday, you show up in a suit. That’s what I teach my daughter too. Hard work, loyalty, and contribution to your institution’s success should the core values driving you.

Any parting thoughts?

My first interaction with Dubai’s real estate scene was at Cityscape 2012 in the World Trade Center. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come in just 20 years.

The investment firm, Dubai Holding said on Monday it will raise the size of residential REIT’s initial public offering to 15 per cent of issued unit capital, up from the earlier plan of 12.5 per cent.

One of the largest landowners and real estate developers in the UAE, the company is offering a stake in its REIT at a price ranging from Dh1.07 to Dh1.10 per unit.

Read-Dubai Residential REIT sets IPO price range, eyes up to Dhs1.79bn raise

Based on revised offering size, it is seeking to raise up to Dh2.15bn ($585.45m), the company said.

That range values the REIT at up to $3.9bn.

The Gulf’s business and tourism hub, Dubai has experienced a post-pandemic property boom, fuelled by foreign investment and government-led residency reforms.

The government has made significant effort to reduce debt, strengthen property market regulations, and merge major state-owned real estate firms to avoid the pitfalls of previous boom and bust cycles in the sector.

Despite a robust pipeline of possible listings, Dubai Residential REIT will be the emirate’s first since Talabat in December, and only the second in the United Arab Emirates this year.

The institutional book-building subscription period for the IPO will close on May 20, according to the company, with trading set to begin on or around May 28.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues its drive to expand the use of smart systems and artificial intelligence in the public bus service, enhancing the overall efficiency of the emirate’s mass transit network.

Read-Dubai driver’s license: What you really need to know

This was highlighted in a statement by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s RTA, according to a WAM report.

Public Bus: Service coverage and daily trips

The integration of AI and smart systems has improved operational performance, reduced costs, enhanced adherence to schedules, and increased customer satisfaction. Currently, the bus service covers about 88 per cent of the emirate. A fleet of 1,390 buses completes 11,000 daily trips, covering approximately 333,000 kilometres.

Why should residents use public transport in Dubai?

RTA remains committed to enhancing the public bus system to encourage residents to choose public transport for their daily commutes. The authority aims to strengthen connectivity between residential, commercial, and industrial areas by integrating the bus network with the Dubai Metro. Buses serve as vital links to other transport modes, including the metro, tram, and taxis.

RTA’s plan for dedicated bus and taxi lanes

This year, the RTA will expand its dedicated bus and taxi lanes by adding six new lanes spanning 13 kilometres. With this addition, the total length of dedicated lanes will reach 20 kilometres. The expansion is expected to increase passenger numbers by 10 per cent, improve bus arrival times by 42 per cent, reduce journey times by 41 per cent, promote greater public transport usage, and help alleviate traffic congestion.

In numbers: Public bus scenario in Dubai

In 2024, the number of public bus users reached 188 million, marking an 8 per cent increase compared to 2023. The current fleet of 1,390 buses operates across 187 routes, including 110 urban and rural routes, 64 metro link routes, 13 intercity routes, and seasonal services to destinations such as Global Village. These buses make 11,000 trips daily, cover more than 333,000 kilometres, and transport over 500,000 riders each day. The on-time arrival rate exceeds 77 per cent.

Reviews of bus service routes

The RTA conducts regular reviews of bus routes using operational data and passenger feedback. Last year, it introduced nine express routes, nine new metro link routes, and four taxi routes in high-demand areas. The activation of a bus priority system at key intersections also improved arrival times by up to 12 per cent.

New generation of bus stations

In recent years, RTA has launched a new generation of bus stations that feature modern designs and advanced engineering solutions to support high-quality transport services. These stations meet integration standards, improve connectivity, and ensure convenient, safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. They are also designed to be inclusive, with dedicated features for People of Determination.

How bus stations improve connectivity

The upgraded stations also enhance connectivity between transport hubs, development areas, and surrounding neighbourhoods. This includes addressing first- and last-mile travel needs and integrating key elements such as bus stops, cycling lanes, pedestrian crossings, landscaping, and bike racks—encouraging more walking and personal mobility.

Eco-friendly, accessible buses

RTA operates a modern fleet of buses that comply with European low-carbon emission standards (Euro 6). These buses offer spacious seating, advanced safety features, and user-friendly designs for optimal comfort and accessibility. Low-entry designs and designated spaces for People of Determination ensure ease of use for all passengers.

Mass transit system

Dubai’s mass transit system is characterised by its multi-modal integration, forming the backbone of daily transport for residents. This interconnected network has reshaped the city’s mobility culture, encouraging greater adoption of public transport across all demographics.

RTA’s strategic plans focus on expanding road networks, crossings, and the entire mass transit infrastructure—covering metro, tram, buses, marine transport, first- and last-mile solutions, and shared mobility options.

Efforts are also underway to enhance pedestrian and cycling facilities, improve connectivity, and optimise traffic and transport management systems to boost the efficiency of both road and public transit services.

Policies to reduce private vehicle dependence

Policies have been implemented to reduce reliance on private vehicles by promoting public transport and shared mobility solutions as sustainable, efficient alternatives.