Investors who held back during anticipated slowdowns in Dubai’s real estate sector missed out on significant opportunities as the market entered new phases of growth, according to a leading property expert.
Those looking for the strongest returns, with Dubai’s property sector on track to set new records in 2025, are being urged to prioritise well-planned, high-quality developments. These continue to sell out rapidly, demonstrating genuine, sustained demand.
“Bidding on reports of a slowing market has resulted in a massive opportunity being lost for those who fell for it,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
“Dubai has bounced back stronger and faster than any other city in the world since the 2009 global financial crisis, and the COVID pandemic, highlighting the city’s exceptional resilience.
“While growth has naturally slowed compared to the record pace of 2021–2022, this reflects a healthy, sustainable market, rather than a loss of momentum.
Added Msaddi: “The first eight months of this year have seen off plan sales rise by 25% and resale by 13%, which is a rock-solid indication of a market that remains firmly on an upward trend.
“Where people go wrong is by investing in poorly designed developments, whether a luxury villa or a tower. Not surprisingly, these projects will not sell quickly. In contrast, carefully designed developments continue to sell out within months, reflecting genuine demand and a rational market.”
Dubai’s investor base has never been more diverse than it is today, with strong interest from India, China, the EU, and across the Middle East. “This broadens the market’s foundation and reduces reliance on any single nationality, strengthening long-term stability,” says Al Msaddi.
Alongside the city’s population surpassing four million, Al Msaddi highlights other factors driving sustained demand this year:
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regional investment
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global strength of the Dubai brand
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branded residences attracting millionaires and billionaires
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institutional investors impressed with Dubai’s growing market data transparency
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influx of foreign real estate developers bringing loyal clients from their home markets
New records set in 2024 saw the market reach an all-time high of 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 billion. However, figures from DXBinteract reveal that by the end of August this year, sales values had already risen by 33.9% year-on-year to AED 445 billion, with deal volume increasing by 21.8%.
“Dubai does not settle and does not sleep,” says Al Msaddi. “The city’s global branding and marketing strategies are now a benchmark model worldwide. These efforts, combined with the ongoing population growth, underpin sustained demand.
“The trajectory we’re seeing, with 2025 expected to beat last year’s record real estate sales, points to sustainable, long-term growth.”