Emirati media reports have identified seven reasons encouraging foreigners to buy real estate in the United Arab Emirates, foremost among them being security, safety, and stability, as well as the country’s appeal and high return on investment, along with the launch of new projects at competitive prices and various financing options, as well as the successive unveiling of numerous initiatives to stimulate real estate investment and property ownership in the country—most notably the new residency regulations, financing facilities, and the reduction or elimination of many fees.

Real estate activities were the largest contributor to foreign direct investment in Abu Dhabi during the second quarter of 2021, reaching 30.31 billion dirhams, accounting for approximately 31 % of the total foreign direct investment, which stood at 98.8 billion dirhams over three months, according to a recent report by the Abu Dhabi Statistics Center.

Last year, the Dubai real estate market recorded 84,772 real estate transactions worth 300 billion dirhams, representing a 71 % increase compared to 2020, as the market attracted 51,553 new investments worth 99 billion dirhams, owned by 38,318 foreign investors.

Gulf nationals accounted for 8,826 transactions worth 16.88 billion dirhams, while Arab investors recorded 7,538 transactions worth 12.4 billion dirhams, according to a report by the Dubai Land Department.