Dubai’s Booming Real Estate Market Attracts Repeat Property Investors Globally
Dubai is currently experiencing a strong wave of repeat property investors, particularly from Asia, Europe, and various international markets. Many of these investors first entered the Dubai property market shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic and have since witnessed substantial returns on their investments.
Nazish Khan, Chief Operating Officer of Fidu Properties, shared his insights, stating, “Over the past two years, property prices in Dubai have appreciated by approximately 40 to 50 percent, mainly due to foreign investment. These investors are now seeing significant profits.” He further noted, “Despite frequent offers from brokers to sell, these investors are holding on to their properties. They’re confident in the market and eager to reinvest with additional capital.”
Khan highlighted that Dubai is entering a critical phase in its real estate cycle. “Initially, many foreign investors were testing the waters. Now, they’re navigating the market with confidence, taking advantage of fresh opportunities to reinvest,” he added.
Dubai: Where Tourists Become Residents and Property Owners
Dubai has earned a reputation not just as a top tourist destination, but also as a preferred city for long-term residence. According to real estate experts, more tourists are making the transition from short-term visitors to permanent residents and property buyers.
Dubai became the world’s first city to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting a new wave of global investors and tourists at a time when other countries were still closed to international travel. This early reopening acted as a magnet for high-net-worth individuals looking for safer environments for their families.
Dr. Nour ElSerougy, a recognized real estate expert, stated, “We’re seeing a steady stream of repeat investors from countries such as Brazil, the southern US, Europe, and Asia. The demand is especially strong for one- and two-bedroom apartments, as more families are choosing to relocate to Dubai.”
Real Estate Transactions and Market Growth
Dubai’s property market has experienced an unprecedented surge since the pandemic. Home prices have reached record highs, largely propelled by foreign investments and the influx of affluent buyers injecting billions into the economy.
In the last three years alone, real estate transactions in the emirate have approached the Dh2 trillion mark. In 2022, property deals amounted to Dh528 billion. That figure jumped to Dh634 billion in 2023, and projections suggest Dh761 billion will be reached in 2024.
From Tourists to Permanent Residents
These insights were shared by Nazish Khan at a major industry event hosted by AYS Developers and the Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute. The gathering also aimed to achieve a Guinness World Record for the largest real estate training session.
Khan pointed to a growing trend: many tourists are choosing to make Dubai their home. “The population has now reached 3.9 million. Many visitors who once saw Dubai as an exclusive destination now want to live here permanently,” he said. “Families are relocating, enrolling their children in schools, and moving away from the idea of Dubai as just a vacation hotspot.”
Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024 alone — a 9% increase over the previous year. This influx is contributing significantly to the city’s property demand and investment levels.
Fast-Paced Decisions Backed by Confidence
Khan also emphasized that property purchases are happening rapidly. “Sometimes, people make the decision during their flight back home, after experiencing Dubai’s lifestyle and infrastructure. They’ll return just to place deposits,” he said. “The trust people have in Dubai is massive. We’re leveraging this through shopping malls and tourist kiosks that directly attract interest from visitors.”
He referred to April 2024 as a landmark month: “Even amid a global economic slowdown and stock market disruptions caused by tariff issues, Dubai achieved over Dh62 billion in property sales. That’s a more than 50 percent increase, as investors redirected their funds from declining assets into Dubai’s robust real estate sector.”
Conclusion
Dubai’s real estate market is experiencing an evolution—from a destination of opportunity to a long-term investment hub. With strong returns, a favorable lifestyle, and a secure environment, repeat property investors continue to pour capital into the city. The transformation of tourists into residents is no longer just a trend—it’s a significant contributor to Dubai’s property success story.
