Dubai’s real estate market is experiencing a surge in interest from Chinese and Hong Kong investors, as the emirate cements its status as a global investment hotspot. Fueled by strong economic fundamentals, investor-friendly policies, and high rental yields, the city continues to attract capital from across Asia.
According to global real estate firm Juwai IQI, inquiries from Chinese buyers for UAE properties jumped by 28% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. In 2024, Chinese investors accounted for around 8% of foreign investment in Dubai’s real estate sector—a share expected to grow further this year.
Kashif Ansari, co-founder and CEO of Juwai IQI, attributed the uptick to Dubai’s stable economy, flexible residency options, and liberal ownership laws. The city’s residential market saw rents rise by 16% and sales prices by 18% in 2024, driven by rising demand from expatriates and long-term investors.
Office rentals are also on the rise, with Cushman & Wakefield Core projecting a 10–12% increase in 2025, underscoring Dubai’s growing appeal to institutional investors. A recent Dh2.5 billion office deal points to sustained interest in commercial property from international buyers.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is also witnessing growing foreign investment. A landmark Dh586 million acquisition by Hong Kong-based Gaw Capital at Mamsha Gardens on Saadiyat Island marked the firm’s first foray into the UAE market. Aldar Properties, the developer behind the project, reported that 87% of its first-quarter 2025 sales were to foreign buyers, with Chinese and Hong Kong investors alone contributing Dh1.3 billion.
Gaw Capital described the transaction as a vote of confidence in the region’s growth potential. “The UAE’s economic diversification and rising expatriate demand have significantly boosted sentiment in the property market,” said Humbert Pang, head of China at Gaw Capital.
Luxury property in Dubai is also attracting a premium. In Q1 2025, the average foreign buyer paid $1.12 million for high-end real estate—well above the $743,000 market average.
Dubai’s ambitious Real Estate Strategy 2033 aims to increase transaction values by 70% and raise homeownership to 33% over the next decade. With the population expected to hit 4 million by 2026, developments like Emaar South and Jumeirah Lakes Towers are drawing investor attention.
While analysts caution that an expected influx of new residential units could temper price growth, Dubai’s global appeal, safety, and low-tax environment continue to attract Asian capital—positioning the city for sustained momentum through 2025 and beyond.
