Research study: The UAE is at the forefront of the most attractive destinations for real estate investment in the world

Sharjah, June 4, 2017 – The UAE continues to lead as one of the most prominent real estate investment destinations in the world, despite the recent regional challenges, according to a new global survey conducted by the Arada Real Estate Group.

The “Arada Index for Real Estate Investment in the Emirates”, prepared by Penta Group, the American institution specializing in research, revealed that the country ranked first as the best investment destination in the world.

56% of global investors expressed serious interest in the UAE real estate market, which is the highest percentage among all the markets included in the study, ahead of the United States 54%, the United Kingdom 41%, France 28% and Spain 27%.

The survey was conducted during the period from April 1 to 23, 2026 across 12 major markets and included 689 real estate investors. This research is the first of its kind to monitor the trends of international buyers towards the UAE real estate market.

The results of the index showed that the level of familiarity with the opportunities available in the UAE real estate sector reached 51%, which is equivalent to the level of familiarity with the UK markets, 51%, and the United States, 53%.

The UAE’s attractiveness is particularly evident among investors in nearby markets, as 91% of Indian investors, 92% of Egyptian investors, and 85% of Saudi investors ranked it among their top three preferred destinations for investment.

In terms of European investors, the UAE ranked first as a destination outside the country of residence for French investors (63%), German investors (60%), and Swiss investors (57%).

Opportunities to achieve high returns constituted the first investment motivation globally at 38%, with Australian investors (57%), Spanish investors (56%) and British investors (41%) placing them as their top priorities.

The safety and stability factor also represents the decisive element for Chinese investors, 65%, and German investors, 58%, as the regulatory system, political stability, and legislative transparency in the UAE are among the most prominent factors of confidence in its investment environment.

34% of participants indicated the ease of purchasing and ownership as a major factor, and this percentage rises to 57% among Saudi investors and 41% among Egyptian investors, which reflects the country’s reputation as a facilitating and stimulating environment for investors.

Regarding the results of the study, Ahmed Al-Khushabi, CEO of Arada Group, said: These results confirm what we have seen in our performance at the sales level, as international investors are aware of the structural advantages that the UAE enjoys in terms of organizational maturity, a stable performance record, and solid economic foundations, even in light of recent challenges. The ability to adapt quickly has always been the pillar of the UAE’s rise as a global investment destination, whether during the pandemic or financial crises, as the country has repeatedly proven that it adapts more quickly than any other market in the world.

Taken together, these data reveal a clear picture of the UAE’s leading position in the global investment scene, as a market that tops the criteria most important to investors: returns, stability, tax efficiency, and ease of access.

The publication of this study coincides with the state’s announcement of unprecedented investments in infrastructure, including the Dubai Golden Metro Line project worth 34 billion dirhams, the first commercial air taxi network in the world, and the Fourth Federal Corridor worth 6 billion dirhams to enhance connectivity between the Emirates and reduce congestion.

The results of the study confirm the strength of the UAE market and the soundness of Arad’s strategy to expand into similar promising markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia, where the value of the company’s projects under development exceeds 130 billion dirhams globally, while its communities are designed to provide an attractive lifestyle, quality and long-term value that keeps pace with the growing aspirations of international buyers.

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