Dubai, UAE – An analytical study, prepared by W Capital Real Estate Brokerage, revealed that the value of real estate investments in the Emirate of Dubai jumped from 148 billion dirhams in 2021 to more than 680 billion dirhams in 2025 (within five years). With a growth of nearly 360%, and an increase exceeding 532 billion dirhams.
The study, which is based on annual reports and data from the Dubai Land Department, indicated that this jump was not limited to the amount of funds. It was accompanied by a remarkable expansion in the number of investors and investments, and a greater diversity in capital sources and areas attracting it.
Increasing numbers of investors
The study monitored an upward path that extended for five years, during which the number of investors increased from 52,415 investors to about 193,100 investors. The number of investments increased from 72,206 investments to approximately 258,600 investments. The comparison also revealed that the value of funds grew faster than participation. This adds a qualitative dimension to the performance reading, far from being satisfied with the volume of sales and real estate transactions.
W Capital explained that this development reflects the expansion of the annual size of the market. The value recorded in 2025 now exceeds the 2021 level by more than 4.5 times.
In parallel with the growth in funds, the number of investors increased from 52,415 investors in 2021 to 80,216 investors in 2022. Then 113,655 investors in 2023, 158,038 investors in 2024, and about 193,100 investors in 2025.
This increase means that about 140.7 thousand investors will join the annual base recorded between the two sides of the comparison.
The number of investments also jumped to about 258.6 thousand, an increase of approximately 258%.
One of the most prominent transformations monitored by the study is the expansion of the segment of new investors. Their number increased from 71,000 in 2023 to 108,451 in 2024, then to about 129,600 investors in 2025, a cumulative increase of nearly 82.5% over two years.
This trend highlights Dubai’s ability to attract additional buyers, in addition to the continued activity of those who have previously entered the market.
In 2025, the value of investments attributed to new investors amounted to approximately AED 348 billion. Compared to 332 billion for recurring investments, or 51.2% and 48.8% of the combined total for the two categories.
Large international investments
The map of the origin of investments for the year 2025 revealed a wide international presence, as Asia and Europe together recorded 496 billion dirhams, distributed as follows: 308 billion for Asia and 188 billion for Europe. Investments in North America amounted to 54.63 billion dirhams, and Africa amounted to 41 billion. At the sub-regional level, South Asia topped the list with AED 123 billion, followed by the Middle East with AED 96 billion. Northern Europe has 56 billion, according to figures published from the 2025 market review.
There was a clear difference in purchasing preferences during 2025. 83.7% of non-resident investments were directed towards planned real estate, compared to 16.3% for prefabricated properties. As for residents, their investments were distributed between 51.2% for the planned property and 48.8% for prefabricated properties.
The study explains this disparity by the difference in objectives and investment horizons, between the desire to benefit from the development of projects and the need for a property ready for use or rental.
