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REAL ESTATE

Why Indian developers are expanding in the UAE

Indian property developers are expanding their presence in the UAE at a faster pace, drawn by regulatory clarity, strong demand from global buyers and a market structure that rewards execution over scale.

Executives from Indian real estate firms say the UAE has moved from being an opportunistic overseas market to a strategic base for long-term growth. Developers are setting up local operations, securing land banks and planning multi-project pipelines rather than launching one-off developments.

The shift reflects both changes in the UAE market and evolving priorities among Indian developers, particularly those focused on premium and luxury housing.

Indian developers are increasingly establishing themselves in the UAE because it is widely considered a second home for Indians, who form the largest end-user base across the country. People from almost every Indian state are strongly represented in the UAE, giving developers immediate market confidence and buyer familiarity. The UAE also offers ease of business setup, strategic tax advantages, and low initial operational costs. Strong escrow regulations, disciplined banking systems, low default rates, and access to HNIs with global reach further make the UAE a highly secure, scalable, and attractive market for experienced developers.

Regulatory clarity and speed drive decisions

Developers point first to the UAE’s regulatory framework. Compared with India and many other global markets, the UAE offers clearer licensing rules, predictable approval timelines and a well-established escrow and registration system.

Kamal Khetan, Chairman and Managing Director of Sunteck Realty, said Dubai offers an operating environment that allows developers to plan with greater certainty.

“The UAE offers a unique combination of global demand, market speed and regulatory clarity that few cities provide,” he said. For developers focused on large, branded projects, he added, Dubai functions as an effective launchpad with immediate global visibility.

Industry executives say the ability to move quickly from land acquisition to launch is a key differentiator. Faster execution reduces holding costs and allows developers to respond to market demand without long delays.

Wealth migration strengthens demand

The expansion also coincides with a rise in high-net-worth individuals relocating to the UAE. Global wealth migration data shows the UAE attracting close to 10,000 millionaires annually, including a significant number from India.

That concentration of capital supports demand for high-end residential projects and improves sales visibility for developers entering the market.

Khetan said the density of wealth in Dubai aligns closely with the ultra-luxury segment that Indian developers are increasingly targeting. “It is where global capital, architectural ambition and luxury consumption converge,” he said.

Developers note that demand is not limited to local buyers. International investors, family offices and expatriate residents form a broad buyer base that reduces reliance on any single nationality.

Indian buyers remain central to the market

Indian nationals continue to rank among the top foreign property buyers in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. Their long-standing presence has shaped product design, pricing strategies and service expectations across the market.

Executives say Indian buyers are no longer primarily speculative. Many are experienced investors who already hold property in India, the UAE or other global cities.

Khetan said Indian buyers increasingly view Dubai as a base for long-term wealth planning, combining primary residences, second homes and income-generating assets. Trust in the UAE’s governance and legal framework plays a central role in that decision-making.

Celebrity endorsements reflect buyer concentration

The growing use of Indian celebrities in UAE property marketing reflects buyer demographics rather than branding trends, developers say.

Indian celebrities command recognition and credibility among a buyer group that accounts for a significant share of luxury transactions. Their presence helps amplify reach, particularly during launches.

However, developers stress that endorsements do not replace fundamentals. Khetan said sales conversion ultimately depends on product quality, delivery track record and lifestyle offering. Celebrity partnerships may attract attention, but they do not compensate for weak execution.

Casagrand Dubai director Luthfulla K echoed that view, noting that visibility must be backed by reliability. Buyers, he said, place strong emphasis on timely delivery and build quality.

Preferred locations remain consistent

Indian buyers continue to prioritise established locations with strong connectivity, resale potential and brand value.

Downtown Dubai remains a key destination for high-net-worth buyers seeking centrality and established infrastructure. Other areas drawing sustained interest include Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Lake Towers.

Waterfront locations are gaining further traction. Luthfulla said areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Islands and Al Marjan Island appeal because they combine tourism demand with long-term scarcity.

“Waterfront destinations are always premium,” he said, citing their strategic positioning within Dubai’s growth corridors and strong appreciation potential.

Buyer expectations shift toward end use

Developers report a shift toward end-user purchases, particularly among families relocating to Dubai for long-term living.

While rental yields remain attractive, buyers are increasingly focused on quality of life, access to education, and community planning. Safety, global connectivity and residency stability are key considerations.

Ankit Gupta, Managing Director of Mantra Properties, said buyer preferences have evolved beyond amenity checklists.

“Amenities today are not just additions,” he said. Buyers now seek homes that support daily living, wellness and privacy, rather than purely decorative features.

This has led developers to focus on lower-density layouts, better spatial planning and service-led offerings.

Investors still active, but behaviour has changed

Despite the rise in end-user demand, investor activity remains strong. Prime locations continue to deliver steady rental demand, attracting buyers focused on long-term income rather than short-term flips.

Gupta said many buyers now balance personal use with investment considerations, choosing locations that offer both lifestyle value and rental resilience.

Developers say this mix has contributed to a more stable market, with longer holding periods and reduced speculative volatility compared with earlier cycles.

Will Indian developers dominate the market?

Industry executives caution against viewing the trend in terms of dominance. The UAE remains one of the most competitive real estate markets globally, with developers from multiple regions active across segments.

Luthfullla said success will depend on differentiation rather than origin. “What will stand the test of time is quality, timely delivery and customer satisfaction,” he said.

Khetan added that Indian developers who bring global design sensibilities, disciplined execution and strong governance can secure a lasting presence.

The UAE market, executives agree, rewards consistency and performance. Indian developers are expanding because conditions support scale, but long-term success will be determined by execution rather than nationality.

Story by Gulf News

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REAL ESTATE

Dubai Property Market 2025

Dubai, UAE: Dubai’s real estate sector remained firmly on a growth trajectory in 2025, supported by steady demand and expanding supply. Reflecting these dynamics, dubizzle, the UAE’s leading online marketplace, has released its Annual Dubai Property Market Report, delivering a data-driven assessment of the emirate’s real estate market performance in 2025.

dubizzle’s report showed sustained transactional activity and overall stability across core market segments, including off-plan sales and short-term rentals.

Commenting on the latest market trends, the CEO of Bayut & dubizzle and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, Haider Ali Khan, said: “Dubai’s real estate market kept up its momentum throughout the year, with steady demand across the board. We’ve also seen the industry evolve, supported by stronger regulation, new partnerships and emerging innovations like real estate tokenisation, which are adding more confidence and depth to the market. In a fast-moving environment like this, having reliable information really makes a difference. At dubizzle, we focus on bringing verified listings and data-led insights to the table, so buyers, investors and renters can make decisions with clarity and confidence. With a strong pipeline of handovers and new launches ahead, the coming months should offer a clear view of how the next phase of the market takes shape.”

READY SALES: TOP AREAS AND MARKET TRENDS

Investor and buyer activity continued at a steady pace across Dubai’s most sought-after ready property locations.

  • Dubai Marina led the luxury apartment segment, while Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and International City emerged as the top-performing mid-tier and affordable apartment markets, respectively.
  • DAMAC Lagoons remained the top choice for luxury villas, while Al Furjan and DAMAC Hills 2 led the mid-tier and affordable segments.
  • Dubai Investment Park (DIP) recorded the highest increase in the villa segment, with the average price reaching AED 2.17M.
  • The per-square-foot price for villas in Dubai Investment Park (DIP) recorded the highest surge, reaching AED 773. Meanwhile, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) saw the sharpest rise in per-square-foot price for apartments, reaching AED 1,501.
  • Town Square delivered the highest ROI for mid-tier apartments at 7.72%, while DAMAC Lagoons led the villa segment with a 10.46% return.

OFF-PLAN SEGMENT: DIVERSE OPTIONS AND GROWING INVESTOR INTEREST

Dubai’s off-plan property segment continued to drive growth in 2025, supported by a steady pipeline of new launches and substantial demand.

  • Off-plan apartments saw strong demand across established and emerging communities, led by luxury projects in Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Creek Harbour, mid-tier developments in Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle and Al Furjan and affordable options in Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Land Residence Complex and Dubai South.
  • Off-plan villa interest remained concentrated in master-planned communities, with high-end projects in DAMAC Lagoons, The Valley by Emaar and Mohammed Bin Rashid City, mid-tier developments in Arabian Ranches 3, Mudon and Nad Al Sheba and affordable villa projects gaining traction in R. Hills, Chevalia Estate and Verona.

RENTAL MARKET: STEADY DEMAND, DIVERSE SUPPLY

The rental market in Dubai continued to grow steadily in 2025, fueled by active demand across various neighbourhoods.

  • Dubai Marina maintained its status as the preferred choice for luxury apartments, with JVC and International City emerging as the leading destinations in the mid-tier and affordable segments.
  • In International City, an affordable apartment community, average rents surged to AED 53k, marking the highest increase in the segment.
  • For villa rentals, Al Barsha led the luxury segment. On the other hand, Al Furjan and DAMAC Hills 2 dominated the mid-tier and affordable segments.
  • The rent of mid-tier villas in Arabian Ranches 3 surged 45.98% driven specifically by new inventory in Caya, reaching an average of AED 254k. The 4-bedroom villas led the gains, surging by 69%.

SHORT-TERM MARKET: EXPANDING INTEREST AND HEALTHY OCCUPANCY TRENDS

Dubai’s short-term rental market remained strong, driven by steady tourism, flexible living trends and rising demand for quality short-stay options.

  • The interest for luxury short-term rentals remained concentrated in prime locations, with significant monthly apartment demand in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Meydan City, while Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate and DAMAC Hills led the segment for high-end villa short-term rentals; the demand for daily luxury apartments stayed anchored in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and JBR.
  • JVC, Business Bay and Al Barsha experienced high demand for both monthly and daily apartments, while Arabian Ranches 3 and The Springs witnessed a strong short-term villa rental interest.
  • The interest for affordable vacation rentals continued to centre around established districts, with International City, Bur Dubai and Deira dominating the monthly apartment segment, DAMAC Hills 2 led the demand for affordable short-term villas and Bur Dubai, Deira and DSO emerged as key areas for daily rentals.

About dubizzle:

dubizzle, the well-known online classifieds giant in the UAE, is an integral part of homegrown unicorn, Dubizzle Group Holdings Limited. As the UAE’s largest classifieds site, dubizzle plays a pivotal role in connecting buyers and sellers across diverse categories such as properties, cars, jobs, and various goods.

The user-friendly platform, coupled with innovative features, has solidified dubizzle as the go-to destination for both buyers and sellers to effortlessly connect and transact. dubizzle takes pride in the unwavering commitment to values of transparency, authenticity and consumer protection, positioning dubizzle as a preeminent platform for ethical online commerce in the UAE.

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Business

MIDAD REAL ESTATE AND DIRIYAH COMPANY TO CO-DEVELOP LUXURY $827 MILLION FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN DIRIYAH

The $827 million investment and development agreement marks a significant collaboration, strengthening Midad’s expanding Four Seasons portfolio and luxury development pipeline.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 7 January 2026: Midad Real Estate has signed a strategic investment and development agreement with Diriyah Company to co-develop Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Diriyah on a 235,938-square-meter site in Diriyah, the City of Earth and the Kingdom’s historic and cultural landmark. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO Diriyah Company, Abdulelah bin Mohammed Al Aiban, President of Midad Real Estate, and a number of executives.

The USD 827 million (SAR 3.1 billion) investment, covering land and construction, underscores Midad’s expertise in luxury hospitality and residential development and its commitment to Vision 2030, driving tourism, investment, job creation, and sustainable economic impact.

Midad Real Estate will lead the development, featuring a 159-room luxury Four Seasons Hotel and private residences, combining world-class service and design to set new standards for luxury hospitality in the Kingdom.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to set new benchmarks in destination development, and Diriyah stands at the forefront of this evolution. Partnerships such as this enhance the Kingdom’s global tourism offering and reinforce our position as a leading destination.”

“This project represents a milestone for Midad, allowing us to bring the Four Seasons experience to one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant heritage destinations. We are excited to deliver a development that exemplifies design excellence, world-class service, and enduring value, while actively contributing to the Kingdom’s tourism, cultural, and economic ambitions.” said Abdulelah bin Mohammed Al Aiban, President of Midad Real Estate.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO Diriyah Company, commented: “The Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah will be one of our largest luxury hotels and we are proud to announce this joint development agreement with Midad, one of the Kingdom’s leading real estate developers. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to participate in Diriyah’s transformational journey and underscores Midad’s confidence in the opportunities the project presents.”

Part of nearly 40 luxury hotels across Diriyah’s masterplans, the highly anticipated project reinforces Midad Real Estate’s expertise in high-end, transformative hospitality and residential developments, shaping the Kingdom’s luxury real estate landscape.

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REAL ESTATE

Tiger Properties has launched Tiger Downtown Ajman, a USD 10 billion lagoon-front “city within a city” in Al Alia, and opened bookings for Phase 1.

AJMAN, DUABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES,

January 7, 2026

Tiger Properties has announced the launch of Tiger Downtown Ajman, a lagoon-front master community in the Al Alia district of Ajman with an estimated development value of around USD 10 billion, and confirmed that bookings are now open for Phase 1, Orchid Towers.
Planned as a “city within a city,” Tiger Downtown Ajman spans approximately 5 million square meters of built-up area, organized around a central lagoon, promenades, residential towers, and mixed-use buildings. The master plan provides for 76 buildings, including 20 lagoon-front structures, alongside retail and commercial components that are intended to support long-term economic activity in the district.

Phase 1, Orchid Towers, is the first residential release within the development. The cluster comprises six towers offering fully furnished studios, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and a limited number of penthouses. Apartments are being introduced with a 70/30 payment structure, under which 70 percent of the price is payable during construction and 30 percent after handover through scheduled installments. Current pricing for entry-level units in Orchid Towers starts from approximately AED 420,000.

On the launch event, Eng. Amer Waleed Al Zaabi, CEO of Tiger Properties, said:
“Tiger Downtown Ajman represents a significant long-term investment in an emirate that is seeing steady growth in both resident demand and investor interest. By combining a lagoon-front setting, community infrastructure, and a structured payment plan, we are offering buyers a way to participate in the UAE’s real estate story with a clear framework and a defined delivery horizon.”

The central lagoon, which covers roughly 13,795 square meters with a water edge of around 375 meters, is one of the defining features of the project. Engineering and excavation works for the lagoon are scheduled to proceed in parallel with the construction of Orchid Towers so that the waterfront is integrated into the living environment as the community comes on line.

Beyond residential stock, Tiger Downtown Ajman will include:
• More than 25 community amenities, including lagoon-view pools, sports courts, a multi-purpose dome, outdoor cinema and amphitheater-style spaces, children’s play areas, and landscaped parks.
• External and internal jogging tracks, elevated walkways, and linear green corridors to support walkability across the site.
• Approximately 77,000 square meters of retail and around 41,000 square meters of commercial space, designed to house shops, cafés, restaurants, offices, and essential services.

Handover for Orchid Towers is currently targeted for the fourth quarter of 2028, with subsequent phases expected to add further lagoon-front residences and community infrastructure in line with the overall master plan.
About Tiger Properties

Tiger Properties is the real estate development arm of Tiger Holding, established in the UAE in 1976. The company has delivered more than 270 residential and commercial projects across multiple emirates and continues to focus on communities that combine urban convenience, contemporary design, and long-term value for domestic and international investors.

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