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
Business
Major Developments and Mortix Mortgage Broker Join Hands to Make UAE Property Investment Simpler, Smarter, and More Accessible.
Dubai, UAE, 29 March 2026
Major Developments hosted the official partnership signing ceremony with Mortix Mortgage Broker at its Dubai headquarters, marking a strategic step toward making homeownership and real estate investment more seamless for clients across the world.
The partnership brings together Major Developments’ high-demand portfolio with Mortix’s mortgage expertise, allowing Major Developments’ clients to access free mortgage services as part of a broader, more investor-friendly purchase journey. Mortix is a digital mortgage and home finance platform in the UAE that supports both residents and non-residents, working with 20+ leading UAE banks across solutions, including home loans, refinancing, handover payments, and equity release. Its brokerage support is offered free of charge, making financing guidance more accessible at a crucial stage of the transaction.
For Major Developments, this collaboration reflects a larger vision: building an ecosystem around ownership, not merely developing property. As international demand continues to build around projects such as Manta Bay on Al Marjan Island and Colibri Views in RAK Central, the partnership is designed to help investors move from intent to action with greater speed and confidence.
The timing is especially significant. Mortix’s 2026 UAE mortgage market review highlights that Dubai recorded approximately 44,000 mortgage transactions in 2025, with total mortgage volumes reaching AED 89.6 billion, while fixed mortgage rates at the end of 2025 stood in the 3.75% to 4.25% range.
With another anticipated launch, Ice Beach on Marjan Beach, set to further expand Major Developments’ footprint in the UAE, this partnership stands as a meaningful bridge between aspiration and acquisition, helping investors enter fast-moving markets earlier and more efficiently.
Oleg Ilyin, CEO and Co-founder of Mortix Mortgage Broker, said, “This partnership reflects exactly where the UAE property market is headed, toward a more connected, transparent, and investor-ready experience. Major Developments has created projects that are drawing strong international attention, and Mortix is proud to support that momentum by making mortgage access simpler, faster, and more approachable for buyers across different markets.”
Andrei Charapenak, CEO of Major Developments, said, “At Major Developments, the vision has always been larger than delivering exceptional real estate. It has been about creating the right environment around ownership, one that makes the journey clearer, more supported, and more confidence-led for every investor who chooses to enter this market with us. The partnership with Mortix is a natural extension of that thinking. As interest in the UAE continues to grow, especially in high-potential destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah, this collaboration allows Major Developments to serve clients more meaningfully, not only by offering distinctive developments, but by helping simplify the path that leads to them.”
As the UAE continues to attract a new generation of globally minded investors, partnerships such as this underline a larger shift in the market, where the value lies not only in what is being developed, but in how thoughtfully the entire ownership journey is being shaped. For Major Developments, the partnership with Mortix signals a continued commitment to making investment in the UAE more intuitive, supported, and future-ready.
REAL ESTATE
Dh500m Tower, Dh4.6b Deals Signal Sharjah Property Boom
The UAE continues to consolidate its position as one of the most dynamic real estate markets, with a steady pace of new project launches and uninterrupted construction activity during March 2026.
This accelerating momentum in projects and rising sales reflects the strength of the UAE real estate market and its global standing as a reliable long-term investment destination.
In Dubai, residential and commercial project launches gained strong momentum, with record real estate sales, including a landmark transaction for a luxury apartment valued at Dh422 million, ranking as the third most expensive apartment in the market’s history.
Emaar Properties revealed its residential project Golf Valley within Emaar South, comprising 262 housing units, while National Properties, the real estate arm of National Bonds Corporation, announced the launch of a new commercial tower in Barsha Heights valued at Dh500 million.
Strong pipeline of launches
Zoya Developments launched the Nové project in Dubailand with investments exceeding Dh200 million, while OAM Real Estate Development launched Rise Residences in Warsan, reflecting the diversity of real estate offerings between residential and commercial projects and continued demand.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre announced additional details for the Uptown area, including plans to develop an iconic tower exceeding 600 metres in height.
Deyaar Development reported that construction and development activities across its portfolio are progressing according to schedule and revealed plans to complete the Jannat project in the Midtown community in Dubai Production City within days, achieving completion three months ahead of schedule. The company is also preparing to deliver around 2,000 residential units in Dubai across multiple projects.
Azizi Developments launched Creek Views 4 in Al Jaddaf, complementing Creek Views 1 and Creek Views 2, which have been delivered, and Creek Views 3, which has reached 50 percent completion and is on track for delivery in the second quarter of 2026.
Construction pace holds steady
Dubai Investments Real Estate continued construction works in line with approved delivery schedules, recording advanced completion rates across its projects, while Binghatti Holding confirmed that its construction activities are progressing steadily and according to timelines, with average weekly sales reaching around Dh500 million since the end of February.
Nakheel, Dubai Properties and Meraas also confirmed that work is continuing as usual across all projects and service centres, maintaining execution pace and delivery schedules.
Beyond Developments confirmed steady progress in its construction works across projects within its masterplan spanning 8 million square feet in Dubai Maritime City.
DAMAC Properties stated that Dubai’s real estate market has once again demonstrated its ability to maintain project execution momentum, supported by its resilience and strength, as well as the UAE’s stable and secure regulatory environment, which enhances its attractiveness for long-term investment.
Activity expands beyond Dubai
In Abu Dhabi, Aldar Properties Group confirmed that its operational activities in the UAE are progressing steadily, noting that its operations, including residential communities, retail destinations, office assets, logistics facilities, hotels, schools and development sites, continue to perform at full capacity amid strong operational and financial conditions.
The group had launched on 10th February the Baccarat Residences Saadiyat project in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, which will include 77 residential units comprising two- and three-bedroom apartments, several four-bedroom villas and two penthouse units.
Modon launched the Tara Park project on Reem Island, focusing on quality of life and integrated facilities with freehold ownership, enhancing the emirate’s investment appeal, while Ohana Development reported strong demand for the Manchester City Yas Residences project, which recorded sales of approximately Dh6 billion within 72 hours.
In Sharjah, Arada awarded a contract worth Dh183 million to build a school within the Masaar community, coinciding with strong real estate activity in the emirate, which recorded transactions worth Dh4.6 billion during Ramadan, marking a 71.8 percent increase, with the number of transactions rising to 7,299.
GN
REAL ESTATE
UAE to add 390,000 new homes by 2030 — What it means for prices, rents
The UAE is set to add around 390,000 new homes by 2030, marking one of the largest residential expansion cycles in recent years, according to a new industry report. The first-ever Alpen GCC Real Estate 2026 report by Alpen Capital shows the country’s residential stock rising from approximately 1.08 million units to about 1.47 million units by the end of the decade.
Dubai is expected to account for the majority of this pipeline, with apartment-led mixed-use communities continuing to dominate new launches, while Abu Dhabi focuses more on premium villas and waterfront neighbourhoods.
Across the GCC, residential supply is expected to increase from approximately 6.26 million units in 2025 to 7.28 million units by 2030, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounting for the bulk of the supply.
Saudi Arabia’s residential supply is estimated to grow by 499,000 units between 2025 and 2030, reaching 3.45 million by 2030. Giga projects in Riyadh and Jeddah are expected to fuel this growth.
Sustained growth
According to the report, the GCC’s real estate landscape has undergone a transformation, driven by national agendas to diversify and build a resilient economy. “Dubai has led this transformation, establishing itself as a global metropolis fuelled by foreign ownership, massive infrastructure investments and ambitious strategies,” said Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital.
“Over the next few years, the region’s real estate industry is expected to witness a steady supply across the residential, commercial, hospitality and retail segments, largely supported by continued government spending and investments in building a world-class infrastructure,” she added.
But what does this mean for rents?
A supply increase of this scale typically shifts the balance between landlords and tenants. The report stated that supply growth in the GCC is becoming more “structured” and increasingly aligned with demand rather than speculative expansion. That could reduce the risk of sharp, sudden corrections.
However, with nearly 390,000 additional homes entering the UAE market over five years, rental growth is likely to moderate if deliveries outpace new household formation.
The study highlights that population growth, expatriate inflows and urbanisation remain strong demand drivers.
The UAE’s population, according to Worldometer, has surpassed 11 million in 2025. There isa continued inflow of expatriates and high-net-worth individuals supporting both mid-tier and luxury segments
If those inflows remain steady, the additional supply may ease pressure without triggering a widespread rent correction. But in sub-markets where deliveries cluster heavily, tenants could gain greater negotiating power. Will property prices grow or drop
The report from Alpen stated that supply across the GCC is entering a more disciplined phase, with greater emphasis on mixed-use developments, asset quality and long-term livability.
“Over the coming years, we expect supply–demand dynamics across the GCC to become more balanced. Large-scale developments are being phased more strategically, with a clear emphasis on quality, mixed-use formats, and demand-led execution. We are witnessing that development trends are shifting towards master-planned, sustainable, and technology-enabled communities focused on long-term liveability,” said Sharmin Karanjia, Executive Director, Alpen Capital.
“While certain sub-markets may experience short-term oversupply pressures, well-located and high-quality projects are likely to continue seeing strong absorption and pricing support,” she said.
“Going forward, as major development zones reach operational maturity, investors will have a broad base of high-quality assets maintaining interest from both regional and international buyers”, said Sharmin.
What’s next?
High disposable incomes, steady population growth, expatriate inflows, and a favourable tax environment will remain key demand drivers across the region.
The report stated that future development pipelines will feature mixed-use projects, enhanced asset quality, sustainability, and the integration of residential, commercial and lifestyle components.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to account for the majority of the upcoming supply, while other GCC markets pursue more targeted and selective growth strategies.
In the commercial segment, office supply across the GCC is estimated to expand from 33.3 million sqm in 2025 to 42.4 million sqm by 2030, with over 65 per cent of new supply delivered in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as per the existing pipeline.
GN
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