UAE Records Highest-Ever Real Estate Transactions as Millionaire Influx Continues
The latest Knight Frank Wealth Report confirms that 2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for real estate in the region.
With 130,500 millionaires, 308 centi-millionaires (net worth of $100M+), and 20 billionaires now calling the UAE home, the country has climbed to become the 14th largest wealth market globally. This surge in wealth is drawing intensified interest from international investors, high-end developers, and private banking circles.
Dubai Becomes World’s Busiest Market for $10M+ Property Deals
Dubai has officially overtaken global powerhouses like New York, London, and Hong Kong to become the top global city for ultra-prime residential sales. Homes priced above $10 million are being snapped up at a record pace and foreign investors are leading the charge.
The UAE logged more than 120,000 real estate transactions in 2024, a figure that’s already being surpassed in early 2025. Analysts attribute this boom to:
• Capital flight from high-tax jurisdictions like the UK and parts of Europe
• Rising geopolitical and financial instability in traditional wealth centers
• UAE’s combination of tax efficiency, luxury lifestyle, and global mobility
Foreign Buyers and Long-Term Residents Continue to Drive Demand
One of the most defining trends of the UAE’s real estate surge is the dominance of foreign nationals. According to Knight Frank, over 80% of luxury property buyers in Dubai are international, with many opting to relocate permanently, rather than use properties as secondary homes.
This behavioral shift is powered by:
• The UAE Golden Visa and long-term residency programs
• A business-friendly environment with zero income tax
• High standards of living and political stability
The Emirates is rapidly transforming into a strategic home base for global entrepreneurs, family offices, and remote capital managers seeking freedom, safety, and financial privacy.
Branded Residences in Dubai See Up to 50% Annual Price Growth
Within the luxury market, branded residences, high-end homes developed in collaboration with iconic lifestyle brands like Four Seasons, Bulgari, and Ritz-Carlton, are seeing exponential demand.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
These homes are now viewed not just as elegant dwellings, but as strategic wealth preservation tools, offering long-term value backed by powerful global branding. In early 2025, prices for branded residences in Dubai have increased by as much as 50% year-on-year.
Key hotspots for these ultra-luxury developments include:
• Palm Jumeirah – known for its waterfront villas and high-profile buyers
• Emirates Hills – often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Dubai"
• Dubai Hills Estate – a growing hub for high-end families and professionals
The appeal lies in exclusivity, top-tier service, and rising resale values, making branded homes a key focus for both developers and global investors this year.
Outlook for 2025: More Capital Inflows, More Global Buyers
Looking forward, Knight Frank forecasts continued capital inflows from Europe, Asia, and emerging markets, especially as more countries introduce or expand wealth taxation. Visa reforms, expanding family-office support, and geopolitical realignments are expected to deepen global investor interest in the UAE.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are doubling down on their roles as long-term wealth hubs, where real estate functions not only as a lifestyle asset but also as a robust financial and geopolitical hedge.
