Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — June 2026 — The UAE has retained its position as one of the world’s most attractive real estate investment destinations despite recent regional challenges, according to a new global survey conducted by Arada Group.
The “Arada UAE Real Estate Investment Index,” prepared by US-based research firm Penta Group, ranked the UAE first among all global investment destinations.
The survey was conducted between April 1–23, 2026, covering 12 major markets and 689 real estate investors, making it the first study of its kind to track international buyer sentiment toward the UAE property market.
Strong global demand
Some 56 percent of global investors expressed serious interest in the UAE real estate market, the highest figure among all markets surveyed, outpacing the US at 54 percent, the UK at 41 percent, France at 28 percent, and Spain at 27 percent.
Awareness of investment opportunities in the UAE’s property sector reached 51 percent, roughly on par with the UK at 51 percent and the US at 53 percent.
Regional and European appeal
The UAE holds particular appeal among investors from neighboring markets, with 91 percent of Indian investors, 92 percent of Egyptian investors, and 85 percent of Saudi investors ranking it among their top three preferred investment destinations.
Among European investors, the UAE ranked first as a preferred destination outside their home country for French investors at 63 percent, German investors at 60 percent, and Swiss investors at 57 percent.
What’s driving investment
High returns emerged as the primary investment motivator globally at 38 percent, with Australian investors, Spanish investors, and British investors placing it at the top of their priorities.
Safety and stability proved decisive for Chinese investors and German investors, with the UAE’s regulatory framework, political stability, and legislative transparency cited as key confidence factors.
Meanwhile, 34 percent of respondents pointed to ease of purchase and ownership as a key driver, a figure that rises to 57 percent among Saudi investors and 41 percent among Egyptian investors.
