Select Language:
Chinese investors are increasingly turning their attention to the Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a top choice for real estate investment amid a sluggish domestic market, industry experts stated at a recent forum.
Investment strategies in international property markets should prioritize regional hubs, according to Ding Zuyu, chairman of a prominent real estate research firm, speaking at the 2025 Middle East Real Estate Investment Summit on September 23.
“First, you need to assess the economic growth potential of the region,” Ding explained. “Second, analyze the supply and demand dynamics in the housing sector, especially recent price trends. Based on these factors, the UAE clearly stands out as a leader within the Middle East.”
Established markets such as New York, London, and Singapore have traditionally been key destinations for property investments. The UAE, as a major player in the region, features core cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi that act as financial and economic hubs, not just for the nation but for the broader region.
In Abu Dhabi, real estate transaction volumes increased by 39 percent in the first half of the year compared to the previous year, surpassing $14 billion, according to a report titled “Trends in the UAE’s Residential Market for the First Half of 2025,” released at the forum. Residential property sales also grew by 30 percent, reaching AED 21.8 billion (around $5.9 billion).
Dubai experienced a 22 percent rise in real estate transactions, totaling 98,726 deals, while its transaction value jumped by 40 percent to AED 326.9 billion (approximately $88.9 billion). Additionally, high-end rental yields in Dubai reached 5.3 percent last year, ranking second worldwide.
At the macroeconomic level, the non-oil sector of the UAE’s economy contributed 75.5 percent to the country’s gross domestic product in 2024. The government has implemented initiatives such as the Golden Visa program and permits allowing full foreign ownership, with the Abu Dhabi International Financial Center hosting nearly 3,000 companies.
Chinese buyers are becoming significantly more active in the market. Data indicates that their purchases have quadrupled over the past three years, with sales totaling nearly $450 million in 2024. The share of international buyers from China at a major developer increased dramatically, from 21 percent in 2021 to 78 percent last year.
The developer is focused on creating a comprehensive lifestyle experience that merges culture, tourism, healthcare, education, and premium housing, explained CEO Jonathan Emery. This approach addresses the needs of families seeking stability while providing consistent returns for investors.
“An increasing number of Chinese investors are showing strong interest in Abu Dhabi,” Emery noted. “As we continue to invest local resources and enhance our brand presence, we expect these opportunities to grow even further.”
Ding emphasized that investors prioritize stable economic growth, rapid development, and a resilient real estate market with rising property values. Nevertheless, he cautioned that factors like legal differences, market transparency, and geopolitical risks must be carefully considered in any investment decision.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
