Dubai’s real estate market continued to attract significant international capital during the first quarter of 2026, with foreign investment rising 26% year-on-year to AED 148.35 billion. The wider market also recorded AED 252 billion in real estate transactions, while 29,312 new investors entered the sector during the quarter. The figures highlight the growing international reach of Dubai’s property market as its investor base continues to expand alongside rising investment values.
Original article: Dubai property foreign investment jumps 26% to $40.4bn as 29,312 new investors enter market by Arabian Business.
Key Insights:
Foreign Investment Reaches AED 148.35 Billion
Foreign investment in Dubai real estate increased 26% year-on-year to AED 148.35 billion during Q1 2026, while the number of foreign investments rose 11% to 48,445. The increase demonstrates the continued flow of international capital into the market and Dubai’s ability to attract property investment from outside the UAE as it strengthens its position as a global real estate destination.
29,312 New Investors Enter Dubai’s Property Market
Dubai’s overall property investor base reached 48,448 during the first quarter, an increase of 8% compared with the same period last year. Of these, 29,312 were new investors, representing annual growth of 14%. The continued arrival of new participants alongside existing investors provides an important indication of the market’s ability to broaden its investor base as Dubai attracts more residents, businesses and international capital.
Investment Values Continue to Rise
Total real estate investment reached AED 173 billion across 57,744 investments during the quarter. While the number of investments increased 7%, their combined value rose by a significantly stronger 22%. Luxury property also remained an important part of the market, with investment in the segment increasing 26% to AED 87.71 billion, demonstrating continued demand for high-quality real estate across Dubai.
International Capital Continues to Shape Dubai’s Property Market
The first-quarter figures highlight the increasingly international nature of Dubai’s real estate market. Foreign investment is growing alongside the overall investor base, while the continued arrival of new investors demonstrates the city’s ability to attract capital from beyond its established pool of buyers.
This growth is taking place within a broader market that recorded AED 252 billion in real estate transactions during the quarter, up 31% year-on-year. The combination of rising transaction values, expanding investor participation and strong activity within the luxury segment demonstrates the breadth of investment taking place across the market.
For international investors, Dubai continues to offer access to a property market supported by advanced infrastructure, a flexible regulatory environment and a long-term development strategy. The latest figures reinforce the emirate’s growing position within the global real estate landscape as international participation continues to expand.
