Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and Mirdif are fast emerging as investment hotspots following the launch of transformative infrastructure projects
A view of the Blue Line Metro station. Photo: Rahul Gajjar
Major infrastructure upgrade, which is reshaping Duba’s connectivity and unlocking the potential of previously underappreciated areas, is giving an added thrust to the city’s real estate market boom.
Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and Mirdif, now more accessible and better integrated, are fast emerging as investment hotspots, following the launch of transformative infrastructure projects, including the Dubai Metro Blue Line.
The growth is further driven by rising global investor interest, and a new generation of tech-savvy buyers, according to real estate market analysts.
Market experts said there is a noticeable increase in buyer interest within infrastructure-linked zones and mature master-planned communities. The attraction lies in improved accessibility, lifestyle upgrades, and strong potential for long-term capital gains. “We’re seeing a perfect storm of opportunity: Smart infrastructure, digital empowerment, and diversified demand,” noted a spokesperson of A1 Properties.
Jayakrishnan Bhaskar, director of Ozon Marketing, said the outlook remains optimistic but measured. Price growth is expected to moderate to between 3.5 and 5.2 per cent, with the median home price projected to rise from Dh1.7 million to as high as Dh1.79 million. The majority of price pressure is expected in mid-tier communities where supply remains tight.
V. Sivaprasad, chairman of Condor Developers, said Metro Blue Line will be key game-changer for the Dubai real estate sector, going forward. “With strong fundamentals, ongoing population growth, and strategic infrastructure investments such as the Blue Line and roads and flyovers, Dubai’s real estate market is not just booming—it is evolving into a globally admired model of urban development, tech-enabled innovation, and investor confidence,” said Sivaprasad.
The first half of 2025 reflects this surge. Residential sales exceeded Dh120 billion in the first quarter alone, marking an 18 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2024. Average residential prices climbed 5.6 per cent year-on-year, with villa prices jumping 7.9 per cent due to limited supply and high demand, while apartments saw a 4.2 per cent increase. Off-plan properties continue to dominate activity, propelled by attractive payment plans and investor enthusiasm for new developments in infrastructure-enhanced locations.
International capital is flowing into Dubai at an accelerated pace. Buyers from the UK, Europe, and India are capitalising on favourable exchange rates and the value of dirham-based assets. With Dubai offering a transparent, tax-free investment environment, cross-border transactions are on the rise—now facilitated by AI-powered platforms that simplify financing, property discovery, and due diligence for overseas buyers.
Despite the surge in prices, Dubai’s property market remains attractively priced compared to global cities such as London and New York, offering strong value for international investors. This affordability, paired with a stable regulatory environment and a diversified buyer base spanning the GCC, Europe, Asia, and Africa, ensures resilience and cushions the market against regional shocks.
Reforms introduced by the Dubai Land Department have brought enhanced transparency and discipline to financing practices, reducing speculation and mitigating bubble risks. The result is a well-grounded market with sustainable fundamentals and long-term appeal.
A1 Properties expects Dubai to close 2025 with high absorption rates in infrastructure-connected zones, healthy rental yields, and sustained recognition as a global benchmark for real estate investment. Strategic factors are aligning to reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the most dynamic housing markets in the world.
Several broader forces are shaping the housing landscape. High mortgage rates—currently between 5.25 and 5.75 per cent—are deterring some first-time buyers and discouraging existing homeowners from upgrading. This dynamic is increasing rental retention and cooling mid-tier resale activity, while also amplifying investor focus on rental yield strategies.
Supply remains a critical issue. While developers are launching new projects, actual handovers lag behind, especially in the mid-income segment. Most of the supply pipeline is concentrated in luxury or branded developments, creating a supply-demand mismatch that supports continued price growth in affordable communities. Areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Furjan, and Dubai South are experiencing strong demand as a result.
Population growth is another key driver. Dubai’s population surpassed 3.65 million in early 2025 and continues to expand, buoyed by residency reforms and favourable lifestyle conditions. Inflows from India, Russia, China, and Europe are fuelling demand in both ownership and rental markets, particularly in master-planned communities with proximity to transport corridors and employment hubs.
While developers have launched high-profile projects in areas like Business Bay and Dubai Creek Harbour, delivery timelines remain focused on premium inventory. This leaves an underserved affordable housing segment where demand continues to rise, especially for move-in-ready units.
The rental market is also tightening. High borrowing costs and rising home values are pushing many residents to rent, which in turn is keeping rental yields elevated. Investors are responding by leveraging short-term leasing and extended tenancy agreements to maximise returns. In Q2 2025, 58 per cent of all real estate transactions were driven by foreign buyers, many of whom are acquiring units for income-generating strategies.
Dubai’s investor-friendly policies—including zero property and capital gains taxes, long-term residency visas, and digital property registration—continue to attract international capital. Enhanced tenancy regulations and digital transaction platforms are further increasing transparency and reducing risk for overseas investors, experts argue.
Inventory is likely to remain constrained, especially in affordable and mid-market segments, while high-end handovers dominate the delivery pipeline. Areas such as JVC, Arjan, and Al Furjan are forecast to see increased activity due to their relative affordability and growth potential.
According to market watchers, rents are projected to rise between 3 and 4.5 per cent, with strong demand expected for one- and two-bedroom apartments. Vacancy rates are not expected to increase meaningfully due to the limited pipeline of affordable rentals, keeping pressure on existing stock.
Source: Khaleej Times
Published: 10 August 2025
