Dubai’s real estate market has recorded a sharp rise, with apartment prices increasing by 122% over the past five years, marking one of the strongest rallies globally. Despite the steep surge, the city remains more affordable than many other major international property markets.
The jump in prices has been accompanied by a nearly 50% rise in rental rates, yet demand continues to grow. Analysts attribute the sustained interest to Dubai’s favourable tax regime, legal reforms, and wide-ranging visa access, which continue to attract foreign investment and expatriate residents.
The market’s upward momentum comes as Dubai also leads in property tokenisation, an innovation allowing fractional ownership through blockchain technology. In May, the city launched its Real Estate Tokenization Project, with support from the Dubai Land Department and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The project’s pilot phase, available to UAE residents via the Prypco Mint platform, allows investment in real estate from just 2,000 AED.
While the market remains strong, some analysts expect a mild correction by late 2025, as an estimated 120,000 new residential units are due to enter the market. Still, Dubai’s blend of affordability, regulatory clarity, and digital infrastructure positions it as a key player in the evolving global real estate landscape.
