As property restrictions tighten across various countries, Dubai’s contrasting approach is setting it apart.
A new one-year property ban in South Korea underscores the trend, according to Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO Kashif Ansari, who highlighted Dubai’s strategy in remarks shared on Tuesday.
The emirate’s commitment to openness is paying off through accelerated growth and at least Dhs22 billion in additional government income.
From Vancouver to Seoul, governments are curbing foreign property purchases in response to public pressure over housing affordability.”
Kashif Ansari, co-founder and group CEO of Juwai IQI.
Other than that, Dubai is embracing investment and reinforcing its reputation as a safe haven. In the last two years, the emirate has taken several steps to welcome new residents, loosen visa terms, and make property investment easier.
Since 2021, Dubai has more than quadrupled its Golden Visa issuance from 41,000 in 2021 to 158,000 in 2023.
In early 2024, authorities removed the Dhs1 million down payment requirement, allowing access to That effectively doubled the number of eligible buyers overnight.
Dubai’s open-door policy, in contrast to the closed-gate measures seen elsewhere, is expected to sustain the upward momentum in Golden Visa numbers.
For proof that foreign investors and residents contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s economy, one only needs to look at its expanding revenue base.
In 2024, Dubai earned Dhs20.9 billion in property transfer and registration fees and an estimated Dhs750–900 million in Golden Visa fees.
While not all of this stems from foreign buyers, they account for a large share of premium property transactions, particularly in newly developed areas and off-plan sales.
In addition, state-linked developers like Nakheel and Dubai Holding generate billions in indirect revenue, further amplifying the impact of property-led migration.
This revenue supports transport infrastructure, digital services, and public programmes all achieved without imposing income or capital gains taxes.
In a world of closed doors, Dubai stands out for keeping its door wide open. Few others have adopted a similar stance; New Zealand and Saudi Arabia are rare exceptions.
New Zealand recently softened its foreign buyer ban and launched a Golden Visa programme that has already attracted nearly Dhs2 billion in proposed investment.
In conclusion, Dubai’s strategy of openness continues to distinguish it on the global stage. While many nations tighten borders and restrict property investment, the emirate’s inclusive policies have transformed it into a magnet for capital, talent, and long-term growth.
As Kashif Ansari highlights, Dubai’s willingness to remain open amid global uncertainty is not just an economic stance, it is a declaration of confidence in its future.
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