Amid rising geopolitical tensions and restrictive U.S. tariffs, high-net-worth Chinese and Hong Kong investors are redirecting their capital toward the Middle East.
The result is a fresh wave of investment that is rapidly reshaping the Gulf’s luxury real estate landscape.
According to recent data, the UAE has climbed to 8th place among the top global destinations for Chinese property buyers, up from 13th in 2021.
Dubai, in particular, has emerged as a standout hotspot. It offers attractive rental yields, high-end developments, and a politically neutral environment.
These factors make it especially appealing compared to the increasingly restrictive policies in traditional Western markets.
Kashif Ansari, CEO and co-founder of Juwai IQI, highlights this growing interest, stating, “Chinese buyer inquiries for UAE properties rose by 28% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year.”
This increase is largely attributed to economic openness and long-term political stability.
“Dubai’s real estate market has become a new global currency. It offers stability, high returns, and a luxury lifestyle that continues to attract a diverse international investor base.”
Kashif Ansari, CEO and co-founder of Juwai IQI
The trend reflects a growing appetite for both residential and commercial properties across the region.
But the boom is not limited to Dubai. In neighboring Abu Dhabi, foreign investors from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Kazakhstan, and Russia purchased over 2 billion dollars’ worth of real estate in 2024, marking a 125% increase from the previous year.
These figures highlight a broader shift. The Gulf is becoming a preferred destination for international capital, especially from markets looking for diversification and long-term returns. Ansari believes this is only the beginning.
“Dubai and other Gulf cities will surpass global property hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong by 2030,” he predicts. “Their growing reputation as safe havens will continue to attract smart, long-term investors.”
Juwai IQI was featured in South China Morning Post, Khaleej Times, and Index Box.
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