Investor Guide · India
Investing in Dubai from India
Why India invests in Dubai
As we enter 2025, it is estimated that Indian investors own more Dubai real estate than investors from any other overseas country.
Indian nationals have consistently ranked among the top three nationalities investing in Dubai’s real estate since 2004.
In the years between 2015 and 2021 (Dubai’s 2nd major growth cycle), Indian investors invested heavily into Dubai real estate in the emirate and now they own approximately USD 22 billion worth. Not only that but there is now a 3.5 million-strong Indian community residing in the UAE.
Beyond its residential properties - and their consistently strong returns - Dubai boasts an array of lifestyle benefits and the residency status that comes with investing is very appealing to many Indian investors.
Over the last few years, Dubai has become increasingly popular as an investment market among Indians. A more recent indicator of this activity is the shift in funds transferred under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). In the fiscal year 2024, Indian investors funnelled an impressive Rs 3,173 crore to Dubai, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. The fact that there was an annual rise investment volume in 2024 considering how much activity there was in 2023 is a testament to Dubai's appeal.
Indian investors accounted for a substantial 20% of all property transactions in Dubai during the first quarter of 2023.
What to know before investing
Indian investors injected nearly $2 billion into Dubai's real estate market during this period, reflecting their growing interest in the sector.
Indian investors are diversifying their portfolios by investing in a variety of properties, including townhouses and villas, as well as apartments.
Indian investors purchased the most Dubai property ahead of investors from the UK, Russia, Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, Italy, Lebanon and France, who rounded out the 10 top investing nations.
In the final quarter of 2024, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced the opening of an office of Invest India in Dubai to serve as a dedicated point of contact for potential UAE investors seeking to invest in India - clearly showing the strength of the bilateral investment axis in the years to come.
The move was unveiled during the 12th meeting of India-UAE High-Level Task Force on Investment which also introduced details of the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) being set up in Dubai.
Investing from India?
Our advisory team supports cross-border investors end to end, from structuring to acquisition. Book a conversation to see what fits your goals.
Start the conversation
Your situation deserves an honest answer.
A direct conversation about where you stand and what your options actually are, with advisors who invest in this market themselves.
Senior advisors. Honest analysis. Genuine off-market access.