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.
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.
“India-UAE partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development. The Joint Task Force meeting today was useful to take stock of all the laudable initiatives that India and the UAE have jointly undertaken, such as local currency settlement, virtual trade corridor, Bharat Mart, and so on,” Goyal stated, adding: “With the strong framework now provided by India-UAE CEPA and Bilateral Investment Treaty, I encourage stakeholders to further explore investment opportunities and trade possibilities.”
As part of this continued trade and investment development, the two governments will also work to improve payments and transaction processing by interlinking the two national payment platforms.
Given India’s unique role in the investment landscape in Dubai, it should not be surprising more and more developers are expanding into the territory.
Dubai’s real estate landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, focusing on sustainability and transparency. The emirate has emerged as the most transparent property market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, attracting the attention of global investors and institutions – and those from India are no different.
Investors from all over the world now benefit from enhanced policies and regulations implemented by the UAE government. The Dubai Land Department ensures that real estate data is publicly available, promoting transparency and instilling confidence in long-term investors. This is why many Indian investors now believe this third growth cycle will be much more sustained and robust than ever before.
The demand for Dubai’s real estate market is expected to continue growing, with Indian investors playing a pivotal role. Drivers include the tech boom, government infrastructure projects, and a business-friendly environment that stimulates economic growth and attracts more investments.
As Dubai positions itself as a global hub for innovation, the real estate market is poised for further expansion, making it an attractive prospect for Indian investors looking to benefit from the city’s dynamic growth story. The synergy between India and Dubai in the real estate sector is set to strengthen further, creating mutually beneficial opportunities in the years ahead.
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