As Indian investors increasingly diversify beyond domestic assets, the UAE, particularly Dubai, has emerged as a preferred destination for real estate capital. The scale of activity underscores this shift. According to Dubai’s Land Department, the emirate recorded 125,538 real estate transactions worth AED 431 billion in the first half of 2025, along with AED 326 billion in investments from 94,717 investors1.

For Indian investors, this trend has moved well beyond anecdotal interest. A recent industry report indicates that Indians accounted for roughly 22% of Dubai’s property buyers in 2024, with investments estimated at AED 35 billion2. Ankur Aggarwal, the chairman and founder of BNW Developments, one of the largest real-estate developers in the UAE, believes this growing footprint presents a strategic opportunity, provided investors adopt a disciplined approach. “The next phase of growth won’t be driven by hype,” Aggarwal says. “In 2026, successful investors will focus on strong locations, realistic rental income, and long-term value, instead of short-term profits.”