Dubai’s Record-Breaking Property Market Mirrors the $393 Trillion Global Real Estate Boom

As global real estate surges to a staggering $393.3 trillion, Dubai stands out as one of the clearest examples of how property has become the world’s preferred store of wealth. With record-breaking transaction volumes and sustained international demand, the emirate is firmly positioned at the heart of this global real estate boom.

Dubai’s residential real estate market has entered a historic phase.

In the third quarter of 2025, the city recorded:

• 59,228 residential property transactions

• Worth AED 170.7 billion ($46.5 billion)

• Marking the highest quarterly figure ever reported

Year-to-date, total real estate sales have already reached AED 559.4 billion, surpassing 2024’s record before the year has even closed. Within that, residential sales alone have crossed the half-trillion dirham mark, underscoring Dubai’s status as one of the most liquid and active property markets globally.

This performance isn’t happening in isolation – it’s closely tied to a much larger global trend.

According to the latest research from Savills, real estate has overtaken every other asset class to become the world’s largest store of wealth at the end of 2024.

• Total global real estate value: $393.3 trillion

• Residential real estate: $286.9 trillion

• Share of global property wealth:

  • Residential: 73%

  • Commercial: 15%

  • Agricultural land: 12%

This means property is now worth more than global equities, debt and gold combined.

Real estate is no longer just part of a diversified portfolio – it has become the foundation of global wealth creation and preservation. And Dubai is one of the markets where this shift is most visible.

Dubai as a Reflection of Global Capital Flows

Dubai’s property boom is a direct reflection of how global capital is being reallocated.

As uncertainty and volatility affect equities and fixed-income markets, investors are increasingly turning to tangible, income-generating assets that offer both stability and long-term value. Real estate fits that profile perfectly – especially in transparent, globally connected markets like Dubai.

Several key factors are driving capital into Dubai:

• Investor-friendly, transparent ownership framework

• Tax-efficient environment

• Mature regulation and clear legal structures

• Strong international demand from diverse markets

These strengths have positioned Dubai as one of the world’s most attractive and accessible destinations for cross-border real estate investment.

A Global Benchmark for Real Estate Value

On a global scale, the $393.3 trillion value of property highlights how central real estate has become to:

• Economic stability

• Employment and development

• Long-term portfolio strategy

It underpins everything from housing and infrastructure to corporate expansion and tourism.

Within this context, Dubai’s performance serves as a benchmark for how a city can leverage:

• Proactive urban planning

• Regulatory reform

• Infrastructure-led growth

…to attract sustained, long-term investment while deepening the maturity of its real estate market.

Why Dubai Matters to Investors

Dubai’s importance in the global real estate landscape goes beyond record numbers. The emirate has built a framework that appeals to both end-users and investors.

1. Open and Accessible to Global Buyers

Dubai has made it straightforward for international investors to participate in its property market, with clear rules and established freehold areas. This openness has expanded its buyer base far beyond regional borders.

2. Efficient, Evolving Regulation

Over the years, Dubai has strengthened its legal and regulatory systems for real estate, improving transparency, protecting investor rights and aligning more closely with international standards.

3. Infrastructure-Led Urban Growth

Large-scale investment in roads, transport, hospitality, retail and mixed-use communities has amplified the appeal of residential and commercial districts, lifting the overall value proposition of the emirate.

4. Real Demand, Not Just Speculation

Crucially, the current cycle is not purely speculative. It is supported by genuine demand from:

• Local residents upgrading homes

• Long-term expatriates settling in

• Global investors seeking yield, lifestyle and security

This combination points to a more balanced and sustainable growth phase compared to previous cycles dominated by short-term flipping.

Market Depth and Maturity

Commenting on the market, Andrew Cummings,

Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, notes:

“Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate extraordinary depth and maturity. We are seeing strong activity across every price bracket, driven by both local end-users and international buyers who view Dubai as a safe, well-regulated and transparent environment to deploy capital. The emirate’s ability to maintain record performance while broadening its buyer base reinforces its position as one of the most globally connected and resilient real estate markets.”

From luxury penthouses and waterfront villas to family communities and investment-grade apartments, demand is spread across segments, price points and buyer profiles. This diversity is a critical sign of a healthy, resilient market.

The Bigger Picture: Property at the Core of Global Wealth

With global property now valued at $393.3 trillion, real estate has become the backbone of:

• Wealth storage

• Capital movement

• Economic confidence

In this narrative, Dubai’s trajectory is especially significant. The emirate showcases how a market can:

• Attract high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors

• Balance lifestyle, infrastructure and return on investment

• Build a reputation as a safe, transparent and opportunity-rich hub

Dubai is not just riding the wave – it’s actively helping define what the future of global real estate looks like.

Looking Ahead: Dubai Beyond 2025

The outlook for Dubai’s property market remains strong and forward-focused. Several structural drivers support continued momentum well into 2026 and beyond:

• Ongoing infrastructure and mega developments

• A growing population and expanding professional base

• Steady inflows of international capital

• Enhanced positioning as a global hub for business, tourism, and lifestyle

With foundations built on transparency, diversification and innovation, Dubai is poised to remain a central player in the global real estate landscape.

Conclusion

As real estate cements its status as the world’s largest asset class, Dubai stands out as a compelling case study in how cities can attract global capital, deliver long-term value and build resilient property markets.

In a world where investors are increasingly seeking stability, yield and tangible assets, Dubai’s record-breaking real estate performance doesn’t just mirror the $393 trillion global property boom—it helps lead it.