Dubai Property Investors Shift Focus to Long-Term Value, Says Report

DUBAI, UAE – Dubai's real estate market is entering a more mature phase, with investors placing greater emphasis on long-term fundamentals, developer credibility and project quality rather than short-term price appreciation, according to the Dubai Property Investor Confidence Report 2026 released by Morgan's International Realty.

The report suggests that while confidence in Dubai's long-term outlook remains strong, investors are adopting a more measured approach over the next 12 months as geopolitical developments, global economic conditions, liquidity, infrastructure and project delivery increasingly influence investment decisions.

According to the report, the market is transitioning from momentum-driven investing to conviction-driven investing, with buyers focusing on transparency, execution quality, resilience and the reputation of developers.

"The findings point toward a market entering a more sophisticated stage of evolution," the report said. "Investors remain constructive on Dubai's long-term trajectory, particularly when viewed through a multi-year horizon. At the same time, near-term sentiment has become more measured."

The research, conducted between April and May 2026, surveyed 94 investors, owner-occupiers, family offices and institutional-style investors with Dubai property portfolios ranging from AED5 million to more than AED100 million. Collectively, respondents hold more than $817 million (AED3 billion) in Dubai real estate assets.

Investors Expect Market Stability

The survey found that investors anticipate a largely stable market over the coming year.

Around 46% of respondents expect property prices to remain stable during the next 12 months, while 36% anticipate prices will decline and 18% expect further growth.

The longer-term outlook remains considerably more positive. Over the next three years, 60% of investors expect Dubai property prices to increase, 31% forecast a stable market and only 9% anticipate a decline.

"The clearest story in the data is the separation between short-term caution and long-term conviction," the report said, noting that investors appear "more cautious about timing than about Dubai's long-term position."

Strategic Portfolio Management

Regional geopolitical developments have become a more significant consideration for investors, although Dubai continues to be viewed as a preferred destination for capital preservation, global mobility and lifestyle investment.

Rather than exiting the market, investors are taking a more strategic approach to portfolio management. Nearly half intend to retain their existing assets over the next year, approximately one-third plan to selectively dispose of properties, while only around one-fifth expect to expand their holdings.

The report also highlights liquidity as an increasingly important priority during periods of uncertainty. Cash emerged as the preferred asset allocation, ahead of global real estate, commodities and equities, reflecting investors' preference to maintain flexibility while waiting for clearer market opportunities.

Larger Investors Remain Optimistic

According to the report, investors with property portfolios exceeding AED100 million remain the most confident about Dubai's long-term prospects.

Among this group, all respondents expect prices to remain stable over the coming year, while 75% anticipate further price growth over the next three years, indicating that larger investors continue to view Dubai through a long-term investment lens.

Dubai remains the preferred property market among respondents, followed by London as the leading international investment destination and Abu Dhabi as the preferred regional alternative. Other markets attracting investor interest include Barcelona, Singapore, Paris and Zurich.

The report concludes that the next stage of Dubai's real estate market is likely to be defined by maturity rather than rapid expansion, with transparency, professional standards, infrastructure, project execution and investor alignment expected to play an increasingly important role in sustaining long-term confidence.