DUBAI REAL ESTATE DEMAND CLIMBS AS GLOBAL TALENT SHIFTS FROM US TO UAE

Golden Visas, US immigration pressures and rising relocations drive new end-user demand

- BY NIVETHA DAYANAND Assistant Business Editor

Dubai's property market is entering a new phase of demand fuelled not by speculative investors alone, but by a wave of skilled professionals relocating from traditional immigration hubs such as the United States. Industry leaders say the shift is already reshaping pricing, supply and long-term residency patterns, with visa reforms on both sides of the world accelerating the movement of people and capital into the UAE.

Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal, said expatriate relocation remains one of the strongest drivers of current demand. With around 80 per cent of expatriates in Dubai living in rental homes, many are now transitioning toward ownership as the city's residency policies mature. "The influx of international professionals contributes substantially to market growth and diversity in demand segments," he said. Lifestyle benefits, regulatory clarity and increasingly competitive employment opportunities are pushing more long-term residents to buy rather than rent.

VISA REFORMS RESHAPE END-USER ACTIVITY

Long-term visas are now at the heart of this transition. Lahej pointed out that the Golden and Green Visa programmes have significantly strengthened end-user transactions, particularly among skilled expatriates and high-net-worth families seeking stability. These schemes offer multiyear security linked to property ownership, making residential investment more than a temporary financial decision. He estimated that about 40 per cent of transactions today come from genuine end-users, compared with roughly 60 per cent from investors or shorter-term buyers. "These visas enhance investor confidence and promote purchases of luxury and mid-tier homes," he said, noting that the effect is visible across both established communities and new master-planned developments.