Dubai: Haven for the Super-Rich

Dubai's Ultra-Luxury Property Market Stays Strong: Super-Rich Continue to Move to the Emirates

In recent years, Dubai has become not only a center of tourism but also a global hub for the premium real estate market. By the end of 2025, this trend has not subsided, in fact, the world's wealthiest individuals increasingly choose the most well-known city of the United Arab Emirates as their permanent or second home. As a result, the demand for properties exceeding 15 million dirhams remains strong, even though there was a slight downturn in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the record numbers earlier that year.

Dubai: The New Destination for Millionaire Migration

According to international studies and analyses, the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, became the world's top destination for high-net-worth individuals in 2025. A joint report by Henley & Partners investment advisory firm and New World Wealth global wealth monitoring organization states that by the end of the year over 9,800 millionaires may move to the country, attracting approximately 231 billion dirhams in wealth. This number is double what was measured ten years ago, dramatically indicating a shift in global wealth movement.

Several factors influence this decision: Dubai's safe political environment, advanced infrastructure, tax advantages, the development of digital services, and its ability to offer a unique lifestyle to the ultra-high-income segment. These elements attract an increasing number of buyers who previously invested in other regions such as Asia, North America, or Australia.

The Dynamics of the Luxury Market: Demand at its Peak

In the second quarter of 2025, the luxury real estate market reached incredibly high levels: over 1,100 secondary sales occurred, while 245 new off-plan sales were also recorded in the statistics. By the third quarter, this number decreased to 492 secondary sales and 245 new transactions, but it still remains far above the historical average, indicating sustained interest.

The demand is not only fueled by existing projects but also by new, unique developments. One such example is Amali Island, a private ultra-luxury island development valued at 2 billion dirhams located in Dubai's The World Islands area. The most expensive of the 24 beachfront villas was sold for 200 million dirhams. The project's uniqueness lies in it being Dubai's first "sail-in, sail-out" residential community, where residents can directly access their homes by boat—similar to the Maldives, hence it is dubbed "Maldives in Dubai."

New Buyers from New Continents

The change in the market is also evident from the shifting geographical composition of buyers. Previously dominated by European and Middle Eastern buyers, significant numbers of Chinese, Japanese, American, and Australian buyers have now emerged. According to market players, this diversity will maintain the demand for luxury properties in the long term as new entrants aim not only for investment but often for permanent residence, starting businesses, or improving family life quality.

New Projects for 2026

Responding to continuous demand, developers are preparing to launch new projects in the first half of 2026. The target remains the super-rich, who are increasingly demanding more sophisticated needs. In these new projects, designers combine world-class hotel experiences with residential features to reflect the premium lifestyle in every aspect of the new buildings. Unique material usage, design, smart home functionalities, and personalized services are basic expectations for these properties.

Progress of Construction

As for the island development's current status, dredging, land shaping, and soil improvement works have been completed, and the construction of the maritime infrastructure and utility networks is more than 50% finished. The 700 million dirham contract for the main construction of Amali Island was won by a company that has previously proven itself in complex developments in the Emirates.

The selection of contractors, infrastructural preparations, and adherence to deadlines all indicate that developers intend not just to create visually impressive, but also technically exceptional projects.

Closing Thoughts

Dubai's luxury real estate market is not just a flash in the pan but a long-term trend. The globally increasing concentration of wealth, the tax haven-like economic environment, sophisticated lifestyle, and high security all contribute to the continued influx of the super-rich into the Emirates.

Developers specializing in the premium segment recognize this process and offer increasingly innovative solutions. The city is doing everything it can to ensure its infrastructure and regulatory environment supports this elite mobility trend.

The question is no longer whether there will be demand for villas over 15 million dirhams, but who can meet this demand at the highest standard. Dubai remains a global player in this — and appears to become even more so in the future.

(Source of the article is based on statements from Dubai real estate market experts.)