Over the last several years, the United Arab Emirates‘ real estate market has seen large growth. As a result, investment opportunities are increasing for both locals and foreigners. There is a vast selection of areas in the country that investors can choose from. The right location is an essential part of real estate investment because it can affect the ROI that you would expect from it in the future.
The 6 best places to invest in the United Arab Emirates are concentrated in two emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both of these emirates have numerous areas you can choose from. In order to make sure you choose the right one, let’s take a closer look at which areas are the best to invest in property in the United Arab Emirates.
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Palm Jumeirah is a highly sought-after location for property investment in the United Arab Emirates. This palm tree-shaped archipelago is the largest man-made archipelago in the world. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Palm Jumeirah consists of a two-kilometer trunk, 17 fronds, and a surrounding crescent. The trunk is filled with high-rise apartments and the fronds are lined with glitzy villas as well as townhouses. Almost every property in the area has beautiful ocean views with private access to the beach. Living in Palm Jumeirah is a luxurious experience no one should miss. These iconic man-made islets are also equipped with a number of public facilities, from schools, hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets, to gourmet restaurants and chic cafes. Palm Jumeirah caters to a range of style choices. You can find modern luxury villas, traditional Arabic-inspired style houses, high-tech villas, luxurious vacation homes, to world-class apartments. The rental prices in this area are among the highest in Dubai and you can expect around 3.2% ROI for villas and 5.5% ROI for apartments.
Dubai Marina, Dubai
Dubai Marina is the most popular area in Dubai to buy apartments. It is a meticulously-planned artificial canal that sits along a 3 kilometers stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline. The area is filled with extravagant skyscrapers and is known to be one of the most prestigious places to live in Dubai. The apartments in the area offer luxurious amenities with state-of-the-art facilities. From most of the buildings, you will have great views of the ocean. The area is also popular with tourists thanks to its number of luxurious restaurants, trendy bars, and shopping centers. Living in Dubai Marina will give you a resort-like lifestyle. Since it is located within close proximity to the business district, the area is perfect for young professionals and small families. Despite being an upscale neighborhood, Dubai Marina surprisingly caters to a variety of budgets. Larger properties such as villas, 2 or more bedroom apartments, and penthouses can be quite expensive, but studio apartments are reasonably priced. Apartments in Dubai Marina offer a 6.6% ROI for investors.
Al Reef, Abu Dhabi
Al Reef is located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, near Abu Dhabi International Airport, and perfect for commutes to Dubai. Its prime location has contributed to Al Reef’s emerging popularity. It was the first development exclusively targeted to middle-income earners. Therefore, living in Al Reef can be a lot more affordable than many other parts of Abu Dhabi. The community consists of ex-pats from multiple nationalities and Emiratis. Al Reef is very lively and you will find a plethora of entertainment, dining, and retail options around the area, which makes it a popular place for young renters and investors. The area is also filled with parks, educational facilities, medical centers, and health clubs. Investors can choose between villas, townhouses, and apartments. The villas and townhouses were made in various themed styles, including Arabian Style, Dessert Style, Mediterranean Style, and Contemporary Style. The return of investment is 7.1% for villas and 8.6% for apartments.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Yas Island is a flourishing entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi. Located just 30 minutes away from the capital’s center, it boasts impressive tourist attractions, such as Yas Marina, Viceroy Hotel, Yas Mall, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit, and Ferrari World. This man-made island is popular among tourists, investors, and renter. In fact, it is one of the most popular locations for Emiratis and ex-pats who live in the capital. The area hosts sports events and live performances, including the widely known Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Also, it has some of the best restaurants and hotels in the United Arab Emirates. Yas Island is known as the luxury center of Abu Dhabi. The villas are glamorous and the apartments are equipped with world-class amenities. Although it is said to be the most luxurious place to live in Abu Dhabi, the property for sale within the area is a combination of high-end and affordable. Considering its long-term potential, it is easy to see why it attracts a lot of investors. You can expect around 5.1% ROI for villas and 6.6% ROI for apartments in Yas Island.
Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Downtown Dubai is possibly the most iconic neighborhood in Dubai thanks to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Known as the center of luxury in Dubai, the neighborhood is located only five minutes away from Dubai International Financial Center and ten minutes away from Dubai International Airport. Its prime location has made it a popular destination to work, live, and leisure. Expats and tourists from all around the world are attracted to the neighborhood. Living here is living in luxury as you will find lavish malls, upscale restaurants, trendy cafés, business centers, and cutting-edge medical centers. Investors have the option to invest in apartments, condos, penthouses, and villas. All of the property is set in numerous styles with their own characteristics, such as Middle Eastern-styled apartment and contemporary-styled villas. The property prices in Downtown Dubai is known to be very steady and unchanged, with the ROI for apartments at around 5.6%.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Thanks to its stunning location, Saadiyat Island is one of the most prestigious areas in Abu Dhabi. Home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and hosts numerous international art fairs, the area is known as the cultural hub as the capital. The area is perfect for those who enjoy beautiful architecture, art fairs, and fascinating museums. The community consists of ex-pats, couples, and young families. Investors can choose to invest in apartments and villas, both are available off-plan and completed properties. Despite being one of the newest developments in Abu Dhabi, you will find numerous amenities here, such as supermarkets, churches, mosques, nurseries, and schools. The ROI for apartments on Saadiyat island is around 8.7% and 4.6% for villas.