Indian citizens became the largest group of foreign real estate buyers in Dubai in 2026, according to data from the DXB Interact platform, as reported by Gulf Today and Khaleej Times.
According to DXB Interact, Indian buyers accounted for 20.59% of total real estate purchases in the emirate as of late February 2026. In a Khaleej Times article citing Harbor Real Estate and DXB Interact, this figure was rounded to 20.6% as of early 2026.
Buyers from the United Kingdom ranked second with a share of 13.26–13.3%, followed by Egyptian citizens in third place with 12.6%. Next came the United States—about 9%, Pakistan—6.9%, Saudi Arabia and Australia—5.7% each, Germany—about 4.2%, France—3.8%, and Canada—about 3%.
Just outside the top ten, according to DXB Interact, are the Netherlands with a 2.83% share, Russia at 2.5%, Morocco at 2.33%, Spain and Kuwait at 2.11% each, Turkey at 2.05%, and Nigeria at 1.89%.
Analysts attribute foreign buyers’ sustained interest in the Dubai market to political stability, the absence of income tax, the possibility of 100% foreign ownership of properties in freehold zones, and long-term residency programs, including the Golden Visa.
Compact apartments remain the most active segment of the market. According to the Khaleej Times, one-bedroom apartments accounted for 34.9% of sales, or 27,590 transactions; studios accounted for 23.4%, or 18,471 transactions; and two-bedroom apartments accounted for 20.7%, or 16,399 transactions. This demand reflects investors’ interest in liquid properties with a lower entry threshold and rental yield potential.
Among Dubai’s districts, Dubai Islands led in apartment sales with 8.4 billion dirhams, followed by Airport City with 7.2 billion dirhams and Business Bay with 6 billion dirhams. In the villas and buildings segment, Al Yalayis 1 took first place with 10.6 billion dirhams, while Me’aisem Second led the land plots segment with 10.1 billion dirhams.
Harbor Real Estate assesses the current situation as a transition of the Dubai market from a phase of rapid growth to a more sustainable cycle. According to the company, demand is increasingly being driven by end buyers and long-term investors, rather than short-term speculators.
An increase in supply could be an additional factor contributing to market stabilization. According to the Khaleej Times, citing a report by Harbor Real Estate, more than 160,000 residential units are scheduled for completion in 2026, although the actual number of units completed is expected to be significantly lower. For comparison: approximately 39,700 units were completed in 2025, and 30,500 in 2024
Regarding the Dubai real estate market, the ranking of foreign buyers shows that demand remains geographically diversified. India and the United Kingdom retain key positions, but buyers from the Middle East, North Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe also play a significant role. This reinforces Dubai’s status as one of the leading international centers for real estate investment.
