British Investments in Dubai Real Estate Surge by 62% in Q2
Brokers: Dubai Among Top Destinations for Those Leaving London
UAE Sees Unexpected Gains from US Tariffs
The Country Benefits from Investment Inflows to Less Affected Emerging Markets
Emirati property developers are taking measures to attract British investors, aided by a weakened dollar and the impact of American tariffs on the British pound.
This initiative to target British investors is being bolstered by new offices in London, as the UAE’s real estate sector ranks among the top performers globally.
The UAE’s real estate sector has unexpectedly gained from US tariffs, with investments flowing into emerging markets that are less impacted. Currently, sectors such as real estate and tourism are key to attracting foreign capital.
Last year, UAE real estate companies Binghatti and Danube opened sales offices in London, joining other firms like Aldar, Damac, and Sobha Realty.
Ridwan Sajan, Chairman of Danube, emphasized to Reuters that the currency dynamics play a significant role, while Mohammed Binghatti, Chairman of Binghatti, noted a rising influx of British investors into Dubai due to the dollar’s weakness.
The broad tariffs implemented by former President Trump led to a decline in the dollar against the British pound, effectively providing British buyers with discounts when entering the UAE real estate market.
Real estate agents have reported that some wealthy individuals are relocating from London due to rising taxes.
Top brokers from CBRE and Knight Frank have indicated to Reuters that Dubai is among the elite destinations for those leaving London, alongside important wealth hubs such as Monaco, Italy, and Switzerland.
To appeal to British buyers, Binghatti is offering flexible payment plans and special pricing, while Damac has partnered with Chelsea Football Club to launch branded residences in Dubai aimed at attracting British clientele.
According to UAE brokerage Peter Homes, British investment in Dubai homes jumped by 62% year-over-year in Q2 2025. This surge has made UK residents the largest foreign property buyers in the emirate for the first time since 2023, surpassing Indian investors.
Additionally, some view London as an opportunity to diversify operations, not merely as a sales hub. Both Damac and Aldar have established real estate development arms in the UK through subsidiaries or joint ventures, with the latest venture launched in January 2025.
Following the establishment of sales offices in London, both Danube and Binghatti have indicated to Reuters that they are exploring similar development opportunities in the UK, despite the dollar’s depreciation impacting their purchasing power.
Talal Al Dhiyabi, CEO of Aldar Properties, remarked that their UK subsidiary, London Square, has acquired 15 new plots and initiated six real estate development projects since late 2023.
According to Knight Frank data, UAE property developers are leveraging the decline in UK property prices to attract wealthy Emiratis, who now represent 3% of London’s investors, a significant increase from just 0.6% last year.