Trump tariffs result in increased demand for UAE property from foreign investors, here's what you need to know

Arabian Business

14-04-2025

The real estate players in the UAE could be thanking the US President secretly as the Gulf country's property sector is projected to see a windfall gain in the coming weeks and months, with Trump's maverick policy and tariff announcements sending the US dollar to a tailspin, and the consequent fall in value of dirham, triggering a surge in overseas investments in the sector, especially from Europe, Russia and India.
The Gulf country's rising currency value proposition, coinciding with the non-domicile tax law changes in the UK, is also expected to lead to a spike in UK-based wealthy investors' high-end property acquisitions in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
With the UAE dirham pegged to the US dollar, the depreciation of the American currency leads to a fall in its value as well.
The demand for real estate assets, especially in the residential sector in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are expected to see a significant spike in near-term with the US dollar widely expected to see further fall due to the effect of Trump's high tariffs weakening global demand for US goods, impacting the American currency's value.
The uncertainty and high tariffs are also leading investors to reduce their investments in the US, further decreasing the demand and value of the US dollar.
'Any drop in currency value tends to drive [property] demand in the UAE from overseas investors,' Chris Whitehead, Managing Partner, Dubai Sotheby's International Realty, told Arabian Business.
Angad Bedi, CMD, BCD Group, an India-based global real estate major, said a softer UAE dirham pegged to a weakening US dollar could make real estate assets in Dubai and the UAE more attractive for overseas investors.
'Markets like the UK, Europe, India, and even parts of East Asia could view this as an opportune moment to lock in high-value properties at relatively favourable currency rates,' Bedi told Arabian Business.
Farooq Syed, CEO of Dubai-based Springfield Properties, said the fall in currency value, along with UAE's favourable economic environment and Dubai's resilient infrastructure and strategic positioning, will attract overseas investors seeking stability and long-term growth.
Market experts said that with stock markets falling, taxes rising and tariffs impacting everyone, the global appetite for real estate is expected to grow as investors move to tangible assets such as bricks and mortar and precious metals, further enhancing the UAE property sector's appeal to investors.
Currency shift spurs investments
Sector experts said a more favourable dirham exchange rate enhances Dubai's appeal to key markets such as India, Pakistan, Russia, the UK, and other European nations, where advantageous currency conditions amplify investment potential.
A lower value of the dirham makes investing in Dubai more attractive and affordable for foreign investors, they said.
The Dubai Sotheby's International Realty senior executive said the depreciation of the US dollar, which directly influences the valuation of the UAE dirham through its peg, is enhancing Dubai's attractiveness to international investors.
high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Those looking at the UAE for relief will only be more tempted to jump,' he said.
Whitehead said Europe will also benefit from increased appeal as real estate square footage becomes more attractive.
'That said, the value that can be achieved in Dubai is around double compared to other key cities,' he said.
Sankey Prasad, CMD, Colliers India & Middle East, said currency value fluctuations often act as catalysts for cross-border investments, the emerging scenario is significantly advantageous for the UAE.
'Combined with the UAE's progressive visa reforms, safe city reputation, and tax-friendly policies, the market is poised for even greater inflows,' Prasad told Arabian Business.
He, however, said investors should focus on asset quality to ensure strong, long-term returns beyond currency advantages.
BCD Group's Bedi said given that UAE real estate is already seen as a safe haven with strong rental yields and a business-friendly ecosystem, the currency advantage could tip the scales for fence-sitters.
'We anticipate a sharp rise, particularly in prime residential and commercial assets, as well as branded residences and hospitality-linked investments,' he said.
Market challenges and opportunities
The Springfield Properties chief executive, however, said the current global economic shifts are presenting both challenges and opportunities for Dubai's real estate market.
'Ongoing disruptions in global trade are contributing to inflationary pressures, particularly on construction materials sourced from major suppliers like China. Rising costs of raw materials inevitably increase overall construction expenses, driving up prices for off-plan properties as developers adjust to these higher input costs,' Syed told Arabian Business.
He, however, said that despite these challenges, Dubai has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global economic disruptions.
'The city's strategic positioning as a stable, well-regulated market continues to attract investment during periods of global financial instability. Besides, the pressure on increasing prices may also result in developers offering more attractive payment plans to maintain investor interest and enhance accessibility,' Syed said.
The Springfield Properties chief executive also pointed out that Dubai's real estate market benefits from the region's advantageous tax structure.
The GCC's general tariff rate of approximately 10 per cent is considerably lower than those of many established markets worldwide, he said, adding that historically, Dubai has capitalised on shifting economic conditions by offering a secure and attractive environment for capital preservation and growth.