My CNBC Interview: What’s Really Driving the Next Chapter of Dubai Real Estate

A few days ago, I sat down with CNBC to discuss what’s really happening in Dubai’s real estate market in 2025 — beyond the headlines, beyond the speculation, and backed by real data from DXBinteract and fäm Properties.

The story that emerged is clear: Dubai is not just growing — it’s evolving.



The Numbers Tell a Very Clear Story


Three indicators define the real performance of Dubai’s market in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024:

• Off-plan transactions rose 20%, from 96,000 to 116,000.
• Resale transactions increased 10%, from 48,000 to 53,000.
• New supply (newly launched units) dropped 7.5%, from 130,000 to around 120,000.

This means demand continues to climb, while supply is tightening — a combination that contradicts the “oversupply” narrative many expected.



Land Prices Changed the Game


One of the biggest reasons behind the 7.5% drop in new supply is the surge in land prices.
Over the past five years, land costs in Dubai have risen sharply — in some prime locations such as Al Wasl, by nearly 7X, from around AED 500 to AED 3,500 per sqft.

That rise has forced many smaller or newer developers to pause or scale down their launches. Only those with strong brand equity, proven track records, and deep experience can still bring projects to market profitably.

This is not a slowdown — it’s a market filter, separating the sustainable players from the speculative ones.


Emaar: The Benchmark of Brand Equity


During the interview, I also highlighted Emaar’s continued dominance.
Emaar doesn’t just sell property — it sells trust.

There’s a visible premium attached to every Emaar project that extends from launch to resale.
Units sell faster, hold stronger resale value, and maintain investor confidence even when the market shifts.
That’s the power of brand equity in real estate — and it’s a lesson every developer should study carefully.



The Rise of New Private Developers


For the first time, we’re witnessing new private developers rise at remarkable speed.
Companies like Binghatti Real Estate Development have achieved record-breaking revenue and profitability, launching iconic branded residences with Bugatti and Mercedes.

These are names that few in the market would have mentioned three or four years ago — and yet today, they’re redefining what Dubai’s development scene looks like.

This proves one thing: in Dubai, vision and execution can rewrite the rules of success faster than anywhere else on earth.



The Mindset Revolution


But perhaps the most important transformation is not in numbers or buildings — it’s in people’s mindset.

For decades, many residents and long-time expats in Dubai said,

“We’ll stay for a few years, then go back home.”

They rented. They hesitated. They stood on the fence.

Today, those same people are buying — not to speculate, but to stay.
They’re paying record prices because they now see Dubai as their long-term home.

Why? Because Dubai has done something no other city has done: it turned “respect” into a global brand.

From the smile of an immigration officer to the safety, efficiency, and dignity of everyday life — people feel valued here.
And when people feel respected, they build roots.



Why Dubai Developers Are Going Global


When CNBC asked about Dubai developers expanding into markets like London, my answer was simple:
They’re not chasing higher profits — because no city on earth offers returns like Dubai has delivered in the past five years.

These international moves are strategic — about diversification, global brand visibility, and long-term positioning.
Dubai’s developers aren’t leaving for better margins; they’re going global to extend their credibility and reach.



Abu Dhabi: The Next Big Opportunity


Finally, we discussed Abu Dhabi — and I believe it represents one of the strongest opportunities today.
Land remains affordable and often undervalued, creating a historic entry point for developers who missed the early phases of Dubai’s boom.

The fundamentals are solid, the infrastructure is strengthening, and the timing is right for those who understand long-term plays.



The Bigger Picture


Dubai’s real estate market is not just surviving global uncertainty — it’s leading through it.

• Demand remains robust.
• Supply is rationalizing.
• Developers are becoming more strategic.
• And, most importantly, the people — residents and investors alike — have shifted from short-term opportunism to long-term belief.

That’s not just market growth.
That’s cultural transformation — and it’s why Dubai continues to defy every global comparison.



Data Source


All figures are based on DXBinteract and fäm Properties’ internal analytics.