In the midst of a slow domestic real estate market, Chinese investors are turning their attention to the Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates in particular, according to experts at a recent industry meeting.
Ding Zuyu, chairman of market research firm China Real Estate Information Corp., stated at the 2025 Middle East Real Estate Investment Summit Forum on September 23 that investments in foreign real estate markets should concentrate on regional centres.
At the forum, which was co-hosted by CRIC, the Asia Bankers Club, and Aldar Properties, a prominent developer in the UAE, Ding stated, “First, you need to look at the region’s economic growth prospects. Second, you examine the housing market’s supply and demand, particularly regarding price patterns. The UAE is unquestionably at the top of the Middle East based on these two factors.”
Cities with established markets like New York, London, and Singapore have traditionally been well-liked locations for real estate investment, according to Ding. The UAE has major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi that serve as economic centres for the whole area, not just the country.
According to the report “Trends in the UAE’s Residential Market for the First Half of 2025,” which was presented at the conference, Abu Dhabi’s real estate transaction value exceeded USD 14 billion in the first half of 2025, up 39% over the same time last year. Additionally, residential real estate sales increased by 30% to AED21.8 billion (USD 5.9 billion).
Over the period, transactions in Dubai increased by 22% to 98,726, while the value of those transactions increased by 40% to AED326.9 billion (USD88.9 billion). In 2025, high-end rental returns reached 5.3%, placing them second internationally.
Macroeconomically, 75.5% of the UAE’s GDP came from its non-oil sector in 2024. Additionally, the government has implemented policies like the Golden Visa and licenses for businesses that are entirely controlled by foreigners. Almost 3,000 businesses have come to the Abu Dhabi International Financial Centre.
Chinese customers who are wary of the bubble back in Beijing are taking a greater interest in the UAE. For example, Aldar, a company established in Abu Dhabi, reports that over the past three years, purchases from Chinese consumers have quadrupled, with revenues expected to reach USD 450 million in 2024. Meanwhile, the company’s overseas clientele grew from 21% in 2021 to 78% in the previous year. Essentially, its market is becoming overwhelmingly Chinese.
CEO Jonathan Emery claims that Aldar is creating an integrated lifestyle experience that includes upmarket housing, healthcare, education, culture, and tourism. This meets the demands of families looking to settle down and ensures a consistent income flow.
“Chinese investors are becoming increasingly interested in Abu Dhabi. We think that opportunities will only continue to grow as the firm invests more resources here and builds brand awareness,” he stated.
Ding concluded that “stable economic growth, rapid expansion, and a steady real estate market with rising prices are the main things investors care about.”