The latest “Dubai Property Investor Confidence Report 2026,” released by Morgan’s International Realty, has found Dubai’s real estate market entering a more mature phase, with investors becoming increasingly selective and focused on long-term fundamentals rather than rapid price gains.
“While confidence in the emirate’s long-term prospects remains strong, investors are adopting a more cautious stance over the next 12 months as geopolitical tensions, global economic conditions, liquidity, infrastructure, and project execution play a greater role in investment decisions. The market is shifting from momentum-driven investing to conviction-driven investing, with buyers placing greater emphasis on developer reputation, project quality, transparency, and long-term resilience,” the report said.
“The findings point toward a market entering a more sophisticated stage of evolution. Investors remain constructive on Dubai’s long-term trajectory, particularly when viewed through a multi-year horizon. At the same time, near-term sentiment has become more measured,” it added further.
The study, conducted between April and May 2026, surveyed 94 investors, owner-occupiers, family offices, and institutional-style participants whose Dubai property portfolios range from AED 5 million to more than AED 100 million. Together, these entities represent more than AED 3 billion in Dubai real estate holdings.
The survey found that investors expect the market to remain largely stable over the coming year. Nearly half (46%) expect property prices to stabilize, while 36% anticipate a decline and only 18% expect prices to rise over the next 12 months.
“The outlook improves significantly over a longer horizon. Some 60% of respondents expect Dubai property prices to increase over the next three years, while 31% foresee a stable market and only 9% expect prices to fall. The clearest story in the data is the separation between short-term caution and long-term conviction,” the report said, noting that investors appear “more cautious about timing than about Dubai’s long-term position.”
“Regional geopolitical tensions have also become a more prominent consideration for investors. Although Dubai continues to be viewed as a safe haven for capital preservation, lifestyle, and global mobility, respondents indicated that regional stability now plays a larger role in investment decisions. Rather than exiting the market, investors are becoming more strategic in managing their portfolios.” Nearly half plan to hold their existing assets over the next year, about one-third intend to sell selected properties, and only one-fifth expect to acquire additional assets,” Morgan’s International Realty remarked.
Liquidity has also emerged as a key priority during uncertain periods, with the survey participants identifying cash as the preferred asset allocation, ahead of global real estate, commodities, and equities, reflecting a desire to preserve flexibility while waiting for clearer market opportunities.
“Among respondents with property portfolios exceeding AED 100 million, all expect prices to remain stable over the next year, while 75% anticipate price growth over the next three years, suggesting that wealthier investors continue to view Dubai through a longer-term investment lens,” the report concluded.