In the Dubai Property Investor Confidence Report 2026 – released by Morgans International Realty – Dubai’s real estate market enters a more mature phase, with investors becoming increasingly selective and focusing on the long-term – as opposed to rapid price gains.
With confidence in the emirate’s long-term avenue remaining strong, investors are adopting a more cautious approach over the next 12 months amid geopolitical tensions, global economic conditions, liquidity, infrastructure and project execution playing an important role in investment decisions.
The report found that the market is changing from momentum-driven investing to conviction-driven investing, with buyers placing larger emphasis on developer reputation, project quality, transparency and long-term resilience.
“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.”
The Dubai Property Investor Confidence Report 2026, Morgans International Realty
The study was conducted between April and May 2026, and surveyed 94 investors, owner-occupiers, family offices and institutional-style participants whose Dubai property portfolios spanned from AED 5m to over AED 100m. Coupled together they represent over AED 3bn in Dubai real estate holdings.
The survey found that investors predict the market to remain stable over the coming year. Nearly half (46%) expect property prices to stabilise, while 36% anticipate a decline and only 18% expect prices to increase in the next 12 months. 60% of respondents predict Dubai property prices to increase over the next three years, while 31% see a stable market and only 9% expect prices to drop.
The report also refers to the separation between short-term caution and long-term conviction, and investors appear to be more cautious about timing as opposed to Dubai’s long-term position.
Regional geopolitical tensions have been a consideration for investors. Although Dubai continues to be viewed as a haven for capital preservation, lifestyle and global mobility, survey respondents indicated that regional stability now plays a bigger role in investment decisions.
Rather than exiting the market, investors are managing their portfolios in a more strategic manner, as almost 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 buy additional assets.
Liquidity has also emerged as a central priority during untimely periods. Cash was identified as the preferred asset allocation, in front of global real estate, commodities and equities, reflecting an aspiration to retain flexibility while waiting for clearer market opportunities.
The report unveiled that larger investors are the most optimistic. Respondents with property portfolios exceeding AED 100m expect prices to remain stable over the next year, whereas 75% anticipate price growth over the next three years, indicating that wealthier investors continue to view Dubai through a longer-term investment lens.
Dubai remained the preferential real estate market among respondents, proceeded by London as the leading international destination and Abu Dhabi as the top regional next option. Other markets attracting investors are Barcelona, Singapore, Paris and Zurich.
Looking further ahead, the report mentions the next stage of Dubai’s property market is likely to be defined more by its maturity. It also suggests that transparency, professional standards, infrastructure, quality execution and alignment with investors are set to determine confidence as the emirate strengthens its position as a global destination for investment capital.
