Millionaire investors are looking towards Abu Dhabi for long-term investments, according to data that shows the capital is home to the highest number of luxury properties on sale in the UAE.
Analysis by real estate developers Bloom Holding found the highest property price growth between 2020 and 2025 was in Abu Dhabi, with the capital having 352 homes for sale valued above $1 million.
Abu Dhabi recorded year-on-year growth of 202 per cent in the last five years, with 8,490 properties on sale increasing in value.
Low taxes and substantial sovereign wealth, along with high living standards, were listed as significant factors in attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals to choose Abu Dhabi for long-term property investments.
A bright future
Asad Khan, chief executive of Invest Dubai Real Estate, said Abu Dhabi is becoming a more attractive option for investors.
“With all the government bodies based there, as well as sectors like technology, healthcare, finance and renewable energy all setting up, the bigger players are coming into Abu Dhabi,” he said.
“There's a lot of investment coming into the area, not only from the government but also from the private sector.
“I feel that the future is very, very strong in terms that the entry price is a lot lower in Abu Dhabi – even within the luxury market.”
“Abu Dhabi is getting more people coming into that space only because, the entry price is a lot lower,” said Mr Khan.
“You're getting a lot more for your money, both on the commercial side and also on the residential side.”
One UAE resident looking to invest in Abu Dhabi is Kevin Goodall, who lives in Dubai with his wife and four sons.
Mr Goodall sold his IT business last February and moved to Dubai to rent a family villa in Arabian Ranches in August. He has already purchased off-plan in a luxury development in Dubai, but is now looking towards Abu Dhabi for opportunities.
“I will probably be looking to invest around Yas Island or anywhere near where Disneyland is being proposed,” he said.
“Investing in Abu Dhabi is more of a diversification tactic. Obviously it is very different to Dubai, and they've both got very different appeal.
“There are a lot of attractions there like the F1, theme parks and Disney which is definitely appealing. Investing there is more a strategic tactic.”
Population growth
In a decade, Abu Dhabi’s population has grown 51 per cent, rising from 2.7 million in 2014 to over 4.1 million in 2024.
In the first three months of 2025, total real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi grew by 34.5 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, climbing from Dh18.82 billion to Dh25.3 billion.
Figures from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre showed the number of property deals made in that quarter increased from 5,773 to 6,896.
Mortgage transactions also recorded strong growth in Abu Dhabi, reaching Dh9.8 billion through 3,077 transactions – a 49 per cent year-on-year increase.
“Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 is a comprehensive long-term plan that aims to transform the emirate into a diversified, sustainable, and globally integrated economy,” said Arun Bose, director of the International Real Estate & Investment Show that takes place in Abu Dhabi in September.
“At the heart of this vision is real estate development, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban living, economic growth, and social infrastructure.
“The strategy focuses on creating vibrant, liveable communities supported by smart infrastructure, green spaces, and world-class amenities.
“With investments pouring into mixed-use developments, waterfront districts, cultural hubs, and high-tech business zones, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a real estate powerhouse in the region.”
More on Quran memorisation:
if you go
The flights
Emirates have direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow from Dh3,115. Alternatively, if you want to see a bit of Edinburgh first, then you can fly there direct with Etihad from Abu Dhabi.
The hotel
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Located in the heart of Mackintosh's Glasgow, the Dakota Deluxe is perhaps the most refined hotel anywhere in the city. Doubles from Dh850
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Events and tours
There are various Mackintosh specific events throughout 2018 – for more details and to see a map of his surviving designs see glasgowmackintosh.com
For walking tours focussing on the Glasgow Style, see the website of the Glasgow School of Art.
More information
For ideas on planning a trip to Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com
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BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
The Lowdown
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss
Rating: 4/5
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
