UAE: Ultra-Rich Move To Dubai, Keep Luxury Property Demand Strong, Expert Says

Demand for uber luxury properties in Dubai will stay strong on the back of the inflow of millionaires and billionaires into the UAE in 2026 and beyond, said Amira Sajwani, co-founder and COO of Amali Properties.

“The demand for high-end luxury properties will continue because of the pace of the population growth and the number of wealthy individuals that are moving here,” she said following the awarding of Dh700 million main works contract to Dutco for the construction of Amali Island, a Dh2-billion private ultra-exclusive island development located in The World Islands.

Comprised of 24-ultra-luxury waterfront villas offering Dubai's first sail-in, sail-out living, the most expensive villa was sold for Dh200 million. Known as Maldives in Dubai, the project was snapped up very quickly by the high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

“There were a lot of regions in the past that were not really focused on investing in Dubai. Today, there is a big new trend of people who are moving here and require ultra-luxury properties from new regions such as Asia, China, Japan, the US and Australia,” she told Khaleej Times in an interview on Friday.

“We've had a huge diversity of buyers from the UK, the US, Asia and the Middle East. We've been able to appeal to all classes of buyers.”

The UAE remains the world's top destination for millionaire migration, as it is expected to attract the highest number of high-net-worth individuals in 2025, with more than 9,800 relocating to the Emirates.

According to a study released by international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners and global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth, the UAE is estimated to attract $63 billion (Dh231 billion) in wealth due to the migration of millionaires. The millionaire migration to the UAE nearly doubled, from 98 per cent in 2014 to 2024, it said.

Dubai's prime property market (Dh15 million and above) experienced a moderation in the third quarter of 2025 following a record-breaking activity earlier this year.

According to Betterhomes, 492 secondary sales and 245 off-plan sales were recorded, while secondary transactions declined from the historic peak of 1,153 in Q2, but they remained well above historical averages, reflecting continued demand in the prime property market.

Amidst strong demand for uber-luxury properties in Dubai, Amira Sajwani, who is also managing director and head of sales and development at Damac Properties, added that they will launch more new luxury projects in the first quarter or the middle of 2026.

“It will be a very different project, also targeting the ultra-wealthy. Our focus on the level of detail and understanding of that real luxury lifestyle and requirements is what makes our projects different. We've travelled the world, lived in the best hotels, visited the best residences and the best properties. So, we're really able to amalgamate that into a thinking and detailed design and execution of what somebody of that standard would require,” she added.

She added that construction progress on the island is advancing steadily, with dredging, reclamation, and soil improvement now completed. Marine works, as well as infrastructure, deep services and utility hub and substation buildings are more than halfway finished.

Ali Sajwani, co-founder and CEO of Amali Properties, said Dutco Construction was chosen for its exceptional track record and reputation for delivering some of the most complex projects in the UAE.

With marine works already underway and major ground infrastructure completed, the award of the main works contract represents the next critical milestone towards delivering the Amali Island project.

MENAFN12122025000049011007ID1110473648