The results of the Arada UAE Real Estate Investment Index, prepared by the American research firm Penta Group, revealed that the United Arab Emirates has ranked first globally as the best destination for real estate investment, ahead of several major international markets.

According to a global survey conducted by Arada Group, 56% of real estate investors around the world expressed serious interest in investing in the UAE property market. This was the highest percentage among all markets covered by the survey. The United States came next at 54%, followed by the United Kingdom at 41%, France at 28%, and Spain at 27%.

The survey was conducted between April 1 and April 23 and included 689 real estate investors across 12 key markets. It is considered one of the first studies to track international investors’ views toward the UAE real estate sector during the recent period.

The findings also showed that investors’ awareness of available real estate opportunities in the UAE reached 51%. This is close to the level of awareness recorded in major markets such as the United Kingdom, which posted the same percentage, and the United States, which reached 53%.

The UAE’s appeal was particularly clear among investors from nearby markets. Around 91% of Indian investors, 92% of Egyptian investors, and 85% of Saudi investors ranked the UAE among their top three preferred destinations for real estate investment.

The country also recorded strong interest among European investors. The UAE ranked first as an overseas investment destination for 63% of French investors, 60% of German investors, and 57% of Swiss investors.

The index results showed that the opportunity to achieve high investment returns was the leading global reason behind interest in UAE real estate, chosen by 38% of respondents. This factor was even more prominent among Australian investors at 57%, Spanish investors at 56%, and British investors at 41%.

On the other hand, safety and stability were key factors in the decisions of some investors, especially those from China and Germany. About 65% of Chinese investors and 58% of German investors pointed to the importance of this factor. This reflects confidence in the UAE’s regulatory and legislative environment, as well as the political and economic stability the country enjoys.

The survey also found that 34% of participants considered the ease of buying and owning property to be one of the main factors encouraging them to invest in the UAE market. This percentage rose to 57% among Saudi investors and 41% among Egyptian investors, highlighting the role of clear and simplified procedures in strengthening the market’s appeal.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said the results are in line with what the company has seen in its sales performance. He noted that international investors recognize the UAE’s key advantages, including regulatory maturity, stable performance, and strong economic fundamentals, even amid recent regional challenges.

He added that the UAE’s ability to adapt quickly has always been one of the main factors behind its rise as a global investment destination. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and during periods of financial uncertainty, as the country repeatedly proved its ability to respond to changes with high efficiency.

The results of the index confirm that the UAE real estate market is built on several strong foundations, most notably attractive returns, stability, easy access to investment opportunities, and an efficient tax and regulatory environment. As a result, the country continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for real estate investors from around the world.