For UAE residents looking at where to invest for the long term, Dubai is the clear favorite, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of PRYPCO. Of those who took part, 84% chose Dubai as the city offering the best investment opportunities at present.
The difference between Dubai and other major cities was substantial. New York and Singapore each attracted 5% of respondents, while London received 3%.
Dubai was also the preferred choice when participants were asked where they would invest AED 1 million. Some 76% selected the emirate, compared with 2% each for New York, Singapore, and London.
Most Respondents See Better Opportunities to Build Wealth in Dubai and Expect Further Economic Growth
The preference for Dubai goes beyond where respondents would place their money today. The survey found that 89% believe the emirate offers better opportunities to build wealth over the long term than their home countries.
That confidence also extends to the years ahead. Around 86% said Dubai had become more attractive to investors over the previous five years, and nearly 90% were optimistic about the emirate’s economic prospects over the next five years.
The findings reflect how strongly the participants favor Dubai, both for investment opportunities available now and for its longer-term economic outlook.
Safety and Security Stand Out as the Main Reasons Investors Are Drawn to Dubai
When asked what makes Dubai attractive for investment, respondents placed safety and security above other considerations. These were cited by 71% of participants, followed by the strength of the real estate market at 40% and business opportunities at 36%.
Issa Ibrahim, Co-Founder and President of PRYPCO, said the results reflect Dubai’s success in building long-term investment confidence, supported by safety, stability, quality of life, and the government’s vision. He pointed to the role of initiatives such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan in strengthening the emirate’s position as a destination for building the future.
Eight in Ten First-Time Investors Are Considering Entering Dubai’s Market Within Three Years
Dubai is also attracting interest from people who have yet to make their first investment. Among respondents with no previous investment experience, 80% said they were considering entering the Dubai market within the next three years.
For many, the main issue is how much money they have available. Limited savings were identified as the biggest obstacle by 62% of respondents. Meanwhile, 41% said lower-cost investment options could encourage them to invest, and 38% pointed to better access to financing as something that could help them make that decision.
The figures show both the level of interest among prospective investors and the financial barriers some still face when considering their first investment in Dubai.
Dubai’s Real Estate Market Adds More Than 24,500 Homes as Property Investment Becomes More Accessible
The survey comes at a time of considerable activity in Dubai’s property market. During the first six months of 2026, the emirate completed 104 real estate projects valued at more than AED 111 billion, according to the Dubai Land Department.
That represented a 52% increase year over year, with the completed projects bringing more than 24,500 additional residential units to the market.
There are also options for investors who want to participate without purchasing an entire property. PRYPCO Blocks, a platform regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, allows individuals to invest in fractional real estate ownership starting at AED 500.
Through the platform, investors can acquire shares in properties and potentially earn rental income while also benefiting from any future increase in property values.
