New UAE property hotspots emerge in 2025 as prices soar across all emirates

Abu Dhabi leads price growth, but all 7 emirates show trends UAE investors should watch

Last updated:
Justin Varghese, Your Money Editor
2 MIN READ
UAE skyline
UAE skyline
Gulf News

Dubai: UAE’s property market is entering a new phase of rapid transformation — and not just in Dubai.

According to Bloom Holding’s UAE Property Market Report 2025, backed by data from the Dubai Land Department and PropertyFinder, price growth is being seen across all seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading the charge, but emerging hotspots showing major investment potential.

With Dh893 billion in property transactions recorded in 2024 — and Dh760.7 billion of that in Dubai alone — investors are expecting 2025 to deliver another year of strong performance across residential, luxury, and off-plan real estate.

Abu Dhabi leads price growth

Property prices in Abu Dhabi jumped 202% year-on-year in 2024, while Dubai prices climbed 124%. Together, the two emirates continue to dominate investment interest, but others are catching up.

Top areas in Dubai for long-term price growth include:

  • Palm Jebel Ali and Meydan Avenue, both up over 200% in five years.

  • Oak Villas in Al Barsha and Westar Les Maisonettes in JVC remain top-tier for luxury buyers.

In Abu Dhabi, seven of the top 10 fastest-growing areas are concentrated in emerging zones like Remah in Al Ain and Zone 12 in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, where prices have jumped more than 230% since 2020.

Luxury living thrives beyond Dubai

Million-dollar listings are booming across the UAE:

  • Abu Dhabi leads with 352 luxury homes, followed by Dubai with 343.

  • Surprisingly, Umm Al Quwain has 302 high-end listings, a sign of growing investor interest in quieter, upscale developments.

Key luxury zones include:

  • Sidra Villas II in Dubai Hills Estate

  • Muroor Road and Mushrif Villas in Abu Dhabi

  • Zinnia in AKOYA Oxygen

  • Mughaidir Suburb in Sharjah

What UAE residents, investors can see next

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate headlines, 2025 could see smaller emirates attract serious investor interest:

  • Ras Al Khaimah: Poised for growth thanks to tourism, affordable luxury, and projects like the upcoming Wyn Gaming resort on Al Marjan Island.

  • Sharjah: Pushing eco-living and full expat ownership in key zones like Naseem Villas, which recorded a 243% price surge over five years.

  • Umm Al Quwain: Now offers the highest average price per sqm ($619), suggesting quiet demand for tranquil, family-friendly communities.

Off-plan properties, rentals still hot

Off-plan continues to dominate across emirates, thanks to flexible payment plans and high resale potential. For rental investors, the high population inflow and demand for smart homes make mid-range villas and apartments attractive, especially in Dubai’s JVC, Green Community, and DIP.

As 2025 unfolds, UAE's property market is being shaped by:

  • Surging foreign investment

  • Continued migration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals

  • Infrastructure growth across smaller emirates

  • Increased interest in sustainability and smart living

For first-time buyers or portfolio investors, the message is clear: there’s opportunity across the country, not just in Dubai’s skyline. From waterfront communities in Abu Dhabi to value-rich neighbourhoods in Sharjah and RAK, UAE’s real estate market in 2025 is broadening — and fast.

Justin Varghese
Justin VargheseYour Money Editor
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

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