As UAE market matures, investor advised to focus on fundamentals

26/12/2025 03:34 AST

As we head into the new year, investors should focus on fundamentals, an expert said.

"Projects anchored in strong locations, sensible density, and end-user demand will continue to perform. We are also seeing sustained interest in developments that combine residential living with hospitality-grade services, provided those partnerships are meaningful and operationally sound," said Bader Saeed Hareb, Executive Chairman Of Global Partners Property Fund II.

Another important trend is the growing importance of governance. "Investors are paying closer attention to developer credibility, capital discipline, and delivery capability. In a maturing market, transparency and execution matter as much as ambition," Hareb said.

With global tariff challenges impacting supply chains and trade flows, continued recalibration rather than disruption is likely to be the order of play. "While tariff-related pressures introduce complexity, they also encourage regional self-sufficiency and more resilient supply strategies. For markets like the UAE, which are well-capitalised and policy-stable, this environment reinforces the importance of prudent planning and cost management. Developers who understand their supply chains and maintain flexibility in execution will be better positioned to navigate global uncertainty," Hareb said.

Dubai has increasingly become a destination for global wealth. Its regulatory clarity, infrastructure, and long-term vision have positioned it as a credible global city for both residence and investment.

"As this trend continues, expectations will rise accordingly. High-net-worth individuals are seeking privacy, quality, and reliability. This places a responsibility on developers to deliver environments that reflect those expectations, not just in terms of design, but also in long-term management and community integrity," Hareb said.

Lower oil prices further reinforce the region's diversification agenda, which is already well underway. Non-oil sectors such as real estate, tourism, and financial services have become key drivers of economic activity.

"For the real estate sector, this translates into a greater focus on sustainable demand and disciplined development. Growth will increasingly be driven by quality, not volume," Hareb said.

Global Partners is positioning itself as a next-generation UAE developer. "We approach real estate with the mindset of an investment manager and the responsibility of a long-term custodian. That means every project must stand up to time-functionally, socially, and economically," Hareb said.

As end-user expectations continue to rise in the UAE real estate market, the market today rewards developers who are clear about what they stand for and consistent in execution. "End-users are more discerning; they understand quality, and they value trust. Experience-led development does not mean over-designing or excessive amenities. It means clarity of planning, strong integration between built and open spaces, and a sense of coherence across the entire community," Hareb said.

Khaleej Times