March 28, 2025 | Staff Reporter | UAE | Brokerage
The UAE’s real estate market has seen significant shifts in recent years, shaped by economic recovery, job growth, and evolving buyer preferences. The latest data from Skyloov, a leading real estate portal, sheds light on the most searched communities in 2025, with International City in Dubai, Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, and Muwaileh in Sharjah emerging as the top choices for property seekers.
"The real estate landscape in the UAE is evolving rapidly, with a strong shift toward data-driven decision-making.Our latest insights highlight the growing appeal of emerging and established communities, driven by factors such as affordability, lifestyle preferences, and investment potential,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Albwardi, Chairman of the Board at Skyloov.
To gain deeper insights into these trends, REM TIMES spoke with two industry experts—Ben Crompton, Managing Partner at Crompton Partners, and Yash Trivedi, Mortgage Advisor and Founder of YOUAE Mortgages—who provided their take on the best areas for investment this year.
Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Comeback
Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has had a fragmented recovery post-COVID, with premium areas such as Saadiyat Island benefiting early due to financial sector job creation. However, the mid-market areas took longer to pick up. Now, with the Abu Dhabi economy in full swing, previously overlooked areas are experiencing steady appreciation.
Ben Crompton, Managing Director at real estate brokerage firm Crompton Partners, explains, “Abu Dhabi has had a patchy recovery since the COVID pandemic catalysed the real estate market in 2021. Saadiyat and the premium areas in Abu Dhabi benefited from the job creation occurring in the financial district of ADGM, but the more mid-market areas such as Reem Island, Al Reef, and Hydra Village were slower to recover. Now, the Abu Dhabi economy is in full swing, sparking a broader uplift in property prices.”
According to Crompton, Reem Island is currently moving up in both rental and sales prices, while Al Reef is witnessing rental price growth but has yet to see a corresponding rise in sales prices—though he expects that to change soon. He also highlights other overlooked but promising areas, including the NYU District of Saadiyat Island, Masdar City, and New Raha Beach, outside the traditional founder communities of Bandar, Muneera, and Zeina.
Dubai: A Tale of Affordability and Connectivity
Dubai continues to dominate the UAE’s real estate market, attracting both investors and end-users. However, not all high-searched areas necessarily indicate strong demand, as affordability plays a key role in search behaviour.
Yash Trivedi, Mortgage Advisor and Founder of YOUAE Mortgages, explains, “The reason these communities are among the most searched areas is primarily due to their affordability. Generally, buyers tend to search for properties priced from lower to higher, which explains the demand for these areas. However, this does not necessarily indicate that they are in high demand overall.”
For affordability, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Furjan, and Sports City are top choices. On the other hand, buyers prioritizing connectivity tend to gravitate towards areas closer to Sheikh Zayed Road, such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). For those seeking townhouses, Trivedi points to Dubai South, Damac Hills 2, and Villanova as key options.
Sharjah’s Growing Investment Appeal
While Sharjah’s property market remains more restricted for expatriate investors, a few key projects are drawing increased attention. Trivedi notes, “In Sharjah, there are very few projects available for expatriates to invest in, and most properties are leasehold rather than freehold. As a result, options for buyers are limited. However, due to the attractive pricing of projects like Arada in Sharjah, there has been a significant increase in interest from potential buyers lately.”
This shift suggests that despite its limitations, Sharjah is becoming a more viable alternative for buyers seeking affordable housing options outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Best Communities for Investment in 2025
Based on insights from Skyloov’s report and expert opinions, here are the top areas to watch for investment in 2025:
|
Category |
Communities |
|---|---|
|
Affordable Apartments |
International City (Dubai), Al Reem Island (Abu Dhabi), Muwaileh (Sharjah) |
|
Mid-Market Growth |
Al Reef (Abu Dhabi), Masdar City (Abu Dhabi), JVC (Dubai) |
|
Luxury Investments |
Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi), Business Bay (Dubai), JBR (Dubai) |
|
Best for Townhouses |
Dubai South, Damac Hills 2, Villanova |
|
Connectivity-Focused |
JLT, Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road corridor |
In a Nutshell
The UAE’s real estate market continues to evolve, shaped by affordability, lifestyle preferences, and investment potential. While search trends provide valuable insights, expert opinions offer a more nuanced perspective on where true demand and growth lie. As 2025 progresses, investors and homebuyers should closely monitor emerging opportunities in both established and overlooked communities to make informed decisions in this dynamic market.
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