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Merlin Real Estate’s Co-founder and Emaar Platinum Broker Rohit Bachani explores the emirate’s growing appeal for Africa’s high-net-worth investors
July 15, 2025 | Rohit Bachani | Africa, UAE | Brokerage
Across Africa today, rising economic prosperity is reshaping the ambitions of a new class of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). From the bustling business hubs of Lagos and Nairobi to the fast-growing markets of Accra and Johannesburg, entrepreneurs, family business leaders, and institutional investors are not just looking for profitable assets, they are seeking stability, mobility, and a legacy for the next generation.
In this shifting landscape, Dubai has rapidly emerged as a preferred real estate destination and not by coincidence. Over the past two years, I’ve observed firsthand, through Merlin Real Estate and my participation in African wealth forums like the Nairobi Private Wealth Conference, a steady uptick in interest from African HNWIs looking to invest, relocate, or simply anchor part of their lives in the UAE.
Dubai’s appeal lies in a unique mix of strategy and sentiment. It isn’t just another global city, it’s a city built with vision, designed for opportunity, and open to the world.
To begin with, Dubai offers unmatched connectivity. With direct flights to nearly every African capital and a central location between East and West, it is a natural hub for business and travel. The ease of entry, with simplified visa processes and welcoming policies for foreign investors, further adds to its appeal.
Then there’s the safety and security it offers, both for people and capital. For African investors navigating markets that can often be politically or economically volatile, the UAE presents a stable alternative. The government is dependable, the property laws are transparent, there’s no capital gains tax, and the currency is pegged to the US dollar. These are not just technical advantages, they are assurances that wealth can grow without fear.
But there’s more. Post-COVID, lifestyle factors have become increasingly significant. Dubai’s luxury living, excellent healthcare, international schools, and diverse community make it a place where families can thrive. I’ve spoken to many African families who’ve shared how welcomed they feel here, not just as investors, but as residents.
While financial markets may offer faster or more liquid gains, real estate remains a powerful and tangible asset class. Dubai’s real estate market, from off-plan opportunities to branded residences — has consistently delivered strong returns through both capital appreciation and rental yields. In some cases, these yields outperform many Western markets.
But for African HNWIs, property in Dubai is rarely just about ROI. It’s about permanence. A home in Dubai represents a global foothold, a safe, long-term asset that can serve as a backup plan, an education base for children, or a launchpad for future global ambitions.
As I noted during the Nairobi panel discussion earlier this year, real estate is often the first international asset class African families enter. Before exploring equities, venture capital, or offshore trusts, many choose real estate because it offers control, visibility, and utility. In this respect, Dubai has done an excellent job making that entry point smooth and accessible.
Based on the clients we serve at Merlin Real Estate, there are a few standout areas that consistently attract African buyers -
What’s especially exciting is the increasing sophistication of the buyers. Many are now participating in early-stage launches, securing premium units ahead of the market, and even diversifying across multiple properties. They’re not just buying; they’re strategizing.
One of the most transformative aspects of owning property in Dubai is what it unlocks beyond the physical asset: mobility.
The UAE’s Golden Visa — available to property investors who commit AED 2 million or more provides long-term residency and a host of other benefits. For African HNWIs, this is a significant advantage, especially when other regions are tightening immigration and visa policies.
A Golden Visa enables flexibility in travel, schooling, and business, all critical components for families who are increasingly global in their outlook.
The deepening relationship between African investors and Dubai real estate is not a temporary trend. It reflects a larger strategic realignment. As African economies expand and more families look outward for opportunity and security, Dubai’s role as a bridge will only grow stronger.
At Merlin Real Estate, we’re proud to be part of this journey. We don’t see ourselves merely as brokers, we see ourselves as partners helping African families create their international footprint, diversify their portfolios, and preserve their legacies.
Dubai offers a unique blend of opportunity, security, and openness. For African HNWIs ready to take their next step globally, it is more than a destination, it is a launchpad.
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