In this episode of Dubai Real Estate Unplugged, Paul Sharland, Off Plan Director and Steven Leckie, Associate Director - Off Plan & Investment, pull back the curtain on The haus & haus Investment Playbook: your essential guide to investing in Dubai’s property market with clarity and confidence.
They unpack the Playbook’s biggest insights in one concise, high-value conversation, covering everything from smart strategies and capital growth potential to Dubai’s appeal, supply-demand fundamentals, hotspot picks and buyer tips. Want the highlights? Read on for a full breakdown of the episode and the strategies every Dubai property investor should know.
What makes Dubai so attractive in a world of unrest?
Welfare cuts, rising taxes and political unrest are becoming the norm in many global cities and Dubai continues to benefit. When uncertainty strikes overseas or across the Middle East, international investors, entrepreneurs and families look to Dubai as a reliable safe haven.
In nearly every conversation, the conclusion is the same: people are choosing to leave their home countries and call Dubai home, not just for a season, but for good. Safety, opportunity and quality of life top the list. And the city continues to rise to meet this growing demand.
In 2005, there were just 17 international schools in Dubai. Today, that number stands at over 230 and 90 more are under development in the next two years. In fact, there’s been a 42% increase in international schools in the last five years alone, showing just how permanent this shift has become.
Where families once left Dubai when job contracts ended, many now stay and seek new roles. The city has evolved into a long term base, a launchpad for start-ups, a magnet for global businesses and a world-class home for those who once saw it as temporary.
Which developments are worth keeping an eye on?
As Dubai continues to grow, regeneration zones and long term master plans are opening up new opportunities, both for investors and end users. From revitalised coastlines to the city’s new frontier in the south, these are the areas that Steven and Pual suggest to watch closely:
Dubai Islands & Maritime City
Once known as part of "Old Dubai," these waterfront districts are undergoing massive regeneration. Dubai Islands is emerging as a lifestyle hub with villas, townhouses and even a golf course for a complete rethink of coastal living. Nearby Maritime City adds to the appeal with its transformation into a premium urban waterfront zone.
The southern expansion: Dubai South, Expo City & Palm Jebel Ali
On the other end of the city, Dubai South continues to gain traction as a future-ready zone. Emaar plays a major role in stamping their signature design and community planning across the area. On the other hand, Expo City is being built as a “city of the future,” while the long anticipated Palm Jebel Ali,15 years in the making, is finally coming to life.
Bayn by ORA
Steven and Paul highlight Bayn by ORA, a visionary coastal community strategically located in Ghantoot, bridging Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As they aptly describe it, this development has "one foot in Dubai and one foot in Abu Dhabi." The podcast covers specifics and entry prices for this project.
Common misconceptions and what Steve and Paul think
It’s easy to get caught up in bold headlines or flashy marketing, but the reality is in the numbers.
Dubai’s population was just 1.2 million in 2005. Today, it’s pushing 3.9 million and growing fast. With 100,000 to 200,000 new residents arriving each year, Dubai is on track to reach a population of around 5 million by 2030.
What does this mean for property investors? For one, it directly challenges the tired narrative around oversupply.
Steven and Paul agree: oversupply isn’t a blanket issue. The real question is where and what you’re buying. Is it a trusted developer? Is the location desirable and in demand? Is the project saturated with inventory or is it scarce, limited and strategic?
As they point out, scarcity often signals strength. It’s the properties that are harder to get, the well located, well priced and well built ones that tend to perform over time.
If you’re trying to make sense of the noise, understand the fundamentals and spot smart opportunities, the haus & haus Investment Playbook is a must-read.
