Women Investors Drive $32bn Surge in Dubai Property Market
Female investors contributed AED 118 billion ($32.13 billion) to Dubai’s property sector in 2024.
Women accounted for 34% of total real estate investors in the emirate last year.
Over 50,979 property transactions were registered by women in 2024.
The Real Estate Empowerment Programme has attracted more than 1,000 women to the sector.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) has rolled out flexible financing and advisory solutions to support women-led investment.
New policy incentives are planned to boost female participation in leadership and development further.
Women’s real estate activity aligns with Dubai’s broader D33 economic agenda and Real Estate Strategy 2033.
Female investors increasingly favour long-term, stable assets such as off-plan and branded residences.
Dubai’s safe environment, investor-friendly regulations, and residency options appeal to international female investors.
DLD initiatives also target family decision-makers and promote women’s financial literacy and confidence.
Female Investors Take the Lead in Dubai’s Real Estate Evolution
What does it say about a market when one-third of all property transactions are driven by women? In Dubai, it speaks volumes—about confidence, long-term vision, and a maturing investment ecosystem. With women contributing over AED 118 billion in real estate transactions in 2024, accounting for 34% of all investors, it’s clear they are not just participants—they’re leading stakeholders.
According to Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Development Sector at the Dubai Land Department (DLD), this shift isn’t just a statistic—it’s a structural transformation. One that aligns directly with Dubai’s ambitious D33 economic agenda and the 2033 Real Estate Strategy. “Women possess a strategic vision and leadership capabilities,” Rashid told Emirates News Agency (WAM), adding that their involvement is pivotal to achieving Dubai’s social and economic objectives.
So, what’s fuelling this rise? And more importantly, what can international investors learn from it?
A Strategic Shift Towards Long-Term Wealth Building
Gone are the days when speculative flipping defined property investment in Dubai. Today’s female investors are embracing a more measured, future-proofed strategy. The 50,979 transactions recorded in 2024 suggest growing demand for high-quality, well-located, income-generating assets, particularly in the off-plan space, where capital appreciation potential is strongest.
Many are opting for developments by established names like Emaar, Meraas, and Aldar, favouring communities that offer not just lifestyle benefits, but also robust rental yields and future resale value. Locations such as Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Expo City, and Dubai Creek Harbour are attracting considerable interest from female buyers—both local and international.
Government-Backed Initiatives Support Inclusive Investment
The DLD has taken bold steps to cultivate this growth. The Real Estate Empowerment Programme alone has drawn more than 1,000 women into the sector through tailored training, advisory support, and access to finance.
Another initiative, the Dubai Real Estate Brokers Programme, is closing the gender gap in real estate agency and brokerage, boosting female representation in frontline roles and contributing to a more balanced industry.
These programmes go beyond token inclusion. They reflect a commitment to shaping an investment environment where women can act confidently as primary decision-makers, whether buying for end-use, portfolio diversification, or legacy planning.
Why Overseas Investors Should Be Paying Attention
This isn’t just a domestic trend. It’s part of a global pivot towards inclusive capital deployment, and Dubai has positioned itself as a pioneer. For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and overseas investors, particularly women looking to invest abroad, the implications are compelling:
Residency incentives: Female investors who acquire property valued above AED 2 million are eligible for long-term Golden Visas, offering peace of mind and relocation flexibility.
Safe, transparent environment: Dubai’s regulatory framework ensures escrow protection for off-plan buyers and rigorous oversight of developers.
Tax advantages: The UAE offers a zero income tax regime and no property tax, maximising net returns.
Wealth preservation: With inflation hedging through real assets, real estate in Dubai provides a tangible alternative to volatile equities or currency exposure.
Lifestyle alignment: Many women are investing in properties that serve dual purposes—holiday homes and income-generating assets.
A Generational Recalibration of Wealth Strategy
Globally, women are gaining control of more wealth than ever before, expected to hold $110 trillion globally by 2025. Dubai is capitalising on this trend by aligning infrastructure, policy, and investor support with the specific needs of this demographic.
From flexible payment plans to premium developments with high sustainability ratings and wellness-focused amenities, developers are responding to what female investors are prioritising: long-term security, community engagement, and future-ready design.
As the city expands towards 2040, we expect continued alignment between female investor priorities and Dubai’s master planning. Mixed-use, walkable districts like Town Square, Dubai Islands, and Ghantoot’s coastal corridor—where lifestyle meets investment merit—are already capturing interest.
The Opportunity Is Now
As someone who’s worked in the Dubai real estate market for over 20 years, I see this trend as both a reflection and a catalyst of Dubai’s global appeal. The confidence shown by female investors—whether first-time buyers or seasoned HNWIs—speaks to the maturity of our property sector and the strength of our long-term fundamentals.
The fact that 34% of investors in 2024 were women isn’t just an interesting statistic—it’s a wake-up call. If you’re an international investor sitting on the sidelines, it’s worth asking: what do they see that you don’t?
In many cases, they’re locking in off-plan units in prime locations, with flexible payment terms and the potential for 20–30% capital appreciation by handover. They’re accessing Golden Visas, protecting generational wealth, and investing in communities designed for the future.
If you’re considering taking a position in Dubai’s real estate market—whether to diversify your portfolio or secure a lifestyle investment—now is the time to act. The smartest investors are already doing so.
