Dubai, 4 March 2026: Kuwaiti economist and founder of Al-Wathiqa Regional Real Estate, Abdulrahman Al-Husseinan, highlighted the strength of the UAE’s real estate market, describing it as one of the Gulf’s most resilient markets in absorbing geopolitical shocks due to its diversified investment base and openness to global capital flows.
He explained that Dubai and Abu Dhabi have strengthened their positions in recent years as regional and global hubs for business, residency, and investment. This progress has been supported by advanced legislative frameworks, regulatory flexibility, and high-quality developments across the luxury residential, tourism, and mixed-use sectors.
Market data through the end of 2025 shows continued momentum in real estate transactions across both emirates, driven by strong foreign demand and financial stability. The performance reflects the strength of the UAE’s economic fundamentals and the market’s ability to navigate geopolitical challenges while maintaining stability.
Al-Husseinan emphasized that the UAE’s experience in managing real estate market cycles, combined with the diversification of its non-oil economy, has strengthened the sector’s resilience and sustained its attractiveness during periods of uncertainty. Investors increasingly view Dubai and Abu Dhabi as relatively stable investment havens within a volatile regional environment.
He also noted that current geopolitical developments in the Middle East cannot be viewed separately from the broader economic landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Real estate markets across the region remain closely linked to cross-border investment flows and regional economic dynamics.
According to Al-Husseinan, the Gulf economy today is highly interconnected and no longer functions as an isolated local market. Instead, it operates as an integrated investment system whose effects extend across all GCC countries. Available data indicates that total real estate transaction values across the Gulf exceeded $380 billion by the end of 2025, with continued growth expected across residential, investment, and commercial segments.
He explained that political developments can influence investor expectations, particularly by increasing demand for safer real estate and fixed assets compared with higher-risk investments. The real estate sector contributes between 15% and 18% of GDP in some GCC countries.
Al-Husseinan noted that the current impact of geopolitical tensions is more visible in market sentiment rather than in the underlying economic fundamentals. The supply-demand balance remains relatively stable across many Gulf markets due to strong liquidity, financial solvency, and continued domestic demand supported by rising income levels and accelerating urban development.
He stressed that political and security stability remains the key factor in restoring full market momentum. However, he clarified that the region is not facing economic collapse or weakened real estate fundamentals. Instead, it is experiencing a temporary phase of reassessment and cautious anticipation among investors, with any impact likely to remain short-term unless geopolitical tensions persist.
