In a week marked by significant developments in the Gulf region, the spotlight has shone brightly on Saudi property reforms, Dubai’s property price forecasts, and ambitious investment initiatives totaling $25 billion. These stories not only reflect the dynamic real estate landscape but also highlight the broader economic transformations taking place across the region. From the easing of foreign ownership regulations in Saudi Arabia to projections of Dubai’s evolving market, this article encapsulates key insights you might have missed this week regarding Saudi property reforms, Dubai price forecasts, and Gulf investment deals.
The project is planned to comprise 50 resorts by 2030, with around 8,000 hotel rooms, alongside more than 1,000 residential properties, according to the developer. Image: RSG
Saudi’s Red Sea Becomes First Real Test of Foreign Property Ownership
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea development is emerging as a critical test case for the Kingdom’s newly opened property market. International buyers are already making purchases under the new rules, which came into effect this month, according to Driven Properties CEO Abdullah Al Ajaji.
“We’re already seeing buyers pull the trigger,” Al Ajaji shared with Arabian Business, noting growing interest from foreign investors acquiring units in the Red Sea region following the new unified framework that allows non-Saudis to own property in designated areas.
The new Law on Non-Saudis’ Ownership of Real Estate, effective this month, replaces a restrictive system that had been in place since 2000. The new legislation permits foreign individuals and entities to acquire residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural property within specific zones designated by the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Saudi Real Estate General Authority.
How Much Will Dubai Property Prices Rise in 2026? Offices Tipped to Outperform Homes
Forecasts for Dubai’s residential property market indicate a transition into a more normalized phase in 2026, with anticipated price growth moderating significantly from current levels. According to ValuStrat’s latest outlook, residential capital gains are projected at around 10 percent for next year, compared to a striking 19.8 percent in 2025, highlighting the market’s cooling trend.
The report also indicates that residential rents are expected to remain steady (0 percent), reflecting a softer leasing cycle influenced by tighter affordability. In contrast, the office sector is anticipated to be a bright spot, with both capital values and rents projected to increase by around 15 percent, driven by ongoing corporate expansion and a persistent shortage of Grade A office space in prime locations.
Dubai Square Mall will feature breakthrough technologies and innovative concepts in retail, dining, and entertainment.
REVEALED: Dubai Square Mall to Drive Higher Occupancy, Stronger Retail Sales, Premium Pricing
Dubai Square Mall, a 2.6 million square meter retail destination located at Dubai Creek Harbour, is expected to become the largest retail space globally, effectively doubling the size of the iconic Dubai Mall.
Set to open in approximately three years, the mall’s master plan encompasses around 11 million square meters and is valued at AED180 billion. Industry experts, including Sunrise Capital’s CEO Yogesh Bulchandani, indicate that this development will lead to a “rebalancing of gravity” in the already flourishing retail landscape of Dubai.
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Boom Looms in 2026 as Off-Plan Sales Set to Exceed $32.7bn
Abu Dhabi’s residential market is on the brink of a substantial resurgence, with off-plan sales projected to exceed AED120 billion ($32.7 billion) in 2026. This anticipated growth is fueled by a resurgence of buyer confidence and accelerated demand for off-plan properties, supported by a strong pipeline of upcoming projects.
As noted by Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, “Abu Dhabi’s property market is entering a more mature phase of growth,” moving away from short-term speculation towards a focus on long-term investments and end-user demand, bolstered by ongoing infrastructure development and stabilizing prices.
Saudi Arabia Opens Real Estate Ownership to Non-Saudis Under New Law
Saudi Arabia has officially enacted a crucial new law regulating non-Saudi ownership of real estate, marking a pivotal advancement in the Kingdom’s evolving property landscape.
Effective from January 22, the legislation is designed to integrate into the national real estate framework. The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has confirmed that applications from non-Saudis for property ownership will be handled exclusively via the official digital platform, Saudi Properties.
The Cabin Crew Village will comprise 20 contemporary residential buildings, each rising 19 floors, and will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Image: Emirates
Emirates Agrees Multi-Billion-Dirham Deal for New Cabin Crew Housing Project
Emirates Airline has forged a significant agreement with Dubai Investments Park to acquire land for a new Cabin Crew Village, a multi-billion-dirham investment focused on enriching residential infrastructure for its workforce.
Designed as a mixed-use residential community to accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members, the project is slated to begin construction in the second quarter of 2026, with the first phase set for completion by 2029.
The deal, signed by Emirates’ Chief Procurement and Facilities Officer Ali Mubarak Al Soori, alongside Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments, underscores the commitment of both entities to enhancing housing solutions for staff.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Launches $3.49bn Expansion as Sheikh Mohammed Backs Future Tech Economy
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated a series of expansion projects at Dubai Silicon Oasis, amounting to total investments of AED12.8 billion ($3.49 billion).
These initiatives are poised to solidify Dubai Silicon Oasis as a critical component of the city’s knowledge-driven economy. Sheikh Mohammed articulated that this expansion reflects Dubai’s vision to lead and innovate, leveraging advanced technologies to benefit both the economy and society.
Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program Drives $885m in Sales
The First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Program in Dubai has significantly enhanced access to homeownership, resulting in over 2,000 residents purchasing their first homes over the past six months, generating AED3.25 billion ($885 million) in sales, as reported by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Launched in July 2025, this initiative was developed collaboratively by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and DLD to provide greater homeownership opportunities for residents of varying nationalities and income levels. By facilitating access to new projects, customized mortgage solutions, and preferential pricing, the program seeks to make homeownership a reality for more residents.
UAE Ranks Among World’s Top Ten in 2026 Global Soft Power Index
The UAE has secured its position in the world’s top ten in the 2026 Global Soft Power Index released by Brand Finance, marking the fourth consecutive year in this elite ranking.
The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, with notable attendees, including former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This accomplishment underscores the UAE’s growing influence and recognition on the international stage. The UAE’s consistent standing among the top soft power countries reflects the resilience of its development model and its capacity to strengthen its global presence amidst rapid changes and diminished trust in traditional powers.
Qatar Targets $25bn Investment as Goldman Sachs Deepens QIA Partnership
The Qatar Investment Authority and Goldman Sachs Asset Management have recently signed a crucial agreement aimed at expanding their strategic partnership, with QIA setting a goal of committing $25 billion to funds managed by Goldman Sachs and seeking co-investment opportunities.
This agreement aims to enhance QIA’s support for Goldman Sachs by leveraging existing business strengths while pivoting towards new growth areas, thus facilitating direct investment opportunities. The partnership seeks to deepen their longstanding relationship and broaden access to significant global investment prospects.