Dubai: Three regulatory changes will drive growth in Dubai’s real estate market in 2026, according to an exclusive analysis released today by Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO Kashif Ansari.

“The new long-term visa reforms, the opening of freehold ownership in some prime areas to non-locals, and the First-Time Home Buyer Program are all powerful regulatory reforms that are already unlocking new sources of property demand in Dubai,” said Mr Ansari. “They will continue to help drive the market throughout 2026.

“Tokenization is another reform to the market that will bring more than 200 million new, smaller investors into Dubai’s property market.”

Golden Visa Changes Help the UAE’s Keep Its Leadership Position

UAE stands out in the region offering the most appealing and competitive golden visa programs.

“The UAE recently made several changes to keep ahead of the rapidly improving visa offerings in other Gulf countries. It now offers new visas that enable sponsor-free living, business ownership, property investment and the freedom to build a genuine future in the emirate.

“The UAE has also just created new categories who qualify for long-term visas, including content creators, humanitarian contributors, artists and influencers, E-sports professionals, game developers, and luxury yacht owners. All of this keep it in the lead.”

Freehold Ownership Will Attract Overseas Money

“Opening parts of Sheikh Zayed Road to freehold ownership creates new value in Dubai’s prime corridors and will lead, in my estimate, US$8 billion to US$12 billion of new inbound investment within five years,” said Mr Ansari.

“In the short-term, the expansion of freehold zones will primarily affect large landowners, developers, and institutional investors. It converts high-value, previously leasehold plots into freehold, albeit on payment of a substantial conversion fee.

“This will unlock redevelopment opportunities that can be marketed to institutional investors from around the world. Over time, these new capital inflows will lead to the creation of new high-end residential supply that creates new opportunities for homebuyers.”

First-Time Home Buyer Program Brings New Buyers to the Market

Mr Ansari said, “The First-Time Home Buyer Program that Dubai launched in July of 2025 could easily boost the total number of home purchases in the emirate by 2% per year. It also gives locals a bigger stake in the property gains that are helping drive Dubai’s growth.

“The UAE already offers the most attractive real estate market in the Gulf region, and 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year. In January alone, the total value of homes bought was more than 50% higher than a year ago.

“In their first six-months, the incentives have already helped over 2,000 Emiratis obtain their first home. That’s the basis for my conservative estimate that the program could push total transaction volume up by at least 2% per year.

“With that kind of volume, the first-time buyer incentives will lift developer returns and potentially put upward pressure on the pricing and availability of relevant property types.”

Mr Ansari concluded, “Taken together, these reforms show how Dubai is expanding its buyer base, inviting in global capital, and strengthening resident participation in the market.

“These structural changes will drive property performance in 2026. Over the long term, they will also make Dubai more resilient to market cycles.

“In my view, Dubai now sets the benchmark for growth-focused, investment-friendly property regulation. Few markets combine openness and continuous reform at Dubai’s level. I believe that advantage will continue to compound over the years ahead.”