Investing in UAE real estate: The world’s safest country!
The UAE was recently announced as the safest country in the world, according to results of a survey, beating even countries like Singapore for the top spot. This news was revealed by the Dubai Police during the 12th International Dubai Police Symposium in March 2019. The UAE’s safe living environment is an important factor that brings people from across the world to settle here and invest in property. Today, MyBayut explores the best neighbourhoods in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for investing in UAE real estate that offer security and amenities, along with the impact this ranking may have on the UAE real estate market.
WHAT MAKES UAE THE SAFEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD?
The UAE was announced as the safest country in the world at the 12th International Dubai Police Symposium in March 2019. HE Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and General Security in Dubai, announced the results of the survey, which revealed that 96.1% of people in the UAE feel safe to walk outside at night in 2018. The UAE ranked the safest country in the world ahead of Singapore, that came in at 94%. Much of this is credited to the Dubai Police’s initiative and strategies, including smart services such as mobile apps, which has cut down response times.
For those wondering ‘Is UAE a safe country’, here are some more figures that were released by the Dubai Police, where the UAE ranked amongst the safest countries in the world:
- 83 – Number of road deaths in the UAE per 100k people in 2018
- 5% – Indicator for serious crime in the UAE in 2018 (down from 67.69% in 2017)
- 7% – Rate of crime related to murders in 2018
- 8% – Rate of crime related to kidnapping in 2018
Besides that, the sense of security and safety in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and rest of the UAE is present in the country’s residential areas, where buildings often have CCTV cameras installed, round-the-clock security and some communities are even gated.
WHAT DOES THIS RANKING MEAN FOR THOSE BUYING PROPERTY IN THE UAE?
The UAE ranking as the safest country in the world only provides more incentives for people to move here. The sense of safety and security the UAE provides could also lead to more expats viewing UAE as a long-term option, and thus, investing in UAE real estate. Already, a trend toward integrated communities in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi is being observed, as seen in Bayut’s Q1 2019 market report.
Additionally, foreign investments in UAE real estate could also see a rise. Buyers don’t want to worry about their property, and the safety UAE offers make it one of the best countries to invest in real estate. Expats and overseas investors also benefit from a diverse portfolio of properties in the market. This availability has further increased following the amendment to Abu Dhabi freehold property laws, which now allows foreign freehold ownership in parts of the UAE’s capital city. Projects such as Dubai Metro Route 2020 and Al Maktoum International Airport being constructed in the run-up to Expo 2020 should also see a positive long-term impact on real estate investments in Dubai.
Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut, commented on the ranking, saying,
“Aside from the economic opportunities, the UAE’s melting pot of cultures is what draws people from around the world to settle here. No matter what part of the world you’re from, residents feel welcome and safe in the UAE. Being a member of the expat community myself, the UAE’s safe environment was a key factor in choosing to live and raise a family here. This sense of security eventually trickles down to the real estate industry as well, being an important aspect buyers consider when investing in property. There is little room for concern when living here, whether it’s staying out late at night or letting your children play outside. Residents are at ease knowing the UAE Government doesn’t compromise on safety either, through smart services and innovative solutions. These government strategies further enhance the superior quality of life in the UAE, encouraging residents to put down their roots here.”
BEST PLACES FOR INVESTING IN UAE REAL ESTATE
The UAE’s excellent safety ranking means that residents are increasingly seeing the country as a long-term option and are eager to buy property here. Fortunately, there are plenty of real estate investment opportunities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of the UAE’s most popular cities. Keen on putting down roots and investing in UAE real estate? Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer both apartments and villas for investors to choose from. Take a look below at the top areas to buy apartments and villas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are most searched for by Bayut users.
TOP AREAS TO BUY PROPERTY IN DUBAI
With property prices experiencing slight decreases in Q1 2019, it’s an excellent time for residents to invest in Dubai real estate in 2019. Take a look at the most popular areas to buy property in Dubai right now, whether it’s apartments or villas.
APARTMENTS: DUBAI MARINA
The upscale, waterfront community of Dubai Marina consistently ranks amongst the top areas to buy apartments in Dubai, as per Bayut’s Q1 2019 market report. Those interested in investing in Dubai real estate will find that the apartments in Dubai Marina benefit from 24-hour security, CCTV cameras and being in a safe neighbourhood. Dubai Marina is also renowned for boasting abundant amenities, such as retail and dining options, nightlife, schools and nurseries, promenades and fitness activities. It’s also located close to the hotspot of JBR and the new island destination of Bluewaters, only adding to the value of apartments for sale in Dubai Marina. Want a studio to buy in Dubai? The average prices to buy apartments in Dubai Marina stands at AED 800k for studios, AED 1.15M for 1-bedroom units and AED 1.9M for 2-bedroom units, although larger units are available as well. Those who want to invest in real estate in the UAE with the intention of letting out the property will find that Dubai Marina apartments deliver a good ROI of 6.4%.
VILLAS: ARABIAN RANCHES
The Dubai real estate market boasts various villa communities, but the premium gated development of Arabian Ranches is the most sought after by investors.
Situated just off the key road link of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Arabian Ranches by leading developer Emaar offers Arabian and Mediterranean-inspired villas in several sub-communities. This gated community boasts security for residents and a complete family-friendly lifestyle with golf courses, schools, community centres, mosques and sports facilities.
Arabian Ranches also offers a range of villas at several price points to suit different budgets. The community’s popularity has led to the development of Arabian Ranches II and III, providing buyers with several options for investing in Dubai real estate. The prices to buy villas in Arabian Ranches average at AED 2.6M for 3-bedroom units, AED 3.8M for 4-bedroom units and AED 4.5M for 5-bedroom units. The villas for sale in Arabian Ranches also offer significant rental returns of 5.8%, proving to be one of the best investment opportunities in Dubai.
TOP AREAS TO BUY PROPERTIES IN ABU DHABI
Over the years, Abu Dhabi has become a strong alternative to Dubai for investors and residents investing in UAE real estate. Abu Dhabi’s mix of affordable and luxury properties and world-famous cultural and entertainment attractions have generated a lot of interest in the UAE’s capital. Additionally, the recent move to amend Abu Dhabi freehold property laws, which now allows freehold ownership, could also result in more expats viewing Abu Dhabi as a long-term option. Take a look at the top areas for investing in Abu Dhabi real estate for apartments and villas.
APARTMENTS: AL REEM ISLAND
For those seeking a comfortable and safe lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, the apartments in Al Reem Island offer just that. This mixed-use development emerged as the most popular area to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi, and it’s easy to see why. Al Reem Island offers sleek and modern apartments in a waterfront setting, which come with top-notch security and CCTV cameras in the building. Additionally, residents investing in Abu Dhabi real estate for its safety will be pleased that Al Reem Island is well-equipped with nearby amenities. There are malls, supermarkets, pharmacies, nurseries, schools on the island, ensuring that residents don’t have to travel far for everyday essentials, especially if they are stepping out late at night.
Al Reem Island is also located close to the Abu Dhabi main island, cutting down travel time to important landmarks and hubs in the city. The average prices investing in apartments in Al Reem Island is AED 600k for studios, AED 872k for 1-bedroom units and AED 1.45M for 2-bedroom units. The apartments for sale in Al Reem Island also offer a strong ROI of 6.9%.
VILLAS: AL REEF
Families keen on investing in Abu Dhabi real estate but with the luxury of larger living space should consider the villas in Al Reef. Located close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Reef offers a serene and safe community that’s perfect for families. Al Reef also ranked as the most popular location to buy villas in Abu Dhabi in Q1 2019. Residents here enjoy all the benefits of living in a gated community, such as manned exit and entrance points, and access to amenities like supermarkets and gyms within the community itself. It also offers a quiet, peaceful community to raise a family, away from the bustle of the city.
Investors keen to buy real estate in UAE will find that villas in Al Reef are available at a more affordable price point than other gated developments. The average price to buy villas in Al Reef stands at AED 1.45M for 3-bedroom villas, AED1.98M for 4-bedroom units and AED 2.13M for 5-bedroom units. The Al Reef villas for sale also have the highest ROI of the properties mentioned above, standing at 7.1%.
As seen above, there are several safe and well-integrated residential areas to consider when buying property in the UAE. These areas are not just ideal for families, but for single professionals and young couples as well. If you’re interested in learning more about the top areas to buy real estate in the UAE, take a look at the Q1 2019 UAE market report. And keep following MyBayut for more articles on investing in UAE real estate.
