The UAE's off-plan property market continues to outperform expectations, with investor demand remaining robust despite months of regional geopolitical uncertainty that many analysts had feared would slow long-term real estate commitments.
Abu Dhabi's residential property market is regaining momentum, with buyers and tenants returning to both ready and off-plan developments following a brief period of geopolitical-driven uncertainty earlier in 2026.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) to provide eligible UAE nationals with digital pre-approval access to Sharia-compliant home financing, offering instant approval in principle through a fully digitised credit engine.
Saudi Arabia's Real Estate General Authority has launched the Saudi Properties portal, the official digital platform enabling foreign investors, residents, and companies to apply for property ownership under the Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law, which came into force in January 2026.
AD Ports Group has acquired an additional 30% stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) for AED 1.1 billion, lifting its total ownership in the Dubai-based container feeder line to 81%.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is implementing an AI-driven proactive model for tax administration, aligned with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, using artificial intelligence for data analysis, risk assessment, and process automation.
Cityscape Global 2026 has launched Capitals by Cityscape Global, a new platform designed to connect global investors with developers, masterplans, and investment opportunities across Saudi Arabia and international markets.
Dubai has retained its position as the world's leading destination for greenfield foreign direct investment for the fifth straight year, attracting 1,253 announced projects in 2025, a 10.5% increase on 2024, according to the fDi Markets database.
Abu Dhabi recorded a 21% year-on-year increase in new economic licenses during the first quarter of 2026, according to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, with active licenses across the emirate up 12% over the same period.
NEOM Deputy CEO Rayyan Fayez has identified the Saudi giga-project's enabling infrastructure – spanning energy, water, digital connectivity, and investment incentives – as a core driver attracting third-party capital, speaking at FII Priority Europe 2026.
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