Dubai, UAE: Zabadani Real Estate, a leading player in the UAE’s land and property market, completed six land transactions in 2025 with a combined value of Dh3 billion (US$817.4 million). This marks a significant increase compared to 2024, when the company finalized four deals totaling Dh1.2 billion (US$327 million).
Among the most notable transactions was the sale of a prime plot in Motor City valued at Dh700 million (US$190.7 million).
The surge in activity highlights not only Zabadani Real Estate’s strong position in Dubai’s land trading sector but also the continued appreciation in land and property values, which remain key drivers of the emirate’s economic expansion.
Strong Market Fundamentals Driving Growth
Anil Gehani, Founder and Managing Director of Zabadani Real Estate, noted that Dubai’s land trading market has evolved dramatically over the past 25 years, particularly following the introduction of freehold property ownership in 2002, which significantly boosted land values.
“In 2025, we concluded a landmark deal in Al Jadaf at approximately Dh1,700 per square foot, with a total land value of around Dh330 million — notably without freehold conversion,” Gehani said.
He emphasized that the pricing reflected intrinsic land value rather than speculative gains from ownership restructuring. According to him, this transaction positions Al Jadaf alongside established central Dubai districts, underscoring how land in the UAE is increasingly valued based on development potential, regulatory clarity, and long-term capital preservation.
Dubai Land Market Continues Strong Expansion
Zabadani’s performance aligns with broader market momentum. According to the Dubai Land Department, 4,466 land plots were sold in 2025, totaling Dh128.5 billion — a 10.4 percent increase compared to the previous year.
A recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), titled Beyond the Skyline: Dubai’s Land Market Transformation Story, revealed that land transaction values surged by 403.6 percent between 2019 and 2024. Transaction values climbed from Dh13.7 billion in 2019 to Dh68.8 billion in 2024, while volumes nearly tripled from 691 to 1,991 deals — an increase of 188.1 percent.
Momentum has continued into 2025, with Dh43 billion in land transactions recorded during the first half alone, reflecting a 42.9 percent year-on-year increase.
Demographic Shifts Fueling Demand
According to JLL, Dubai’s land market expansion is closely linked to significant demographic changes. Population growth has been largely driven by expatriate inflows and an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals relocating to the emirate.
This trend represents a shift in global wealth movement, supported by Dubai’s strategic position as a business hub, its favorable tax framework, and enhanced lifestyle offerings that attract international professionals and affluent families seeking alternative residency options.
While many global cities struggle to manage rapid growth, Dubai has leveraged strategic urban planning to turn demographic expansion into a competitive advantage. Newly announced development zones often experience rapid price appreciation, even before construction begins, while established central districts maintain premium valuations due to limited supply and high density.
For instance, areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour witnessed land value growth of over 81 percent following development announcements, illustrating how anticipatory planning continues to support sustained price growth.
Infrastructure Investment Supporting Land Values
Dubai’s accelerated urban expansion has been supported by substantial infrastructure development, ensuring seamless connectivity across emerging districts while maintaining high service standards.
Infrastructure investment has proven to be a key catalyst for land price appreciation by enhancing accessibility, livability, and long-term development potential.
In 2025, the Dubai Government allocated Dh39 billion (US$10.6 billion) — representing 46 percent of its total annual budget — toward infrastructure and construction projects. This significant allocation underscores the government’s commitment to expanding land development, property growth, and the creation of new communities.
Positive Outlook for Land Investments
Gehani remains optimistic about continued price growth, citing the steady influx of wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, fintech firms, retirees, and global businesses into Dubai.
“As high-net-worth migration continues, demand for land and property will remain strong. This makes investment in land parcels particularly attractive from a return-on-investment perspective,” he said.
About Zabadani Real Estate
Founded in 1990 by Anil Gehani, Zabadani Real Estate has evolved from a traditional brokerage into a specialized real estate advisory firm focused on land trading, investment advisory, specialty assets, redevelopment projects, and project management.
Over its 36-year history, the company has been involved in several landmark transactions and negotiations across the region. It was also recognized in the Forbes Middle East Top Ten Real Estate Consultancies for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017.
Zabadani Real Estate continues to position itself as a trusted advisor helping investors build long-term wealth through strategic real estate investments.
