New Projects in the UAE: Latest Real Estate Developments

Yes. New off-plan launches across the UAE continue to offer a structurally attractive investment entry point. Dubai residential prices rose approximately 13% to 20% year-on-year in 2025. Ras Al Khaimah recorded apartment price growth of approximately 32% over the same period. Off-plan buyers entering at launch pricing benefit from staged payment plans, capital appreciation during the construction period and a ready-to-rent asset at handover requiring no additional capital outlay where the project delivers branded and furnished units. The UAE’s zero-tax environment and Golden Visa framework reinforce the investment case across all major market segments.

A branded residence is delivered fully furnished with interiors designed or licensed by an internationally recognised fashion or lifestyle house. A standard off-plan apartment is typically delivered shell-and-core or with a basic developer fit-out package, requiring the buyer to invest additionally in furniture, appliances and finishing. The practical distinction for investors is threefold. Branded units can be marketed on short-term rental platforms at higher average daily rates. They carry a more defensible resale narrative tied to brand recognition and design quality. They eliminate the post-handover fit-out delay, allowing rental income to begin immediately. Mira Developments delivers all projects fully furnished under recognised brand partnerships.

Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase freehold property in designated freehold zones across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, with full registered title issued by the Dubai Land Department or RAKIA respectively. In Abu Dhabi, freehold ownership is available to GCC nationals and certain broader categories in specific investment zones. Long-term leasehold structures of 50 to 99 years are also available to international buyers in designated areas. In Dubai and RAK, freehold rights include the ability to sell, mortgage, lease and inherit the property. All new off-plan projects by Mira Developments are located within designated freehold zones and are open to international buyers without nationality restrictions.

In Dubai, the primary acquisition cost beyond the purchase price is the DLD transfer fee of 4%. This is a one-time cost at the point of registration. Ongoing ownership costs are limited to service charges, utilities and, where applicable, property management fees. The combined absence of recurring ownership taxes across the UAE significantly improves net yield relative to comparable markets in Europe and Asia.

Gross rental yields across Dubai’s established and emerging communities typically range from 6% to 9% for apartments, depending on location, unit size and furnishing level. Branded and fully furnished units generally achieve above-market per-square-metre rental rates relative to non-branded equivalents in the same building or community, reducing effective yield dilution. In Ras Al Khaimah, gross yields for waterfront apartments average 6% to 8%. Select furnished units in Al Marjan Island record higher returns driven by short-term rental demand linked to the emirate’s expanding tourism base. Net yields are typically 1 to 2 percentage points below gross figures after accounting for service charges, management fees and vacancy periods.

Yes. Off-plan property purchases of AED 2 million or above from RERA-registered developers qualify for the UAE’s 10-year renewable Golden Visa. The visa covers the primary buyer, spouse and dependents. There is no requirement for the property to be fully paid at the time of application. The total property value must meet the threshold rather than the amount paid to date. The Golden Visa provides long-term UAE residency, the ability to open UAE bank accounts, sponsor family members and access education and healthcare within the UAE.

Branded residences in the UAE are distinguished by three primary attributes: design provenance from an internationally recognised house, turnkey delivery with no post-handover fit-out requirement and a more defined resale market due to brand recognition. Standard developer projects, even at similar price points, typically require buyers to invest additionally in furniture, appliances and interior finishing after handover. This process takes time and capital and introduces quality variability. Branded projects remove this friction. Mira Developments structures all its projects as fully furnished, turnkey deliveries under partnerships with global brands. This provides a consistent, investment-grade product that can be tenanted or listed for short-term rental from day one.