05, J 2025 | Senza categoria
The Trump International Hotel and Tower has arrived in Dubai, with four-bedroom penthouses priced from AED 70 million. The project – located at the entrance to Downtown Dubai and along Sheikh Zayed Road – marks its official launch ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in May.
The Trump Tower in Dubai follows the recent launch of a tower in Jeddah. It also represents the extension of the alliance between the Trump Organization and Dar Global, the luxury-focused developer. The two also have a golf-themed project underway in Oman.
“We are honored to partner with Dar Global again on this iconic development, bringing unparalleled quality and world-class services to Dubai’s luxury market,” said Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization. “Dubai is a global destination that shares our vision of iconic development, and we are proud to expand the Trump brand in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”
The land was purchased late last year, with Dar Global and a team from the Trump Organization working closely together to take care of every detail. The internationally renowned Japanese studio Nikken Sekkei will take care of the design.
“It will be an ambitious project,” said Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global. “It will also mark the first entry of super-luxury hotel brand Trump into the UAE, with the first 18 floors earmarked for the hotel.”
So, the hotel will occupy 18 of the 80 floors, two will be dedicated to an exclusive club reserved for members, with the Trump brand, and then there will be the residential floors. According to El Chaar, “Due to the three elements – hotel, club and residence – and the complexity of the project, it will take us about 4 years to build. And we have provided for an additional year as a safety margin.” With Jeddah and Dubai now confirmed, the focus shifts to another Trump Tower project in Riyadh. El Chaar did not provide specific details, but said: “There will be two Trump projects in Riyadh, one of which will be a golf community…”
This would mean a delivery scheduled for 2031.
According to conservative estimates, the total cost of developing the project is estimated at around one billion dollars. (The design of the Trump Tower in Jeddah is signed by Gensler Architects.)
For the Trump Organization, this launch also represents an opportunity to correct a piece of history: before the global financial crisis of 2008-09, there was in fact a plan to build a Trump Tower on the Palm Jumeirah.
04, J 2025 | Senza categoria
Want to make even more profit from Dubai’s continued real estate boom? Take a look at the growing number of offers of ready-made or near-ready apartments for sale in some of Dubai’s trendiest residential areas.
And here’s another incentive: these apartments are offered fully furnished. The idea is that the builder or seller reduces the delivery time of the unit and the set-up time by the buyer. In fact, by buying a fully furnished apartment, the buyer can start renting it with immediate effect. (Or move for personal use, if that’s the purpose.)
Of course, these units ready or ready to be inhabited, with all the comforts, come with a high price tag, but at the moment, investors want to limit the time it takes to get a return on investment. “We have seen units that need to be delivered within 3 months be purchased – the advantage is that the buyer already has a tenant,” said a real estate agent. “The market is seeing a sharp increase in offers for apartments that are ready or about to be moved in, not only from property developers, but also from existing owners who want to monetize.”
The sources add that these buyers are looking for tenants for shorter stays, whether they are less than a year or at most one or two years. In some cases, future rent payments are the responsibility of the tenant’s employer.
- Firstly, the increased demand for Class A and super premium offices, some of which could be completed in the next 12 to 18 months.
- Two, for furnished homes in and near some of the newer and more luxurious office towers.
In essence, one set of demands lays the groundwork for another.
“In areas such as Downtown Dubai and Business Bay, high-quality furnished one-bedroom apartments can typically be rented for between 100,000 and 150,000 dirhams, while two-bedroom apartments can cost between 170,000 and 240,000 dirhams per year,” said Aakarshan Kahthuria, managing director of consultancy RiseUp.
“In these areas, the cost of rents is borne by expatriates, typically white-collar professionals, who consider immediate employment their first criterion and focus more on a trouble-free life.”
At Palm Jumeirah, furnished one-bedroom apartments can cost anywhere from 140,000 to 180,000 dirhams per year, while two-bedroom apartments cost from 250,000 to 320,000 dirhams, particularly “when paired with a super-premium address.”
Now, these kinds of numbers, and future returns, are just what investors want to subscribe to.
The ‘simple’ product is no longer sold
This explains the high number of branded service residency projects launched in Dubai, and also in Abu Dhabi, in the last two years. The current trend is that non-branded projects offer the possibility of furnishing the units as part of the purchase contract.
“Traditionally, off-plan properties dominated the market due to flexible payment plans and the potential for higher returns,” said Vasilii Fetisov, managing partner at Housebook Real Estate. “However, the demand for ready-to-use properties is increasing, prompting developers to react accordingly.”
This means that there are now offers with preferential payment plans and lower down payments even for units that are already ready or about to be ready. This, in itself, represented a turning point, allowing even individual property owners to adjust to the offers of real estate developers in the search for a new buyer.
Furnished apartments are particularly attractive for those who want to move in quickly or for investors who are aiming for immediate rental income,” Fetisov said. “This convenience often translates into a surcharge for these units.
For example, in areas such as Emaar Beachfront, property owners have observed resale premiums of up to 120% compared to the original purchase price 2-3 years ago. Similarly, properties in DIFC Living saw an increase of around 15% in resale value compared to the original price.
A new generation of property buyers in Dubai hopes to match those returns in due course. For now, they are looking for a home that is ready or soon to be ready, with furniture included.
New trends will help Dubai’s real estate market
A real estate market, especially one that has been growing for over 3 years, is always looking for new growth engines to maintain momentum. If there is enough accumulation of demand for ready-to-move homes, then it is just what the Dubai real estate market needs. Because new buyers can easily tap into new pockets of demand for rent, even in cases where they don’t intend to be end users.
Furnished Homes Award
Dubai’s real estate market is experiencing a “significant turn” towards furnished and ready-to-live apartments. In this context, these properties enjoy “significant premiums” deriving from their immediate usability. Dubai’s real estate developers, who never miss an opportunity, are supporting this trend with targeted offerings and flexible payment plans to meet demand.
04, J 2025 | Senza categoria
UAE’s Golden Visa to Attract New Property Investors as Trump’s Tariffs Reshape Markets
In Dubai, stable real estate prices and more ready-made homes are fueling demand for Golden Visas, competition from other Gulf states is getting fierce, but the UAE’s Golden Visa investment program, linked to the real estate sector and worth 2 million dirhams (or more), is still the one to beat.
This is important because, after last week’s events, with Trump’s tariffs shaking and shaking markets, a new breed of global investors may be looking for a safe and stable market for their funds.
Any asset that offers the least volatility and a higher probability of withstanding market cycles is just what investors want. Especially after a week like last week. “Moreover, unlike in 2008, Dubai’s real estate market is not experiencing the most intense speculation – it is now serious buyers who are making serious investments,” said the chief executive of a major property development firm. “The Golden Visa real estate investment program is perfectly suited to the needs of new investors, and even many residents. That is why the UAE Golden Visa will remain the most coveted, regardless of the competition.
“Depending on the location and ownership, it is the best minimum investment a buyer can make, which is AED 2 million.”
Price consistency
The best part is that new investors are entering a market where real estate values have stabilized. The double-digit increases in out-of-plan property prices from the 2022-2024 period have no longer occurred. In fact, some areas have even experienced a slight drop in prices, making life easier for investors.
If it’s ready, buy
Industry sources say that new buyers would be the best push for ready-made homes in Dubai. More houses will be delivered soon, and in particular there will be a focus on those with a value of more than 2 million dirhams. This is because it is the requirement for obtaining the UAE’s Golden Visa, and with recent regulations allowing buyers to obtain ten-year residency without having to pay the minimum of 1 million dirhams for a 2 million dirham home purchase.
“Moreover, unlike in 2008, Dubai’s real estate market is not experiencing the most intense speculation – it is now serious buyers who are making serious investments,” said the chief executive of a major property development firm. “The Golden Visa real estate investment program is perfectly suited to the needs of new investors, and even many residents. That is why the UAE Golden Visa will remain the most coveted, regardless of the competition.
“Depending on the location and ownership, it is the best minimum investment a buyer can make, which is AED 2 million.”
Price consistency
The best part is that new investors are entering a market where real estate values have stabilized. The double-digit increases in out-of-plan property prices from the 2022-2024 period have no longer occurred. In fact, some areas have even experienced a slight drop in prices, making life easier for investors.
If it’s ready, buy
Industry sources say that new buyers would be the best push for ready-made homes in Dubai. More houses will be delivered soon, and in particular there will be a focus on those with a value of more than 2 million dirhams. This is because it is the requirement for obtaining the UAE’s Golden Visa, and with recent regulations allowing buyers to obtain ten-year residency without having to pay the minimum of 1 million dirhams for a 2 million dirham home purchase.
GCC Investment Programs and Visas
Some other Gulf Cooperation Council states are implementing their own versions of long-term residency programs, with Saudi Arabia making a determined commitment to opening up the residential real estate market to foreign investors. The minimum investment is 4 million riyadh.
“Over a 5-7 year time horizon, real estate prices in Riyadh and Jeddah are expected to double and overall Saudi real estate market volumes to grow 4-5 times,” said Vasily Fetisov, Managing Partner at consulting firm Housebook. “A key driver of this growth would be the increase in the share of foreign buyers, from a few percentage points today to at least 50% within that period.”
For now, the SAR 4 million threshold for obtaining a Golden Visa (ikama) remains high, even for many HNWIs, as Saudi Arabia is often seen as an element of a diversified global real estate portfolio, rather than a primary investment destination.
Increase property taxes
Other factors will play in favor of the GV programs of the Gulf countries. Some of the more established investment destinations in the West are raising – or plan to do so – property taxes. Spain, for example, has abandoned the Golden Visa program. And there is always the fear that some of these economies may impose a tax on the super-rich.
“In terms of the number of applications and visa processing, the UAE currently far outperforms other regions, not only because it offers a broader residency program, but because it has also become a highly sought-after destination to live and work,” Libbie said.
In many ways, the UAE’s Golden Visa program, backed by real estate, offers more miles to earn.
Other GCC markets are changing their Golden Visa offerings
Almost all Gulf Cooperation Council countries offer golden visa options or long-term residency programs. “Most have higher investment requirements and stricter eligibility criteria, making them less accessible and less attractive than the options currently offered by the UAE,” said Libbie Burtinshaw of Sovereign PPG.
“We are actively watching the other Gulf Cooperation Council countries adjust and improve their residency offer to be able to compete and attract foreign investment after the success of the UAE’s programs.”
More and more private developers are aiming to enter Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, projects are becoming increasingly ambitious, both government and private (such as the Trump Tower). And there are more and more developers who want to get into the industry.
“We are currently working with three Russian developers who are actively exploring the Saudi market for residential and commercial projects, including hotels and co-living concepts,” said Vasily Fetisov, Managing Partner of Housebook.
Two of these developers are already carrying out projects in the UAE and have experience in expanding into international markets, from legal frameworks and fund transfers to land acquisition and construction in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The third developer operates in the CIS markets (Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan) and has a specific interest in entering the Saudi market.
01, J 2025 | Senza categoria
➊ Rising rents
Between 2023 and 2024, apartment rents increased by 15.4%, reaching an average annual rent of $24,800. The largest increase of 18.5% was recorded for one-bedroom apartments.
➋ Demand growth
Nearly 3 million people, or 77% of Dubai’s population, prefer to rent real estate. The number of people living in the emirate is growing every year: from January to September 2024, it increased by 130,000.
➌ High yield on rents
Dubai’s average gross annual rental yield is 8%. Against:
New York – 5.3%
Moscow – 3.7%
London – 3.6%
➍ Stability
80% of tenants prefer long-term rentals (5-15 years). Payments are typically made in advance for the entire year, guaranteeing owners a significant sum.
➎ Return on investment
In Dubai, the average payback period for rental properties is 9 years. Against:
New York – 17 years old
London – 24 years old
Moscow – 27 years old
➏ Tax advantages
Rental income in Dubai is tax-free. In London, on the other hand, taxes can reach 45%.
➐ Stable currency
The United Arab Emirates (AED) dirham is pegged to the US dollar, offering income stability and protection from currency risks.
01, J 2025 | Senza categoria
➊ Burj Azizi ➤ 725m
📍Sheikh Zayed Road
Once completed, this skyscraper will become the second tallest building in the world. The tower, designed by Azizi Developments, will include apartments and penthouses, a vertical shopping mall, the tallest hotel in Dubai and a restaurant.
Completion: 2028
Prices: On request
➋ Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences ➤ 595m
📍Business Bay
112-story project by Binghatti Developers and Jacob & Co, a jewelry and wristwatch retailer. A crystal crown with spires, a symbol of both brands, will be installed on top of the building. The tower will offer 1-2 bedroom residences and penthouses.
Completion: Q2 2026
Prices: from $2,178,000
➌ Tiger Sky Tower ➤ 532m
📍Business Bay
This skyscraper will reach 122 floors. The Tiger Sky Tower will feature furnished 1-4 bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses. At 431 meters, the builder will place a swimming pool, with a restaurant and a rainforest located even higher. They will be the highest of their kind in the world.
Completion: Q2 2029
Pricing: from $680,000
➍ Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina ➤ 517m
📍Dubai Marina
The 122-storey tower is a joint project of the builder Select Group and the hotel brand Six Senses. 5,700 m² of wellness facilities, including a swimming pool on the 109th floor and a longevity center. Unit types: 2-4 bedroom apartments, penthouses, duplexes and triplexes.
Completion: Q3 2028
Prices: On request
➎ Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower ➤ 450m
📍Dubai Marina
The residential complex was designed in collaboration with the Swiss watch manufacturer Franck Muller. The 106-story skyscraper will become the world’s tallest branded residential clock tower. It will include 1-3 bedroom apartments, villas and penthouses.
Completion: Q2 2027
Prices: On request
01, J 2025 | Senza categoria
Danube Properties is part of the Danube Group, which was founded in Deira in 1993.
➊ The history of the Danube Group began with a small construction shop started by Rizwan Sajan. He moved to the UAE from India in the early 1990s with dreams of building a business empire.
➋ The dream has turned into Danube Group, over 3,500 employees, subsidiaries in 9 countries and an annual turnover of $544 million.
➌ The company operates in different sectors: from real estate and hotel development to the production of building and sanitary materials.
➍ Danube Properties has launched 32 projects, 16 of which have already been completed. His projects are among the top 5 in Dubai by volume and monthly sales value.
➎ The main advantage of the builder is the cost-effectiveness of fully furnished properties. For example, prices for Sportz by Danube studios start at $161,000. This is possible thanks to its own design team and in-house production of furniture and furnishing elements.
➏ Danube Properties offers residences with a wide range of amenities. For example, the 101-story complex, Bayz 101, has swimming pools on balconies and over 40 amenities.
➐ The company selects promising locations with high investment potential, such as Dubai Maritime City, JVC, and JVT. At Dubai Sports City, the guaranteed ROI is 6% for 3 years.
➑ The builder offers attractive payment options. Most of its projects have post-delivery payment plans that allow buyers to pay 1% monthly.
➒ The company has earned a reputation as a reliable manufacturer thanks to its on-time delivery. For example, Pearlz was completed 6 months ahead of schedule.
➓ Over the years, Danube Properties has received over 50 awards, including the recognition for quality of management and Dubai’s highest commercial award, the MRM Business Award.
