Is Dubai still investable or has that ship sailed already?

Dubai’s stock market has been riding a wave of investor enthusiasm, recently printing a 17-year high.

DFM – the Dubai Financial Market index surged past 5,400 points in early 2025, buoyed by strong dividend stocks, a flurry of IPOs, and renewed international interest.

But with valuations in some sectors beginning to look stretched, investors are asking: is there still room to run, or are we approaching the peak?

Are there still opportunities to invest in Dubai?

According to Faisal Hasan, a seasoned market strategist, the rally is rooted in fundamentals. “Dubai stocks have been very good in terms of dividend paying,” he said in a CNBC interview on Monday.

Government-linked entities and real estate giants like Emaar have declared generous dividends, drawing in yield-hungry investors. The market has also become more diversified, with new listings deepening liquidity and broadening sector exposure.

Still, Hasan acknowledged that “in some sectors the valuations look a bit frothy now,” a sentiment echoed by analysts who point to the rapid appreciation in real estate and financial stocks.

After a stellar 2024, some cooling may be inevitable. A recent AGBI analysis noted that while Dubai’s bourse continued to push aggressively to the upside in recent months, the pace is expected to moderate moving forward, especially if oil prices remain subdued.

What’s driving global investors to Dubai?

For international investors, Dubai’s appeal goes beyond headline names like Aramco or Emaar. “There are a lot of good companies with strong financials and stable cash flows,” Hasan noted.

UAE’s capital markets have matured, offering opportunities across sectors – from AI and fintech to interest rate-sensitive plays like banking and utilities.

The city’s strategic reforms have also played a role. Government-backed initiatives in AI, Web3, and renewable energy are drawing institutional capital, while the Golden Visa program and tax-friendly environment continue to attract high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

Additionally, Dubai’s real estate sector remains a magnet, with luxury residential and commercial properties in high demand.

According to the Dubai Land Department, 45,376 real estate transactions were recorded in Q1 2025, representing a 22% increase on a year-over-year basis.

Meanwhile, tourism and hospitality industries are booming, with 70 million visitors in 2024 fueling demand for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment infrastructure.

So, has the Dubai ship sailed already?

Not quite. While some sectors may be priced for perfection, Dubai’s broader investment landscape still offers compelling value. The market’s increasing depth, sectoral diversity, and regulatory clarity make it attractive for both dividend-seeking and growth-oriented investors.

As Hasan put it, “We are still bullish on the UAE markets and the selected sectors… especially among the good dividend plays that are available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai stock markets.”

In short, the ship hasn’t sailed—it’s just navigating more selectively. For investors willing to do the homework, Dubai still offers a port worth docking in.

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