分类： business

The UAE property market is experiencing a transformative phase, with Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) emerging as key drivers of growth. Dubai’s real estate sector achieved unprecedented milestones in Q3 2025, recording 59,228 property transactions worth Dh170.7 billion (\$46.5 billion), a 17.2% increase in volume and 19.9% rise in value compared to the previous year. Apartments dominated the market, with 49,370 units sold for Dh94.3 billion, reflecting a 25.9% year-on-year surge. Off-plan sales accounted for over 70% of transactions, fueled by flexible payment plans and investor confidence in Dubai’s development pipeline. Despite a 30% decline in villa sales, demand remains robust in lifestyle-focused communities, with average residential prices reaching a historic Dh1,664 per sq ft. A suburban shift is evident as rising rents in central areas push residents toward emerging zones offering affordability and modern amenities. Sustainability is also reshaping buyer preferences, with developers integrating green building practices and smart home systems. Dubai’s population surpassed 4 million in September 2025, and with nearly 9,800 millionaires expected to migrate to the UAE this year, demand for quality housing is projected to remain strong. Meanwhile, RAK’s property market surged 118% year-on-year, reaching Dh15 billion in total transactions. The ValuStrat Price Index rose 13.8%, with villas appreciating 15% and apartments 13.2%. RAK’s off-plan segment dominated, accounting for 85% of freehold sales, with over 3,000 units sold worth Dh6 billion. Mega-projects like the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort and branded residences from Ritz-Carlton and Aston Martin are reshaping the luxury landscape. Mantra Properties’ Jacob & Co Residences, launched in collaboration with the luxury brand, registered over Dh300 million in sales within 12 hours, underscoring the UAE’s dominance as a hub for branded luxury living. As the UAE advances toward its 2030 vision, both Dubai and RAK are poised to benefit from infrastructure expansion, tourism growth, and investor-friendly reforms, solidifying the country’s position as a global real estate powerhouse.

In a significant development aimed at de-escalating trade tensions, the United States and China have reached a comprehensive trade agreement that includes the easing of China’s export ban on automotive computer chips, a critical component for global car production. The White House confirmed the details of the deal in a fact sheet released after a high-profile meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump in South Korea earlier this week. The agreement also addresses key issues such as US soybean exports, rare earth mineral supplies, and fentanyl production materials. The deal marks a turning point in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies, which began when Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods upon taking office, triggering retaliatory measures and global market uncertainty. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic relations, echoing President Xi’s call for the business relationship to remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, expressed cautious optimism, noting China’s past unreliability as a trade partner. The agreement ensures the resumption of automotive chip exports from Nexperia, a Chinese-owned company based in the Netherlands, whose production facilities in China are crucial to global supply chains. Additionally, China has agreed to pause export controls on rare earth minerals for a year and take significant measures to address fentanyl production, a major contributor to opioid overdose deaths in the US. On the agricultural front, China has committed to purchasing substantial quantities of US soybeans, providing relief to American farmers who had lost access to their largest export market earlier this year. The deal underscores the importance of collaboration in resolving trade disputes and stabilizing global markets.

In the UAE, the legality of purchasing property with a zero percent down payment has sparked significant interest among potential buyers. While some real estate agents promote such offers, it is crucial to understand the legal framework governing these transactions. The UAE Central Bank’s mortgage regulations play a pivotal role in shaping these practices. According to Article 3 of the UAE Central Bank Regulations on Mortgage Loans (Notice No. 226/2013), buyers are required to contribute a minimum amount when financing property through a bank mortgage. For UAE nationals, the maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratio varies based on the property’s value and purpose. For instance, first-time owner-occupiers can secure up to 85% financing for properties valued at Dh5 million or less, while expatriates are limited to 80% for the same category. For properties exceeding Dh5 million, the LTV ratios drop to 75% for nationals and 70% for expatriates. Additionally, off-plan properties are subject to a maximum LTV of 50%, reflecting the higher risks associated with such investments. These regulations make zero percent down payment offers through bank mortgages legally impermissible. However, real estate developers may offer alternative payment plans that bypass traditional mortgage structures. In such cases, buyers pay instalments directly to the developer, potentially avoiding the Central Bank’s mortgage rules. While this approach may seem appealing, buyers must exercise caution. It is essential to scrutinize the payment schedule, handover terms, and any hidden finance charges that developers might impose. Legal expert Ashish Mehta emphasizes the importance of due diligence in such transactions. As the founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, he advises potential buyers to thoroughly understand the terms and seek professional guidance before committing to any property purchase. For further inquiries, readers can contact Khaleej Times or visit www.amalawyers.com.

Gold prices in the UAE showed modest gains on Friday, reflecting resilience in local demand and support from global factors. According to the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, 24-carat gold closed at Dh482.75 per gram, up from Dh479 the previous day. Other variants, including 22-carat, 21-carat, and 18-carat gold, also saw slight increases. These gains occurred during a week when global bullion prices were retracting from record highs, sparking debates among investors and market analysts.

Internationally, gold prices surged to a historic high of around $4,300 per ounce earlier this month before slipping to approximately $4,050, marking a 5.8% decline. Market strategists view this dip as a healthy correction following extreme overbought conditions. Technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), had signaled the need for consolidation, with the RSI reaching an unprecedented 92 during the rally.

Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, noted that the correction is not yet over. He attributed gold’s record high to a rare alignment of macroeconomic anxieties, including devaluation trading, expectations of aggressive monetary expansion by the Fed, geopolitical tensions, and central bank purchases. However, these factors are now easing, with the US and China finding common ground, the Middle East conflict cooling, and the Fed remaining cautious on rate cuts.

Despite the recent pullback, gold’s long-term bullish case remains supported by structural factors such as central bank reserve diversification, high government debt levels, and growing investor interest in gold as a hedge against currency debasement. Analysts emphasize that the current correction is a pause rather than a trend reversal, with additional short-term downside possible. Seasonal patterns, particularly October’s volatility, also play a role, as institutional portfolio adjustments often lead to selling pressure.

In Dubai, the emirate’s status as a global bullion trading hub and key retail jewellery market means price swings quickly influence buying behavior. Traders reported steady footfall this week, with shoppers viewing the dip in global prices as a favorable entry point. Retailers anticipate increased demand ahead of the festive and wedding season, especially if prices stabilize around current levels. Gulf jewellery buyers, traditionally price-sensitive but value-driven, often see dips as opportunities rather than warnings.

Gold mining stocks have felt the impact more acutely, with prices declining by 15-20%, compared to bullion’s less than 6% drop. Large-cap producers with stronger balance sheets have fared better, while mid-cap and exploration companies have seen steeper losses as investors reduce speculative exposure. This pattern is characteristic of retracement phases in commodity bull markets.

In summary, gold’s recent price movements represent a healthy correction rather than a collapse. While near-term volatility is expected, the long-term outlook remains positive, supported by fundamental factors and investor confidence in gold’s role as a hedge against economic uncertainty.