Review of 8 profitable investment opportunities in Dubai 2024

According to the 2024 Global Investment Report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the United Arab Emirates reached an impressive $30.688 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, the investment in Dubai in 2022 was $22.737 billion.

Political stability, economic growth, and the security of investment in Dubai have turned the UAE in recent years into one of the countries with the highest economic growth in the region and the world. Some of the best ways to invest in the UAE include: investing through buying property in Dubai, investing through company registration, and investing in UAE banks. In this NewWay article, you will get acquainted with 12 profitable methods, so stay with us!

Introducing the Best Investment Methods in Dubai

Why invest in the UAE? Until the 1950s, the country's economy was based on fishing and agriculture. With the discovery of oil, the growth of tourism, and opening doors to foreign investors in real estate and other sectors, everything changed. According to statistics published by the global magazine GFmag, the UAE ranked as the sixth wealthiest country in the world in 2024.

In the past few decades, investment has been recognized as one of the easiest ways for living in Dubai. Having numerous advantages such as economic and political stability has attracted many applicants from around the world to invest in the UAE. According to statistics, the UAE has achieved the highest growth among Middle Eastern countries. As you know, Iranians are among the largest groups of expatriates in the UAE. Iranian investment in Dubai is carried out in various ways.

1. Investing in Dubai through property purchase
2. UAE investment funds
3. Company registration in the UAE
4. Bank investment in Dubai
5. Stock market investment in Dubai
6. Entrepreneurship in the UAE
7. Investing in Dubai through bonds
8. Gold market investment in Dubai
9. Forex investment in the UAE
10. Retiree investment in the UAE
11. Cryptocurrency investment in Dubai
12. Renewable energy investment in Dubai

Investment Conditions in Dubai

Dubai is recognized as an unparalleled commercial and logistics hub in the region. Investment in the UAE is carried out under specific regulations. Some key points of investment in Dubai include:

• On the mainland, a local partner is required, but in Dubai free zones, foreign investors can have full ownership.
• Providing identification documents, financial statements, and a business plan is essential to start investing.
• Government fees for visas and services are approximately 170 AED.
• Payment of the investment cost, which varies depending on the chosen method.

Advantages of Investing in the UAE in 2025

Here are some advantages of migrating to the UAE through investment:

• High economic growth in the UAE
• Low energy costs relative to income
• Economic and political stability
• Reasonable customs duties
• High income, welfare, and security
• No personal income tax
• Easy residency renewal
• Low customs payment costs
• Good relationship between Emiratis and expatriates
• Ranked sixth among the wealthiest countries in 2024
• Inflation control
• Possibility of obtaining visas for family members
• Long-term residence in the UAE (5 or 10 years)
• 100% business ownership in the UAE
• Valid passport with access to 166 countries without a visa

Disadvantages and Challenges of Investing in Dubai

Some challenges and disadvantages of investment-based residency in Dubai include:

• High costs
• High competition
• Complex laws and regulations
• Limitations on permanent residency

Residency Conditions Through Investment in Dubai

Obtaining Dubai residency through investment, especially in real estate, is a popular option for foreign nationals. If you are seeking a UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment, you can invest with a minimum of 1 million AED for a 3-year visa, 5 million AED for a 5-year visa, and 10 million AED for a 10-year visa.

It is also worth noting that investing in an investment fund or investing 2 million AED can make you eligible for a UAE Green Visa valid for 5 years, which allows you to obtain residency through investment in Dubai!

The UAE does not impose income tax on companies or individuals, but indirect taxes such as VAT exist, introduced in 2018 at a rate of 5%. This tax applies to most goods and services, although essential items like food, healthcare, and education are exempt.

Main Reasons to Invest in the UAE

• Strategic location: A bridge between East and West for global trade
• Commercial and logistics hub: Advanced transport networks and busy airports
• Business growth: Attracting over 30,000 new businesses annually
• Global financial hub: Economic transformation plans to make Dubai a top financial center
• Digital opportunities: Advanced environment for digital programs
• Access to capital: Access to $8 trillion private wealth from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
• Ease of doing business: Attractive tax laws and incentives for entrepreneurs
• Skilled workforce: Access to global talent and professional training
• High quality of life: Modern infrastructure
• Government support: Support in various sectors for growth and innovation

Overview of Investment Standards in the UAE

• Tax laws: From January 2025, a minimum 15% tax will be applied to large multinational companies based on OECD global standards.
• Accounting standards: Only IFRS is accepted for tax matters, applicable to SMEs with revenue below 50 million AED.
• Investment strategy: The national investment strategy 2031 aims to double Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by 2031.

Introduction to Investment Visa in Dubai

You can obtain a UAE visa through investment. The validity period depends on the type and amount of financial assets. Notably, in 2019, the UAE introduced the Golden Visa system to extend visa durations.

Anyone with a Golden Visa can work and study for up to 10 years without a sponsor. If the individual wishes to stay longer, the visa is automatically renewed. One way to qualify for residency and a temporary visa in the UAE is through buying a villa in Dubai.

Investment Visa Costs in Dubai

The cost of an investment visa in Dubai depends on duration and type of services, including several stages. A 2-year investment visa costs around 3,500 AED without health insurance and 4,200 AED with insurance, while the renewal cost is approximately 1,750 AED.

Applicants must also pay for entry permits (1,000–1,100 AED), visa status change requests (about 670 AED), and visa stamping (about 900 AED). Additional costs include medical assessment, Emirates ID, and immigration card.

1- Investing in Dubai Through Property Purchase

The country's remarkable annual growth compared to the previous year has made buying an apartment in Dubai one of the most profitable ways to earn dollar-denominated investment returns in the city. By investing in a property worth 2 million AED in Dubai, you can obtain the city's Golden Residency.

This attracts many buyers from major countries such as Europe and the USA. High-quality construction and other factors contribute to the popularity of this investment. One reason why property investment in Dubai is popular is the ability to obtain Dubai residency through property purchase. A comprehensive article on this topic provides excellent guidance.

Advantages of Real Estate Investment in Dubai

• Properties built in Dubai are of high quality.
• There is no personal income tax in the UAE.
• Special mortgage facilities can be used.
• Temporary residency can be easily renewed.
• A large number of well-known construction companies operate in Dubai.
• Possibility of paying in installments.

Disadvantages of Real Estate Investment in Dubai

• No permanent residency in the UAE.

Profitability of Construction in Dubai

Construction in Dubai is generally considered a profitable activity, with many developers reporting unprecedented profits. This industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, and according to some estimates, it grew by 2.2% in 2022. The construction sector plays an important role in Dubai's economy, accounting for approximately 6.6% of the UAE's GDP in the third quarter of 2024 alone.

Additionally, the real estate sector is one of the key pillars of Dubai's economy. Construction costs in Dubai are relatively lower than many global markets due to intense competition and broad access to labor, providing a favorable opportunity for implementing profitable projects in the country.

Comparing Real Estate Investment with Other Methods in Dubai

While the investment market in the UAE offers investors multiple options, 43% still choose property purchase due to its high security and stable long-term returns. In contrast, 57% opt for options that may offer higher returns but come with significant risks. Investing in real estate in Dubai not only helps preserve asset value in the long term but is also recognized as one of the safest and most reliable investment tools during periods of economic fluctuation and instability.

2- UAE Investment Funds

The significant economic stability of UAE investment funds makes them one of the most profitable business methods in Dubai. To invest in Dubai's financial funds, you first need to open a trading account with a broker on one of the exchanges. After obtaining the necessary licenses, you can start by buying shares on the Dubai Stock Exchange. It should be noted that to buy shares and bonds, an individual must be at least 21 years old.

3- Company Registration in UAE

Registering a company in Dubai is one of the best ways to invest in Dubai. Using this method, you can also obtain temporary residence visas for yourself and your family members! Interestingly, Dubai has achieved the global rank of 16 and regional rank of 1 in company registrations.

Since this city is considered a free zone, 100% ownership of a company by foreigners is possible. Therefore, if you choose to invest in Dubai through company registration, there is no need to select a local partner.

4- Banking Investment in Dubai

Investing in Dubai banks is also considered a profitable method. The UAE offers various types of bank accounts to foreigners, and if an individual saves at least 10,000 AED, they can earn 4% annual interest. Naturally, higher savings amounts increase the interest rate in Dubai banks.

The banking interest rates in Dubai are conventional and Sharia-compliant, offering reasonable returns. For example, Abu Dhabi Bank provides quarterly interest to its clients. Documents required for opening a bank account in Dubai include:

• Original and copy of passport
• UAE temporary residence certificate
• Required legal certificates

5- Investing in Dubai Stock Exchange

Investing in the UAE stock market is another advanced investment option in Dubai. To buy shares on the Dubai Stock Exchange, an investor must first open a NASDAQ trading account on a recognized exchange. Then the investor receives a trading number for DFM and ADX.

It is very important to note that anyone entering Dubai's stock market should have knowledge in this field and a high risk tolerance. To purchase shares from various companies, the following information is required:

• Investor number
• Broker assignment
• Trading securities
• Portfolio tracking

6- Entrepreneurship in the UAE

Entrepreneurship is a suitable and effective way to earn income and is considered one of the high-paying jobs in Dubai. If you have a creative strategy, you can implement an innovative business plan. If your plan progresses well, the UAE government will support it and provide numerous facilities.

One of the benefits of investing in Dubai through entrepreneurship is that you and your family members will receive a 5-year renewable temporary residence. Note that to pursue your entrepreneurial plans, you should have at least 500,000 AED to manage your business effectively.

7- Investing in Dubai through Bonds

One of the profitable investment methods in Dubai is purchasing bonds. UAE government and major Dubai companies issue these bonds, which usually have a fixed interest rate. Compared to buying hotel stocks in Dubai, this method carries lower risk, making it more attractive to investors.

Required Documents for Bond Investment

• Photo
• Valid Passport
• Medical Certificate
• Certificate of No Criminal Record
• Proof of Residence

8- Investing in Dubai's Gold Market

Investing in gold is recognized as one of the lowest-risk investment methods in Dubai. Due to the presence of globally reputable markets and tax exemptions related to gold, the UAE is one of the best locations for gold investment.

The website Sarwa provides the following insights for doing business in Dubai via this method: gold investment can preserve your capital against inflation and economic fluctuations. Additionally, investing in this precious metal is not only a safe way to maintain asset value but also helps reduce the risk in an investor's portfolio. The four main ways to invest in Dubai's gold market are:

• Gold bullion
• Shares of gold companies
• Gold investment funds
• Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

“Dubai’s fast-growth market, world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment make it ideal for entrepreneurs and investors.”

Source: investindubai

9- Investing in Forex in the UAE

Trading in Forex is one of the profitable methods in the UAE. Forex is recognized as one of the most liquid currencies in the world and offers the following advantages:

• Secure
• Flexible
• Easy to start
• Tax-exempt
• Market with a growing and stable economy

Cost of Forex Investment in Dubai

The cost of investing in Forex in Dubai starts from 32,000 AED. Several factors may influence this cost, including:

• Number of visas required
• Business location (mainland or free zone)
• Bank account setup fees
• And other related expenses

10- How to Invest in the UAE with a Retirement Visa?

The UAE government offers a 5-year retirement visa, also known as the self-sponsored visa, to attract retirees for investment. Applicants must be at least 55 years old and meet one of the following three financial requirements:

• Ownership of property worth at least AED 2 million
• Monthly income of at least AED 20,000
• Investment or bank deposit of at least AED 1 million

Important Note: The retirement visa is a type of UAE investment visa and is renewable. Retirees can also bring their spouse and children under 18 years old to the UAE.

11- Investing in Cryptocurrency in Dubai

In 2024, Dubai's cryptocurrency market is rapidly growing, with companies beginning to accept digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These transactions are legal in Dubai and regulated by reputable authorities such as the SCA and DFSA. Licensing fees for operating in this sector range from AED 30,000 to 50,000. With strong infrastructure and transparent regulations, Dubai provides an attractive environment for cryptocurrency investment.

12- Investing in Renewable Energy in Dubai

Dubai, with a focus on sustainable development, offers attractive opportunities for investment in renewable energy, including solar power, energy efficiency, waste management, and upgrading sustainable transport technologies.

Government support, advanced infrastructure, and Dubai's strategic location make the city ideal for both domestic and international investors. Investing in this sector not only provides economic returns but also strengthens the green economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuel resources.

Minimum Investment Amounts in Dubai

The minimum investment amount in Dubai depends on your chosen method. The table below provides the minimum required amounts for each investment option:

Review of 2 to 10-Year Residency with Investment in the UAE

Residency from 2 to 10 years allows individuals to invest in various economic sectors, such as real estate or businesses. This type of residency enables investors to live and work in one of the best Arab countries for migration and take advantage of exceptional business opportunities.

10-Year Residency through Investment in Dubai

In 2022, the UAE introduced a new 10-year golden visa for investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and consultants. This visa provides freedom of travel, mortgage loans with a 20% down payment, spouse and children residency, and no requirement for permanent presence in the UAE. To qualify, investors must purchase property worth at least AED 2 million (approx. $545,000).

5-Year Residency through Investment in Dubai

The 5-year UAE visa for real estate investors is granted to those who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million. This visa includes mortgage access from UAE banks and allows the purchase of properties outside special schemes. Investors must hold the property for at least 2 years.

For entrepreneurs, the 5-year visa is granted to those with a business project of at least AED 500,000 or approval from a certified business center. This visa is also renewable.

2-Year Residency through Investment in the UAE

The 2-year UAE visa is for investors who purchase property worth at least AED 750,000. It allows investors to reside without a local sponsor, engage in business activities, and invest. Applicants must provide documents such as property ownership deed, passport copy, health certificate, and police clearance.

If the property is rented, a NOC from the bank or developer is required. The 2-year UAE visa offers unlimited entry, tax exemptions, and access to diverse business opportunities. The visa fee is AED 10,213, with a renewal fee of AED 7,959.

Introduction to Investment Laws in Dubai

Investing in Dubai is generally free and flexible, and in many sectors, foreign investors can have full ownership.

• 100% ownership for foreign investors: In most business activities, foreigners can fully own a company without needing a local partner.
• Restrictions in strategic sectors: Some strategic areas such as security, defense, and financial services have ownership restrictions and usually require at least a 51% share held by a UAE partner due to their sensitive nature.
• Investment in real estate: Foreigners are allowed to buy property in designated areas. To ensure the legitimacy of transactions and avoid fraud, it is essential to use licensed and reputable Dubai investment advisors.
• Licensing requirements: Entering certain activities may require approvals and permits from regulatory authorities.
• Exemption from capital gains tax: One of the key advantages of investing in Dubai is the absence of capital gains tax, which increases net returns for investors.

Documents Required for Investment in Dubai

• Valid CV/Resume
• Two photos
• Identification documents
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial capability
• Medical certificate
• Bank statements
• Completed application form

What is the Best Investment Method in Dubai?

Buying affordable homes in Dubai is considered one of the best investment methods in the UAE today. Additionally, installment-based property purchases in Dubai are a good option for those looking to benefit from installment plans. If you do not plan to live in the purchased property, you can generate income by renting it out.

Profitable Industries for Investment in the UAE

The best investment companies in Dubai for 2025 include real estate, tourism, financial services, technology, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics, education, construction, and media.

Which Cities in the UAE Are Suitable for Investment?

The best UAE cities for investment are:

• Dubai: A thriving business hub with abundant opportunities in real estate and tourism.
• Abu Dhabi: The capital city, highly developed in energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Sharjah: Lower operating costs, making it suitable for manufacturing businesses.
• Ras Al Khaimah: Known for industrial and tourism development with attractive economic benefits for businesses.
• Ajman: Affordable real estate and tax incentives for small businesses.

Best Areas in Dubai for High-Yield Investments in 2025

Dubai in 2025 remains one of the most attractive real estate investment markets. Population growth, economic stability, and supportive legal frameworks ensure asset value preservation and sustainable returns. The top areas for investment in Dubai are:

• Downtown Dubai: Known for market stability and consistent property value growth, offering rental yields of 7.2%.
• Dubai Marina: Modern infrastructure, easy access, and strong rental market with yields between 6.2–6.5%.
• Business Bay: Strategic area combining residential and commercial spaces, with rental yields between 6–7%.
• Jumeirah Village Circle: Affordable area with rental yields of 7–8%.
• Silicon Oasis Dubai: Tech-focused community, offering rental yields of over 9% in some cases.
• Palm Jumeirah: Luxury man-made island with high credibility and amenities, offering around 5.6% rental yield.
• Arabian Ranches: Residential area ideal for long-term rentals, with annual yields between 5.5–6.2%.
• Mohammed Bin Rashid City: Luxury units with high prices, expected yields around 6% with significant capital growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Investing in Dubai

Before starting your investment, it is better to understand the process. Success in UAE investments requires awareness of the following steps:

1. Market Research: Analyze sectors such as real estate, technology, and tourism.
2. Choose Investment Method: Options include property, stocks, business, etc.
3. Know Legal Requirements: Understand laws and regulations.
4. Open a Bank Account: Facilitate transactions.
5. Register Business: Officially register your business.
6. Arrange Financing: Assess financial resources.
7. Supervision & Management: Monitor investment performance.
8. Tax Awareness: Understand Dubai tax laws.
9. Professional Consultation: Use legal and financial advisors.

Investment Apps in Dubai

Several investment apps help investors discover opportunities, manage investments, and access government resources. Some of these include:

• FDI Platform: Attracts investors and provides guidance on opportunities and economic trends in Dubai.
• DFM App: Stock market app for tracking and analyzing investments.
• Saxo Bank App: Global platform for investing in various markets such as stocks and forex.
• Noor Bank App: Sharia-compliant investment and wealth management services.
• eToro: Platform for following successful investor trades.
• SmartCrowd: Crowdfunding platform for real estate investments in Dubai with low minimum investments.
• RakBank App: Offers diverse investment options including stocks and investment funds.

Conclusion on Investing in Dubai

In this article, NewWay introduced all the different investment methods in the UAE to help you make an informed decision. Remember, it is essential to consult specialists before taking any action. We hope this information helps guide your investment decisions effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Investing in Dubai + Answers