UAE real estate developers are keen to attract British investors, capitalizing on a weaker dirham tied to the US dollar, making properties more affordable for those with pounds.
In a strategic move, UAE developers have opened new offices in London to capture the interest of British investors, as the UAE market continues to be a top performer globally. Over the past year, developers like Binghatti and Danube have inaugurated sales offices in London, joining the ranks of Aldar, Damac, and Sobha.
“Currency plays a crucial role,” noted Danube Chairman Rizwan Sajan, highlighting the impact of the weak dirham against the strong pound. Binghatti CEO Muhammad Binghatti observed an increase in British investors in Dubai amid the dirham’s decline.
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Muhammad Binghatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding, shares insights during a Reuters interview in his Dubai office.
US President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs have weakened the dollar and subsequently the dirham. Since January, the dirham has dropped around 8% against the pound, effectively offering British buyers a discount on UAE properties.
Property experts suggest some wealthy individuals are relocating from London due to higher taxes, though much of this is anecdotal. Leading agents at CBRE and Knight Frank informed Reuters that Dubai is a favored destination for those leaving London, alongside Monaco, Italy, and Switzerland.
To entice British buyers, Binghatti offers flexible payment options and special UK pricing, while Damac has partnered with Chelsea Football Club to introduce branded residences in Dubai appealing to British interests.
Following a slump, British investment in Dubai properties surged 62% year-over-year in Q2 2025, per UAE brokerage Betterhomes, making UK residents the top foreign buyers in the emirate, surpassing Indian nationals for the first time since 2023.
UAE property has thrived unexpectedly due to US tariffs, redirecting investments to less-affected emerging markets. Traditionally dependent on oil-related income, which rises with a strong dollar, the Gulf nation is now leveraging real estate and tourism to attract capital.
Some developers see London as a diversification opportunity and a sales center, signaling UAE developers’ shift overseas as the domestic market becomes more competitive.
Damac, Aldar, and Modon have all initiated UK property development through subsidiaries or joint ventures—most recently in January 2025.
Post-establishing London sales offices, Danube and Binghatti revealed to Reuters plans to explore UK property development, despite the weakened dirham impacting their purchasing power.
Aldar’s London-based subsidiary, London Square, has secured 15 new land sites and launched six developments since late 2023, as per CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi.
UAE developers are leveraging decreasing UK property prices to attract affluent Emiratis, who now constitute 3% of London investors—a significant increase from 0.6% a year earlier, Knight Frank notes.
