Luxury property: Dubai overtakes Paris as the favourite city of the ultra-rich

Mounir, founder of DRN Dubai Real Estate, a French estate agency in Dubai

By Mounir Redjdal

Topics:

According to a recent study, the city of Dubai has overtaken Paris as the favourite destination of the ultra-rich for the’purchase of property luxury. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind this change and its implications for the French property market.

The shifting rankings of the ultra-rich’s favourite cities


According to a survey carried out by Knight Frank, a firm specialising in property consultancy, Paris has lost its top spot to Dubai in the ranking of cities favoured by the ultra-rich for the purchase of luxury homes. This change can be attributed mainly to two factors: the more favourable tax policy in the United Arab Emirates, and the extensive infrastructure and business opportunities offered by this major city on the Arabian Peninsula.

Dubai, renowned for its flamboyant style and grandeur, now stands out as a decidedly «futuristic» city. In the space of two years, she has made an impressive leap of 46 places in the Barnes rankings.

This city is seeing a dramatic surge in property transactions, with prices rising by around 20 to 22% in 2023 alone.

Better returns on property investment in Dubai

One of the key factors that attract the high-net-worth buyers in Dubai is the low rate of tax on rental income and capital gains on property, compared with those in France. Indeed, taxes are much lower in Dubai than in Paris, making property investments far more profitable. The prospect of making substantial profits is therefore very attractive to high-net-worth individuals.

Tax rates on capital gains from property: In Dubai, there is no capital gains tax on propertyIn France, this rate is high, with a progressive tax rate of up to 40 % for the highest earners.
Taxes on rental income: The Rent received by a landlord in Dubai is not subject to tax. On the other hand, in In France, this income falls within the category of property income and is therefore taxable.

Modern and luxurious facilities

Dubai is renowned for its impressive infrastructure and the standard of living it offers. The city has a significant number of luxury residences and offers numerous investment opportunities for the ultra-rich, whether in the local economy or on its financial markets.

As a result, affluent buyers now prefer to look to Dubai for several reasons:

  • A booming property market, offering a wide choice of luxury homes at attractive prices
  • A stable and diversified economy that encourages foreign investment
  • A wide range of luxury facilities and services (shopping centres, hotels, restaurants)
  • A pleasant climate and a strategic geographical location between Europe, Africa and Asia.

The 2023 rankings:


1 – Dubai, UAE
2 – Miami, United States
3 – New York, United States
4 – Madrid, Spain
5 – Paris, France
6 – London, United Kingdom
7 – Austin, United States
8 – Lisbon, Portugal
9 – Rome, Italy
10 – Istanbul, Turkey

Investing in property in Dubai


Would you like to investing in property in Dubai ? The’estate agency DRN Dubai Real Estate | Net you supports you throughout your investment process.
A dedicated team for each of its clients.

Please do not hesitate to contact us; a member of staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Types of property available and the best areas in which to invest

Dubai offers a wide range of properties, ranging from luxury villas, high-end flats, affordable studio flats and commercial premises. Among the neighbourhoods that are currently the most attractive for property investment are:

  • Downtown Dubai: The vibrant heart of the city, home to the famous Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall
  • Palm Jumeirah: An artificial archipelago comprising luxury residences, hotels and beaches
  • Dubai Marina: A trendy neighbourhood with its marina, skyscrapers and numerous restaurants
  • Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): An area popular for its lively seafront and luxury blocks of flats
  • Business Bay: A dynamic economic hub with modern infrastructure tailored to the needs of businesses

Investing in property in Dubai in 2024 therefore presents an opportunity not to be missed for investors wishing to capitalise on a dynamic and attractive market. Favourable tax conditions, strong economic growth and a constantly evolving property market are all reasons why this city is a must for those wishing to embark on a new property project.

drn real estate black logo

Investment Guide

Download it for free!

Contact us:

To contact an estate agent at DRN Dubai Real Estate | Net, please complete the form below.

Blog page form

"*" indicates required fields

Mounir Redjdal

Founder of DRN Real Estate

Mounir Redjdal is an entrepreneur and the founder of DRN Dubai Real Estate, a French-speaking estate agency based in Dubai since 2017.

An active investor in the Middle East for over 15 years, he supports international investors with a structured, long-term approach.

Under his leadership, DRN has exceeded €100 million in transactions in 2021 and has established itself in Dubai’s French-speaking market.

Latest news

Another award has been presented in recognition of the hard work and dedication of the DRN Real Estate teams. We…

Another award has been presented in recognition of the work carried out by the DRN teams. For the first half of 2026,…

DRN is proud to have been recognised as Top Broker on the Amaal 8 x Mansory project…

A Guide to Property Investment in Dubai

Download the guide to property investment in Dubai for free.
A comprehensive guide designed to make buying a property easier and help you achieve the best return on your investment.

Guide to property investment in Dubai DRN