The UAE has introduced the 10-year Blue Residency Visa along with 100% foreign ownership of companies and more flexible visa arrangements, which are expected to significantly increase real estate prices and investment. Dubai’s achievement in attracting global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) for the third consecutive year in 2023 serves as a major confidence booster for investors, further driving capital inflows and stimulating economic activity across the nation. The Blue Residency Visa is designed to attract individuals who have significantly contributed to environmental sustainability, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields. This initiative is expected to draw global talent to the UAE, leading to job creation and increased demand for housing, particularly in the real estate and technology sectors. Dubai’s consistent success in attracting FDI projects highlights its reputation as a stable and lucrative investment hub. This is further enhanced by the city’s strategic location in the MENA region, advanced infrastructure, including the world-renowned Dubai International Airport, and political and economic stability. These factors make Dubai highly attractive to international investors and businesses.

Free zones like Meydan provide fully developed entrepreneurial environments with essential services to support business growth. The UAE’s growing international network, facilitated through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with global partners, also contributes to the increasing flow of FDI by providing access to broader markets, reducing trade barriers, and streamlining customs procedures. Industry experts, such as Damian Hitchen, CEO at Saxo Bank MENA, and Arun Leslie John, Chief Market Analyst at Century Financial, emphasize that Dubai’s performance in attracting FDI will catalyze further investment, economic expansion, and job creation across the UAE. The Blue Residency Visa, in particular, offers a unique opportunity for developers and investors to align their projects with global sustainability goals, enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for sustainable development.