In the second quarter of 2025, Dubai took the lead in the world's super-prime residential market. It's now the most active city for home sales priced at $10 million or more, measured by the number of deals closed.
While cities like New York and London are still major players, Dubai has quickly become the top choice for the world's wealthiest people. The latest report from Knight Frank shows a huge surge in global activity. Super-prime deals jumped 19% year-over-year, with the total value hitting $11.8 billion in just three months.
Against that backdrop, Dubai’s performance stands out. New York sold more in total dollar value, and cities like Los Angeles and Hong Kong are seeing a comeback. Still, no other city matched Dubai's sheer volume of transactions. It is a calculated success.
It is More Than Just Money
The standard reasons for Dubai's success are well known: a strong economy, zero income tax, and excellent infrastructure. But those factors do not tell the whole story. The real draw is a carefully managed lifestyle that high-net-worth individuals can't easily find elsewhere.
This is about having seamless access to an entire elite ecosystem. It means top-tier international schools for families, private jet terminals that run with absolute precision, and an unmatched level of personal service. The city offers more than just a luxury property; it offers a complete, high-functioning life.
There are other key factors:
- Security: The city has a solid reputation as a safe place for both people and their capital.
- Stability: Investor-friendly policies, especially long-term residency programs like the Golden Visa, provide a sense of permanence that is hard to find in today's world.
A leading luxury brokerage founder put it this way:
"The discerning super-prime buyer in Dubai isn't just acquiring property; they're investing in unparalleled infrastructure, a secure future, and a globally connected lifestyle that few other cities can genuinely offer."
What Comes Next
This trend shows no signs of slowing down. A steady flow of international money is coming into the city, but the supply of new ultra-luxury properties is deliberately kept tight. This combination is set to make the market even more exclusive for the rest of 2025.
For the global elite, Dubai has shifted from being just another investment option to being the primary address. It’s the place where luxury, security, and opportunity all meet.