Dubai: The UAE remains one of the world's most attractive real estate investment destinations in spite of the recent regional challenges, according to a new global survey commissioned by Arada.

According to Emirates News Agency, Arada's UAE Property Investment Index, which was conducted by US-based Penta Group, ranked the country as the top investment destination, with 56 percent of global investors expressing serious interest in the UAE's property market, more than any other market surveyed, and ahead of the United States (54 percent), the United Kingdom (41 percent), France (28 percent) and Spain (27 percent).

Conducted between 1st April to 23rd April across 12 key markets, the survey of 689 established property investors is the first piece of major research conducted into international buyer sentiment about the UAE real estate market. Findings from Arada's UAE Property Investment Index show that familiarity with opportunities in the UAE's real estate sector, at 51 percent, is on a par with that of the UK and US, at 51 percent and 53 percent respectively.

The UAE's appeal is particularly pronounced for investors in nearby markets, with 91 percent of Indian investors, 92 percent of Egyptian investors and 85 percent of Saudi investors citing the country as a top-three destination. Among European investors, the UAE was the top choice outside the home country for French investors at 63 percent, German investors at 60 percent and Swiss investors at 57 percent.

Strong potential returns are the number one investment driver globally at 38 percent, with Australian investors at 57 percent, Spanish investors at 56 percent and British investors at 41 percent all ranking return potential as their primary consideration. Safety and stability is the defining factor for Chinese investors at 65 percent and German investors at 58 percent, while the UAE's regulatory framework, political stability and transparent property laws make it one of the world's most trusted environments for property investment.

Ease of purchase and ownership was cited by 34 percent of respondents overall, rising to 57 percent among Saudi investors and 41 percent among Egyptian investors, reflecting the UAE's reputation as a low-barrier, investor-friendly market. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said, 'These findings confirm what we have observed in our own sales performance - that despite recent headwinds international investors recognise the UAE's structural advantages in regulatory maturity, track record of performance, and stable economic fundamentals.'

The findings highlight the UAE's position in the global investment landscape, showing a market that leads on factors such as returns, stability, tax efficiency and accessibility. The publication of the research coincides with the UAE's announcement of record infrastructure investments, including the AED34 billion Dubai Metro Gold Line, the world's first commercial air taxi network, and the AED6 billion Fourth Federal Corridor to cut congestion and boost connectivity.

For Arada, whose project pipeline exceeds AED130 billion globally, the research validates both the strength of the UAE market and the company's strategy of expanding into similarly high-potential markets.