America Is Now Second.
The 10 Nations Buying Dubai Property in 2026 — Ranked.
India still leads international interest in Dubai property at 16.3%. But the story of 2026 is America climbing to second at 13% — its highest ever reading. Here is the full ranked list, with data on what is actually happening behind the interest figures.
V
Vikraant K Parcha
Principal Advisor · V Capital Dubai
23 September 2026
Quick answer
India leads international interest in Dubai property at 16.3% (June–August 2026), followed by the United States at 13% and the United Kingdom at 10.7%. Pakistan (5.4%) and Saudi Arabia (4.4%) complete the top five. The top ten countries account for 65.4% of international interest. Source: DXBinteract.
The top 10 nationalities interested in Dubai property
Between June and August 2026, India accounted for 16.3% of international interest in Dubai property. The United States took second place at 13% — its highest ranking in DXBinteract's history. The top ten countries made up 65.4% of international interest and the top twenty made up 80.4%.
Share of international interest in Dubai property by country · June to August 2026 · DXBinteract
Rank
Country
Share
1
India
16.3%
2
United States
13.0%
3
United Kingdom
10.7%
4
Pakistan
5.4%
5
Saudi Arabia
4.4%
6
Egypt
3.7%
7
Canada
3.5%
8
Australia
3.0%
9
France
2.9%
10
Singapore
2.5%
Source: DXBinteract, June to August 2026. Percentages are each country's share of international interest, excluding UAE-based demand. They measure digital interest, not confirmed transactions or buyer nationality.
What stands out in the 2026 ranking
India stays first — by a clear margin
At 16.3%, India leads with room. Its position as one of Dubai's most active international source markets is structural, not cyclical. The diaspora, the currency strength, and the established community in Dubai all sustain it.
America's climb to second is the headline number
A 13% share and second place is the strongest American showing DXBinteract has recorded. It points to a wider base of potential demand from markets that were not near the top of earlier rankings — likely driven by dollar-denominated buyers seeking non-US exposure.
The UK, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia complete the top five
The United Kingdom holds third at 10.7%, ahead of Pakistan at 5.4% and Saudi Arabia at 4.4%. All three are established, recurring source markets with direct flight connections and cultural ties to Dubai.
A broad second tier — interest spread, not concentrated
Egypt, Canada, Australia, France and Singapore each hold between 2.5% and 3.7%. The spread across geographies is a sign of market maturity — Dubai is not dependent on two or three source markets anymore.
Is investor confidence in Dubai property still holding?
Volumes eased from the record H1 2025 pace, but the mix of buyers and how they are buying points to conviction. The figures below come from Dubai Land Department transaction data.
Year-on-year growth. Around 30,000 were first-time Dubai buyers — the buyer base is still widening.
Luxury segment, Q1 2026
+26%
Top-end demand continued to move ahead of the broader market.
Villa and townhouse prices, H1 2026
+17%
Average sale price up year-on-year across the category.
Price per sq ft, H1 2026
+6%
Year-on-year, confirming pricing held through the first half.
Villa and townhouse volume, June 2026
+42%
Month-on-month rise — family-home demand returned quickly after the slower summer.
Off-plan share of transactions, H1 2026
71%
Buyers continued to commit early to new projects. Off-plan was 60% of value.
Source: Dubai Land Department (DLD) transaction data, Q1 and H1 2026.
Can we see which nationalities actually bought Dubai property?
Not from public data. The Dubai Land Department provides reliable data on transactions, prices, sizes, areas and projects — but it does not currently publish an updated public database that classifies transactions by the buyer's nationality. Rankings of the nationalities that "invest the most" cannot be verified across the whole market from public sources alone.
DXBinteract's interest data is the best forward indicator available. It measures the stage before a purchase — when buyers research, compare projects and check prices. It does not replace transaction data, and a high share of interest does not guarantee a proportional share of completed purchases.
What should investors watch in Q4 2026?
DXBinteract says the current level of international interest reflects a base of potential buyers that could convert into actual demand in Q4 2026. With interest led by India, the United States and the United Kingdom, the coming quarter will show which markets turn enquiry into completed purchases. Transaction data remains the deciding indicator — and V Capital will be tracking it.
Frequently asked questions
Which nationality is most interested in Dubai property in 2026?
India. Between June and August 2026, India accounted for 16.3% of international interest in Dubai property, according to DXBinteract. The United States was second at 13% and the United Kingdom third at 10.7%.
Why does the United States ranking matter?
A 13% share and second place is the highest ranking the United States has recorded in DXBinteract's readings. It suggests the potential demand base for Dubai real estate is widening to markets that were not near the top of earlier rankings.
Does the Dubai Land Department publish which nationalities buy property?
No. The DLD publishes reliable data on transactions, prices, sizes, areas and projects, but it does not currently publish an updated public database that classifies transactions by buyer nationality.
Is Dubai property demand still strong in 2026?
Signals remain positive. DLD data shows foreign investors up 11% year-on-year in Q1 2026, luxury segment investment up 26%, average villa and townhouse prices up 17% and price per square foot up 6% in H1 2026.
What share of Dubai property sales is off-plan?
In H1 2026, off-plan accounted for 71% of transactions and 60% of value, according to DLD data.
Will international interest turn into purchases?
DXBinteract says the current level of international interest reflects a base of potential buyers that could turn into actual demand during Q4 2026. Transaction data remains the deciding indicator of whether interest converts into buying.
Sources
DXBinteract: international buyer interest by country (digital search and platform visits, excluding UAE-based demand), June to August 2026.
Dubai Land Department (DLD): sales transactions, Q1 and H1 2026, including off-plan share, price per sq ft and foreign investor growth figures.
V
Vikraant K Parcha
Principal Advisor · V Capital Dubai
Vikraant works with high-net-worth individuals and family offices on off-market acquisitions, portfolio architecture and secondary market deals across Dubai. His analysis is built on DLD transaction data, on-the-ground deal flow and direct developer relationships — not aggregated listings.