Dubai’s real estate market has been on a tear. With over AED 528 billion in real estate transactions recorded in 2023, the city has firmly cemented its position as a global hotspot for property investment. From the record-breaking sale of the Bugatti Residences to the launch of entire AI-powered smart communities like The Sustainable City – Yiti, developers and founders are no longer asking if they should raise capital, but rather from whom.

For developers, tech founders, and proptech entrepreneurs navigating this high-stakes terrain, knowing the right investors isn’t just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Whether you’re building towers in Business Bay or digitising property management for Dubai Marina landlords, the right backers can mean the difference between scale and stall.

Below is a curated list of real estate-focused investors with active interest in the UAE market. Some are heavyweight private equity firms with billion-dirham portfolios; others are agile family offices or venture firms looking to back the next big thing in real estate tech. All have one thing in common: they invest where Dubai grows.

• Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority) – While technically based in Sharjah, Shurooq is increasingly active in Dubai’s real estate and tourism-linked developments. Notable projects include the eco-luxury Mysk Kingfisher Retreat and their stake in the $544 million Sharjah Sustainable City, in partnership with Diamond Developers. They also play a major role in mixed-use commercial zones on the Dubai-Sharjah corridor.
• Mubadala Investment Company – Abu Dhabi’s $276 billion sovereign investor has become more active in Dubai through subsidiaries like Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure (MREI). They’ve co-invested in the Al Maryah Central development and own assets within DIFC. Mubadala has also backed real estate tech platforms such as Property Finder.
• KAFF Investment – Dubai-based family office known for investing in mid-size commercial and residential developments. They are co-owners of the Obsidian Tower project near Dubai Canal and have backed the modular construction startup Constructive Labs. Chairman Khalid Al-Futtaim is also a partner in several logistics real estate funds.
• EMPG (Emerging Markets Property Group) – While better known as the parent of Bayut and Dubizzle, EMPG is also investing directly into verticals like mortgage tech, valuation analytics, and smart property management. Their backing of UAE-based PropAI is just one example.
• DIFC FinTech Fund – Though primarily finance-focused, they’ve strategically backed real estate-related startups such as SmartCrowd (fractional property investment platform) and Stake, which recently raised $14 million to expand their Dubai operations. DIFC’s fund managers see real estate as an anchor asset class.
• Ithmar Capital – This UAE-based private equity firm has co-invested in large-scale hospitality and retail developments across Dubai, including joint ventures in Dubai Creek Harbour. Founding partner Faisal bin Juma Belhoul also chairs a logistics REIT targeting JAFZA assets.
• MANRRE – A UAE-focused REIT specialising in logistics and industrial real estate, particularly in Al Quoz and Dubai South. They’ve acquired multiple warehousing blocks and are betting big on e-commerce fulfilment spaces. Their 2023 report showed a 14.6% increase in NAV year-on-year.
• Arcapita – A Bahrain-based investment firm with a Dubai satellite office. They have deep ties with GCC developers and have funded several mixed-use communities near Dubai Academic City. Their platform also includes US-based data centres and logistics parks.
• Knighthood Global – A real estate investment and advisory firm co-founded by ex-Emirates NBD executives. Active in funding last-mile retail and luxury refurbishments in Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. They’re early backers of Leva Hotels.
• Summit Real Estate – Dubai-based private investor with a focus on redevelopments in Al Barsha, JLT, and Business Bay. Notably invested in GreenHive, an AI-driven facilities management startup piloting tech across 27 buildings in Dubai.
• Al Fahim Group – This family office owns numerous hotel and retail properties throughout Dubai. Recently launched a $100M real estate innovation fund targeting sustainability and tenant experience technologies. Their hospitality arm manages multiple Fairmont and Novotel properties.
• Emirates NBD REIT – Actively acquiring income-generating assets, particularly offices in Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Their current portfolio exceeds AED 2 billion in AUM and includes The Edge and Arabian Oryx House.
• Tiger Group – One of Dubai’s most aggressive residential developers and investors, with more than 60 towers delivered. The group also invests in build-to-rent and is involved with co-living operator Hive Living.
• Meraas – A strategic investment arm under Dubai Holding. Their portfolio includes City Walk, Bluewaters Island, and La Mer. They are increasingly opening up to co-investment models with family offices and sovereign investors.
• Al Maktoum Investments – Backers of iconic hospitality projects and emerging technologies in tenant experience, such as Keyless Tech and Tanasuk. Recently funded vertical farming-linked residential communities near Al Qudra.
• Azizi Developments – More than a developer, Azizi has a robust investment arm focused on early-stage co-developments and equity participation. Currently building Riviera in MBR City and mixed-use towers in Dubai Healthcare City.
• Creek Capital – Boutique investment firm focused on design-led residential and co-working assets. Investors behind The Bureau and The Brick, Dubai’s new tech-enabled micro-office network.
• Gemini Holdings – Recently launched their PropTech Innovation Lab to incubate smart building startups. Their real estate investments include Splendor in MBR City and Symphony in Business Bay.
• Sobha Realty – Well-funded and privately owned, Sobha is now offering co-investment opportunities in its flagship Sobha Hartland development. CEO Ravi Menon has expressed interest in green infrastructure and digital property registration.
• Amanat Holdings – Known for education and healthcare investments, but have recently moved into real estate via purpose-built facilities and innovation campuses. Currently funding a $135M integrated learning-residence complex near Dubai Hills.

For a broader list of investor leads beyond Dubai, check out Investorlist.com – it’s a smart place to expand your network if your deal has cross-border appeal or you’re fundraising across the GCC.

Among the rising stars to keep an eye on are UrbanSpaces, a new developer targeting affordable-luxury in Arjan; and RizeUp, a real estate tech firm building CRM tools tailored to brokers in Dubai’s resale market. Both are gaining traction with angel investors and early institutional attention.

Dubai’s property ecosystem is not just vertical – it’s multidimensional. With AI, fractional ownership, green construction, and blockchain title deeds entering the mix, the real estate investment scene is being redrawn. The next great investor-founder partnership is likely just one deck – or one site visit – away. Are you ready to make the call?