At Off Plan Dubai, we pride ourselves on bringing investors the best real estate investments in the world. We show up, take action and provide investors with the best options from the world’s leading developers.

2025 has a new player… Saudi Arabia.

As it lies in the GCC and in many ways is the cultural, religious and investment heart of the Middle East, we ask a question that many investors are now asking: Is Saudi Arabia the new Dubai?

Our take is that Saudi Arabia is not the new Dubai, but it is aiming to become something even bigger and more influential in its unique way.

It is May 2002, and Dubai’s real estate landscape is about to change forever. Dubai overnight issues a decree that allowed non-GCC nationals to buy, sell and lease property in selected developments. The property market changed forever, the floodgates were opened, and international buyers and investors, primarily from Europe, South Asia and the Middle East, flooded the market. Developers like Emaar, Nakheel and Dubai Properties launched mega projects such as The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa), Jumeirah Lakes Towers, etc. Prices surged as demand outstripped supply and Dubai’s skyline was to become unrecognisable as construction boomed. To manage this, we saw the creation of regulatory bodies such as RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) in 2007 and the Dubai Land Department (DLD). These bodies brought transparency, regulation, and investor protection into the market.

Last week, we got the news that many had been waiting for: Saudi Arabia is opening its Real Estate market to foreign investors. Over 1200 HNWI have already purchased real estate and taken advantage of the Premium Residency. Still, now we will see whole regions become Freehold and attract international investment that previously may have looked elsewhere. If you could go back in time to 2002, would there have been a better real estate investment location than Dubai? Based on history, the opening of the real estate sector can provide opportunities for early investors that may never be seen again.

Here’s a breakdown of the comparison and how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to investors:


🔹 1. Different Goals, Different Scale


🔹 2. Vision 2030: A National Overhaul

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 isn’t just about real estate or tourism — it’s about:


🔹 3. Real Estate & Investment


🔹 4. Tourism & Lifestyle


🔹 5. Legal & Cultural Factors


🔹 Final Take: “Saudi Arabia is not the new Dubai — it’s the new Saudi Arabia.”


If you’re thinking from an investment angle, Saudi Arabia may offer:

Since the middle of 2024, you have seen developers enter the Saudi Market, aligned with some of the most prominent names in the Real Estate world. Trump Tower Jeddah, which is due to be followed by a sister tower in 2026 in Riyadh, as well as the launch of a Trump Masterplan with Golf Course and Villas. DAR Global has launched House of Mouawad Villas in Riyadh, which has been purchased by some of the most prominent business people across the world as the value hits the premium residency requirements for its buyers.

We will always keep investors informed on opportunities across both regions and we are excited to see if the new legislative reforms impact the Saudi market as they did the UAE.

Current Saudi Real Estate Investments

New Murabba has set the Riyadh Investment landscape ablaze with the announcement of the world’s largest downtown area. The scale of the project is awe-inspiring, focusing on the world’s largest structure, the ‘Mukaab’. Off-plan Dubai, at the end of 2023 and throughout 2024/25, has aggressively worked the Saudi market, as we believe it holds some of the world’s most interesting opportunities, with the opening of Premium Residency and the level of wealth entering the region.

Off Plan Dubai will be aligning with New Murabba, a PIF-funded developer, and will provide investors with options for purchasing some of the most exciting Real Estate anywhere in the world. As with any significant new development, it is essential to examine both the Pros and potential Cons.

Here’s a comprehensive look at New Murabba and what it means for Riyadh, including whether residential units are a wise investment in New Murabba.


📌 What is New Murabba?

Scale & scope

The Mukaab

Smart & sustainable city

Economic ambition


🌆 Impact on Saudi Arabia & Riyadh Market

Urban tech hub & tourism magnet
It solidifies Riyadh’s position as a global destination for culture and innovation, attracting businesses and talent. New Murabba aim to build the most diverse and forward-thinking Downtown anywhere in the world.

Infrastructure catalyst
With Metro and metro‑adjacent transport links, internal public transit, and proximity to the airport, this zone will redefine connectivity.

Real-estate ripple effect

Foreign investment & stability


🏠 Is Residential a Good Investment?

Pros

Cons


🎯 Final Take — Strategic Investment?

Bottom line: New Murabba is a visionary development that boosts Riyadh’s real estate trajectory. For well-capitalised investors targeting high-end residential, especially those entering early, it presents a strong opportunity — but do your due diligence on construction updates and phasing.


📅 What to Watch

  1. Construction progress — excavation nearly done, vertical build phase starting summer 2025
  2. Transport links — completion dates for metro/rail lines influencing connectivity premium.
  3. Market velocity — rental and sales absorption rates in nearby early‑phase units (some real-time rental → ~SAR 50k/year for 3 BHK in newer Murabba areas)

Conclusion
As a transformational urban development, New Murabba is poised to reshape Riyadh’s skyline and economy. Residential units here are likely among the best positioned for capital growth, especially for investors who are comfortable with multi-year horizons and potential project volatility.

Please let me know if you’d like insights on specific unit types, pricing trends, or financing options.

I hope everyone is doing well. I am currently sitting in the heart of Mayfair in a coffee shop, typing this, and looking forward to the launch of Fahid Island today. Many astute, long-term investors are about to purchase a future icon in Abu Dhabi real estate at the very initial launch prices. This is fundamental to our recommendations and role.

Last week, Fitch Ratings Agency predicted a 15% market correction in the Dubai market in late 2025 that will continue into the early stages of 2026. For those who speak to me regularly, we have been predicting this for the last 8/12 months. As someone who has been in the market for over a decade, I wanted to give my thoughts on how it would benefit the market and help investors in the long term.

Fundamentally, I believe in the market now and in the future. Investments now more than ever have to have a mid/long-term play, but if you buy in the correct location, from the right developer at the right price, you will see opportunities a-plenty over the coming years.

The Forecast

Prices could dip 10-15% in the next 18 months.

Why? Oversupply 
250,000 Units launched in 203-24 with 120,000 units scheduled for handover in 2026. 

Population Growth stands at 5% per year.

Too many apartments mean Rental Yields will slip as the supply hits the market, causing weaker areas and over-leveraged developers to hit the market.

What does this mean?

Prime Villas / Prime Masterplans and Quality Developers – likely safe

Speculative Apartment Zones – Real Risk Ahead
If Fitch is cautious, banks and lenders will start to be, too. Over-leveraged developers will become susceptible to these market fluctuations.

15%?

If 15% is the maximum figure, the market would be at levels seen in early 2024. Those who have invested in the market for extended periods would remember 2008 and pre-COVID market dynamics. Think long-term, buy what lasts for families once the buying hype fades.

Opportunites

If you have been looking at a ready property, in the next year or so, you will find the prices at which you may be more willing to transact. Many investors will see opportunities, and the number of transactions may increase as people ‘buy the dip’.

Developers improve payment plans. If off-plan transactions stabilise, developers will offer better payment terms to entice buyers. This will be minimal in prime locations, but if you like to purchase with speculative developers in a risk range portfolio, you will see offers that may attract. 

How to navigate?

We pride ourselves on promoting projects, developers, and master plans we believe in. I say no more than I would ever say yes when investors ask for advice. No one can ever accurately predict the future, but there are principles I adhere to that help us best avoid any market issues.

Developer – Always pick a government-backed developer or an extremely cash-rich private one. Aldar / Emaar – Government Backed. DAR Global / Select / Omniyat – Publicly listed cash-rich developers. These developers don’t need your installment payments to complete builds. You could get real development issues if you get a % of over-leveraged off-plan investors within one particular project.

MasterplanThe best developers don’t build individual Tower Blocks or 30 Villas in the desert. They harbour communities and facilities that emphasise the standard of living and the finished project. In the right master plan, the whole community drives appreciation. What schools, medical, and other facilities are being built where you invest?

Master plans that will outperform others and be less susceptible to market fluctuations:

Polo
Oasis
Dubai Hills Estate
Beachfront
Fahid Island
Yas Island 
Athlon
DIFC
Dubai Islands

Location—Recently, you have seen that we have shifted into the Abu Dhabi market more prominently. Aldar will be one of the most important developers in the GCC over the next 10 years. Abu Dhabi is targeting HNW families, and the Villa launches are some of the best you will see anywhere in the world. It is less busy and family-oriented, and you will see a conscious shift in buying habits from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. We believe in diverse portfolios, whether unit type or location, which is why you see us covering areas such as London, Manchester, Riyadh, Jeddah, Oman, Qatar, and Marbella, among others.

Entry Price – Your purchasing price per sqft matters most at the entry point. When buying off-plan, you should look at a project that is around 30-40% below market value if that product is ready in the completed master plan. This week’s recent transaction in Six Senses Palm, a two-bedroom, was exchanged above the 20m AED mark for the first time. It was initially purchased for 12m and has now been sold 3 times during construction. If the original investor had kept the unit, the returns on Capital from the 60/40 payment plan would now surpass 100%. When launched, some investors would think that 12m for a 2-bedroom apartment was expensive. But it had the correct location, a leading brand behind it, and comparables in the vicinity showed it was vastly under-valued compared to if it were ready.

Industry – Speaking candidly, the level of Real Estate employees working in the Dubai Real Estate market isn’t of an industry-leading standard. They chase quick wins for quick paydays. In the last 4 years, anyone can sell in this market; it sells itself. When the market turns a couple of %, you will see agents calling you, telling you to sell now before you lose more money, creating a false panic, and them wanting a commission when the correct advice may be completely different, but it doesn’t benefit their pocket.

Agents don’t take a basic wage from 99% of the real estate agencies, and their tactic has always been to throw enough s**t at a wall, and some will stick.

Every other person in Dubai seems to be a property expert and a current agent. I look forward to the market becoming difficult and true advice and expertise being valued again. Over the coming years, you will see most agents flushed out of the ecosystem and a smaller, well-informed collection of agents still trading.

Honesty & Integrity

I hope you can see that no matter what happens in the future, our advice comes from a place of integrity, market knowledge, and above all, honesty.

Play mid/long term, embrace the whole journey, and if you believe fundamentally in the market and region, as I do, a market correction can provide opportunities and risk simultaneously. Enjoy the highs, embrace and plan for the lows.

Aldar has announced the launch of Waldorf Astoria, located on the prime plots next to Yas Links Golf Club and the F1 circuit, with views of both and the Arabian Gulf. After running through it with the team and offices, we found that the numbers have placed it at the very top of our recommendation list for the GCC Investment community.

As of today, we can now book units on the VIP Pre-Sale, and you can secure the best units on request.

Here are some of the details we have considered when advising investors on the immense benefits of the investment.

Disney Land launch, the recently announced Disney Land park, the first since Shanghai, places WA at the heart of the location. Historical data from every region shows a substantial price spike in proximity to Disney Land Resorts through appreciation and Yields.

ONLY branded residence currently on Yas Island. With its beautiful towers, Aldar has dominated the residential scene on Yas Island. WA is the first branded residence to launch and will appreciate considerably throughout the build period.

Power of Branded Residences – The highest appreciating assets in the GCC have been branded residences, which carry a weight worldwide regarding resale and stability. Whether it is Six Senses on the Palm, Royal Atlantis, One Zabeel, Palace, Address, W, or Waldorf Astoria, the buying power of these brands resonates across the world and provides investors the ultimate in appreciation machines.

Just 133 Units – When planning an exit strategy, having a strong, scarce product with minimal competition is paramount. When re-selling, you will only ever be in the market with a small handful of available options.

Gulf, Golf, and F1 views—These are the three best views you could ever wish to have. They all suit different preferences and will appeal to various market buyers.

Short Term Rental Powerhouse – WA is next door to the F1, Ferrari World, Yas Links, and Disney World, among other resorts in the GCC. HNW families looking to stay in the region will consider WA due to its level of facilities and amenities.

Facilities & AmenitiesThis will be the equivalent of living in a 5-star Luxury Hotel but with the added financial benefit of owning a residential unit. There will not be a project in Abu Dhabi that has the same level of service and financial scope combined.

Our Recommendation

Large 2-bedroom plus study unit on the VIP Pre-Sale:

AED 5,800,0000 – 6,200,000

60% paid during construction =  AED 3,480,000 over the 3 years.

Appreciation during the build is 50% conservative, not including any market improvement on Yas Island.

At handover, you can finance based on the new valuation, take the amount you have placed in the unit back out, rent at an extremely high yield based on the OP, or have an exit strategy during the build process. Yas Island and the coming announcements will drive demand, prices, and attention into the region. Fundamentally, for 5.8m for a Wldorf Astroia 2 bedroom plus study opposite the F1 and on one of the top golf courses in the world, it is just a very undervalued product. No one can predict the future, as you know, but having clear fundamentals in the decision process can help place you in the best possible position from the moment you purchase.

We currently have VIP Pre-Sale access, with the global launch next week.

Waldorf Astoria – Yas Isalnd

The development features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular views of Yas Links, F1, and the Arabian Gulf.

The large, fully furnished units will provide investors with one of the best investments in the GCC. Luxury-branded residences currently dominate the local market, and Waldorf Astoria is at the very pinnacle. For just over 5m AED, you can secure a 2-bedroom with the best amenities and services throughout Yas Island.

This is an elite project with appreciation forecasts that are some of the highest anywhere. If you are interested, WhatsApp +447595715264, and we will share the full details straight away.

Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/2SpRyYwRxLsCqakq8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

📍5 minutes drive to Disneyland
📍5 minutes drive to Yas Mall, Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Water World, Sea World
📍15 minutes to Masdar City
📍20 minutes to Saadiyat Island
📍25 minutes to ADGM Financial Center
📍25 minutes to Abu Dhabi City center

Visual https://world.aldar.com/uae/abudhabi?v=1

Discover timeless luxury and refined living with hotel-inspired services managed by Hilton, right on Yas Bay.

Starting Prices
• 1 Bedroom – AED 3.8M
• 2 Bedroom + Study – AED 5.8M
• 3 Bedroom + Study – AED 8.0M

Unit Availability (Total 123 units):
• 1 Bed: 5 units | 137 sqm
• 1 Bed Duplex: 18 units | 115 sqm
• 2 Bed + Study: 59 units | 206 sqm
• 3 Bed + Maid: 7 units | 267 sqm
• 3 Bed + Study: 34 units | 269 sqm

Only 5% downpayment and 2% ADM fees to Book

*Payment Plan:*
• 5% on Booking
• 10% – Dec 2025
• 10% – Jul 2026
• 10% – Feb 2027
• 10% – Sep 2027
• 15% – Apr 2028
• 40% – On Handover (Dec 2028)

YES!

Already home to some of the leading theme parks and infrastructure, such as the F1 track, anywhere in the world. Off Plan Dubai looks at the new Disney Land in Abu Dhabi and the impact this could have on the region.

Disney Land Abu Dhabi has sent shockwaves through the region and will be the first new theme park from the global powerhouse franchise since Shanghai in 2010. The opening Window is 2030 – 32, with the park in its final design and marketing stages.

🎯 Why Yas Island Is Prime for Disneyland-Driven Growth

✅ Existing Infrastructure & Appeal

🏗️ Real Estate Snapshot (as of 2025)


📊 Expected Impact of Disneyland on Yas Island

FactorImpact
Residential DemandExpats, employees, and investors will flood in, especially for short-term lets.
Price AppreciationPotential for 15–30% growth in areas closest to the park pre/post launch
Hospitality SectorSurge in boutique hotels, Airbnb-style properties, and family accommodation
Retail & F&B InvestmentStrong potential in ground-floor commercial units near tourist corridors
Infrastructure InvestmentGovernment likely to improve roads, transit links, and public spaces

🔮 Strategy for Investors

  1. Buy now — before the official Disneyland announcement confirms the location
  2. Focus on short-term rental potential or branded residences with strong developer backing (like Aldar).
  3. Track upcoming launches and off-plan releases from Aldar or Miral, especially near Yas Mall, Yas Bay, and Yas Gateway.

🏰 1. Tourism Boom


💼 2. Business Opportunities


🏙️ 3. Real Estate Impact

Residential:

Commercial:

Jeddah Saudi Arabia Real Estate

On the back of the sell-out of the first Trump Tower in the GCC. We take a closer look at the investment potential of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Off Plan Dubai capped off 2024 and entered 2025 with over 50m SAR of investments placed into the Trump Tower Jeddah. It was the first property launch in Jeddah, which was freehold and open to foreign investment. Many factors are at play as to why so many institutions, private/family offices and HNW investors consider Jeddah an investment hotspot and why it is a vital addition for any diverse property portfolio over the next 20 years.

Firstly, Dar Global is leaving a trail around the world. Whether it is Lamborghini Villas in Marbella, Cliff Top mountain apartments in Oman, or Elie Saab apartments in Qatar, it’s a real estate trailblazer that is difficult to ignore. They currently have 9BN under assets, with growth expansions in the Kingdom at the very forefront of the next phase of global expansion. In early 2024, we got a glimpse of their alignment with the Trump organisation, leading to the first Trump Tower to enter the GCC in Q4 of 2024. Fast forward to early 2025 and we are now at a full capacity sell out.

So why Jeddah?

  1. Booming Real Estate Market – Jeddah is developing significantly, with new residential, commercial, and tourism projects boosting property values.
  2. Strategic Location: As the gateway to Mecca and a major Red Sea port, Jeddah benefits from strong business and tourism traffic.
  3. Vision 2030 Development: Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plan drives infrastructure improvements and increases demand for high-quality properties.
  4. Growing Tourism & Hospitality Sector: Jeddah hosts international events and attracts religious and leisure tourists, expanding short-term rental opportunities.
  5. Diverse Property Options: Whether looking for high-end apartments, villas, or commercial properties, Jeddah offers many choices.
  6. Infrastructure & Lifestyle Improvements: New metro projects, luxury malls, and waterfront developments (like Jeddah Central) make the city increasingly attractive.
  7. High Rental Yields: Rental demand is strong, especially in central and waterfront areas, providing good returns on investment.

Jeddah fits into the Kingdom’s 2030 vision, which you will hear anytime you speak to a Saudi national or enter the country. They are extremely proud of this vision and strive to achieve it at a breakneck pace.

Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, diversify the economy, and enhance public services. The vision centers around three main pillars:

1. A Vibrant Society

This pillar focuses on improving quality of life, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and national identity. Key aspects include:

2. A Thriving Economy

Many factors will influence a dynamic and diversified economy:

3. Developing National Services through unrivaled Ambition

This pillar focuses on governance, transparency, and efficiency in the public sector. Key initiatives include:

The plan includes mega projects like NEOM, The Line, Diriyah Gate, and Jeddah Central, which aim to attract global investors. Given your interest in Jeddah’s real estate, Vision 2030 is expected to significantly boost property values through infrastructure and tourism development.

Discover the latest Jeddah Real Estate Projects by clicking the link

If you want to know more about the individual projects, fill out the contact form below.

The floor plans and brochure for this development will be emailed to you once you request further information from us.