We are back in Dubai today. As we have consistently highlighted this year, if you are buying off-plan, it has never been more important to be selective and disciplined in choosing the right opportunities. Market depth has increased, supply is more nuanced, and not all launches will perform equally over the next cycle. You need to be protected from market corrections, oversupply, price fluctuations, and broader economic conditions.
Our core apartment focus for 2026 sits firmly in two locations. ADGM in Abu Dhabi and the expansion of DIFC into DIFC 2 and Zabeel in Dubai. These are not lifestyle-driven decisions. They are driven by employment density, institutional demand, purposeful sustained undersupply, and long-term capital protection.
Earlier today, we attended the international investor briefing to announce DIFC 2. The expansion is material in scale and strategic in intent. It effectively extends the existing DIFC financial district into a new mixed-use urban quarter, creating additional capacity for global financial institutions, professional services firms, technology companies, and regional AI headquarters.
DIFC 2 is not simply an overspill of office space. It is designed as a fully integrated live-work environment, incorporating Grade A commercial space, innovation hubs, hospitality, retail, cultural venues, and a carefully planned residential component. This structure is critical because it anchors residential demand in real economic activity rather than speculative lifestyle trends.
For investors, the most important takeaway from today’s briefing is the first residential launch in DIFC 2: The Residences, in Phase A of the development, which is expected to be ready by 2030.
The Residences, comprising two mid-rise towers, are the flagship residential offering of the new district and set the benchmark for quality, pricing, and long-term value across DIFC 2. These homes are designed specifically for DIFC professionals, senior executives, and international talent who seek proximity to their workplaces while maintaining a high standard of living.
Architecturally, the development is contemporary and distinctive, with residences positioned to capture expansive views across Dubai’s key landmarks. The arrival experience is hospitality-inspired, with refined lobby and lounge spaces designed for both privacy and informal interaction. Shared workspaces and social spaces are integrated throughout, reflecting how modern professionals live and work.
Lifestyle and wellness have been thoughtfully incorporated. Residents will have access to a two-kilometre inner green circle, providing landscaped walkways for walking, jogging, and relaxation. The development also features thematic water elements that enhance a sense of calm within an otherwise high-energy financial district.
Amenities are comprehensive and purposeful. These include a resort-style pool with cabanas, a separate family pool with a children’s splash pad, a fully equipped clubhouse with gym and yoga studio, padel and squash courts, and a range of social and recreational spaces. Premium retail and destination food and beverage offerings are embedded within the wider DIFC 2 masterplan, ensuring convenience without compromising quality.
From an investment perspective, The Residences benefit from a clear first-mover advantage. As the inaugural residential launch within DIFC 2, pricing reflects an early-stage entry point before the district is fully established. Historically, first launches within landmark financial districts tend to outperform subsequent phases as infrastructure is delivered, demand intensifies, and pricing resets upwards.
We are the strongest advocates for purchasing in the first phases; all future phases will have incremental price increases, and you are not reliant on external market growth to ride appreciation waves.
Pricing for The Residences is approximately 4,000 AED per square foot, with starting units priced from 2.6 million AED. The booking process opens today. Expressions of Interest should be submitted through our team, and unit selection will take place on the 12th of February. With only 496 units across the two towers, it is essential to act quickly to secure the most desirable options.
Neda, the Sales Director for the developer, will be overseeing the process, while Savills is personally managing all Off-Plan Dubai clients. This ensures every investor can access preferred units and secure early-stage pricing before the district is fully established.
Rental demand is expected to be robust and resilient. The target tenant profile includes partners at financial and legal firms, regional directors, C-suite executives, and long-term expatriates. This supports strong occupancy, premium rents, and lower volatility compared to lifestyle-led residential markets.
Supply within DIFC and DIFC 2 remains intentionally limited. This constraint, combined with growing employment density, underpins long-term capital appreciation and provides downside protection that is increasingly important in the current market.
We believe DIFC 2 and The Residences sit firmly in the category of strategic, fundamentals-driven investments rather than speculative off-plan purchases. For investors seeking exposure to Dubai with a focus on yield quality, tenant depth, and capital preservation, this location deserves close attention. As an advisory, we are as confident as possible that, at this price point, these apartments will outperform nearly all contemporaries and alternatives launching in 2026.
For buyers entering at this stage, The Residences offer the opportunity to secure property at the foundation of Dubai’s next major growth cycle. Whether the objective is income generation, long-term capital appreciation, or securing a strategic home in the heart of the city, this first launch represents a rare alignment of location, demand, and timing.
– Q4 2029 Handover
– 70/30 Payment Plan
– 5% Registration
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a federal financial free zone within Dubai. Legally, it is not subject to UAE civil law in nearly all commercial matters. DIFC operates under English Common Law and not UAE civil law, hence the different registration fees of 5% and not the usual 4%
Discover Trump Mansions Riyadh, Trump Plaza Jeddah and our Saudi Arabia Off Plan Investments on these links.
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Off Plan Dubai
Suite: 508, Fairmont,
Sheikh Zayed Road,
P O Box 75671,
Dubai, UAE
Off Plan Dubai 85 Great Portland Street First Floor London W1W 7LT
The floor plans and brochure for this development will be emailed to you once you request further information from us.
property@offplandubai.ae 
+44 7595 715 264