Invest in Dubai, or right next door?
What to know before buying an apartment in Dubai, and why more and more investors are looking at the neighbouring emirate.
Dubai draws investors for good reasons: no personal income tax, freehold ownership open to foreigners, a 10-year golden visa and one of the most liquid property markets in the world. But the best addresses have already had their run. This guide sums up the figures, then compares them with Ras Al Khaimah, under an hour's drive away, where the Wynn opens in 2027.
Why Dubai attracts investors
- No personal income tax in the UAE, including on rent earned locally. In your country of residence, check your situation with your tax advisor.
- Freehold ownership is open to foreigners in designated areas, with no time limit.
- The 10-year golden visa is available from a property worth at least AED 2 million. It is a federal rule, so it applies in Ras Al Khaimah too.
- A liquid market, with strong rental demand and high transaction volumes, which makes resale easier.
What Dubai costs today
- On Palm Jumeirah, the benchmark address, new builds sell at around AED 6,000 per sq ft, for a gross yield of about 5%.
- On purchase, allow for a 4% registration fee at the Dubai Land Department, plus admin fees.
- The best-known districts have already priced in years of growth: entry tickets are high and yields are flattening.
Ras Al Khaimah: what Dubai offers, at the before price
The advantages that bring investors to Dubai are federal: no income tax, freehold ownership, golden visa. You get them in Ras Al Khaimah too, with a much lower entry price and an event set to transform the emirate: the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort in the UAE, in 2027.
| Dubai, Palm Jumeirah | Ras Al Khaimah, Ice Beach | Ras Al Khaimah, Colibri Views | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per sq ft (new) | ≈ AED 6,000 | AED 2,144 to 4,077 | AED 1,700 to 2,400 |
| Entry price | Several AED million | AED 1,400,000 | AED 990,000 |
| Distance | Under an hour from Dubai | Under an hour from Dubai | |
| Golden visa from AED 2M | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| What changes next | Already a mature market | Wynn 2027, beachfront | Wynn 2027, business district |
Sources: Dubai Land Department; ValuStrat; Major Developments; RAKTDA. Indicative figures, not financial advice.
Investing in Dubai: what people ask us
Is investing in Dubai still worth it in 2026?
Dubai remains a solid, liquid market, but the flagship addresses are expensive: around AED 6,000 per sq ft on Palm Jumeirah for a gross yield of about 5%. Investors looking for a lower entry price are turning to neighbouring emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah.
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy freehold in designated areas, and most steps of an off-plan purchase can be done remotely. The same applies in Ras Al Khaimah, in Al Marjan and RAK Central.
What are the fees to buy in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the price on registration, plus admin fees. In Ras Al Khaimah, fees depend on the project: Sarah details them before any reservation.
Is the golden visa the same in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, it is a federal UAE visa: the AED 2 million threshold applies in every emirate. Several Ice Beach apartments are above it from their starting price.
How far is Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai?
Under an hour's drive. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport also serves the emirate directly.
Why not just buy in Dubai?
It can be the right choice if liquidity in a mature market is your priority. If you want a lower entry price and upside linked to the Wynn opening, Ras Al Khaimah is worth comparing. Sarah presents both projects so you can compare.
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