Markets
Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah? How we split a UAE portfolio
Clients often ask which emirate is the best investment. We think it is the wrong question. Each one does a different job in a portfolio.
Dubai: liquidity and depth
Dubai is where buyers and sellers are. Prime communities trade every week, so prices are visible and exits are realistic. It is where most of a portfolio should usually sit.
Abu Dhabi: stability
The capital has more owner-occupiers, fewer short-term traders and steadier prices. Saadiyat and Yas suit families and long-term holders who want to avoid sharp swings.
Ras Al Khaimah: early-stage upside
Al Marjan Island is being transformed by an integrated resort due in 2027. Yields and growth forecasts are the highest of the three, and so is the uncertainty. We treat it as a satellite holding, not the core.
A typical split
For a balanced mandate we often start from roughly 60% Dubai, 25% Abu Dhabi and 15% Ras Al Khaimah, then adjust for each client’s income needs, residency plans and appetite for risk.