Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (Abu Dhabi)
UAE high-net-worth investors are showing particularly strong confidence in the UK property market, while Gulf investors more broadly are widening their focus beyond traditional luxury homes towards development, retail, affordable housing and other income-producing assets, according to AlRayan Bank’s 2026 GCC Investment Barometer.
The fourth annual study surveyed 150 investors with at least £10 million in wealth or assets, split evenly between the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The research was conducted in June 2026 and examined both recent investment activity and intentions for the coming years.
The report says that among UAE respondents, 96% said their confidence in UK property had increased over the previous 12 months, the highest proportion among the three markets surveyed.
A further 92% of UAE investors expect UK property to remain a strong investment opportunity over the next five years, according to the report.
For UAE investors considering London, the appeal is not limited to the property itself, professional services were cited by 56% as an attraction, while 48% pointed to long-term value appreciation and the same proportion highlighted the possibility of living in or relocating to the city.
Across the full GCC sample, appetite for UK property remains high, as 99% of respondents said they intend to make new investments or increase their existing UK property holdings over the next five years.
Property development was the most frequently selected future investment sector at 30%, followed by retail at 29%, the report shows.
Among UAE respondents specifically, 28% identified property development as a future investment priority, compared with 37% of Saudi respondents and 24% of those from Qatar.
The wider reasons for choosing UK property reflect this emphasis on returns and market fundamentals, across the GCC sample, 66% cited rental growth potential, while 56% pointed to long-term returns and UK policy stability, the report indicates.
The report shows that London remains an important destination, as 33% of respondents invested in London property during the previous 12 months, ahead of Singapore at 24% and Paris and New York at 23% each.
On the other hand, interest is also spreading to other UK cities, among investors considering opportunities outside London, Liverpool led at 34%, followed by Birmingham at 27%, Manchester at 25%, Bristol at 22% and Cardiff at 18%.
The report also notes that regional uncertainty is affecting how capital is allocated. Some 51% said instability in the Middle East made them more likely to invest in UK property, while 31% were increasing their UK allocations and 30% accelerating plans, at the same time, 38% were diversifying into markets beyond the UK.
