As Dubai’s real estate market continues to experience unprecedented activity, women are emerging as significant contributors to both market participation and sector transformation, according to Banke International Properties. This shift is paving the way for broader leadership opportunities and thought leadership across the industry, it added.
In the first half of 2025, Dubai’s real estate sector witnessed a surge recording 125,538 transactions valued at US $117.3bn. This performance can be attributed to strong investor confidence and sustained demand across various segments. Notably, the transaction value and volume experienced a substantial 25–26% increase year-on-year, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global property hub.
In the first half of 2025, 30,487 female investors were actively participating in the market, completing 34,792 transactions valued at $19.9bn. This increase in women’s involvement in real estate investment reflects growing confidence and participation among women in the sector. Women now constitute 34% of the total real estate investors in Dubai, indicating a growing trend towards long-term, stable investment strategies, the firm said.
These trends signify broader structural shifts in Dubai’s real estate landscape. The sector is evolving from transactional growth to leadership, strategic decision-making, and long-term engagement. As the sector progresses toward maturity, there is a shift in focus from transactional growth to talent development, leadership pipelines, and inclusive participation. These efforts will shape the future performance and resilience of the sector, it stated.
The UAE’s national agenda actively supports and amplifies this evolution. The UAE Gender Balance Council’s Strategy 2026 outlines commitments to enhancing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions and promoting gender balance across various sectors, including the private sector.
Aditi Jhunjhunwala, Head of Operations, Banke International Properties said, “Dubai’s real estate story has entered a new chapter where breadth of participation is now evolving into depth of leadership. Women today are not only significant investors in the market, but they are also shaping conversations around strategy, growth and long-term sustainability. Strengthening the path for women to grow into leadership and operational roles is essential for the sector’s continued momentum and long-term value creation.”
As real estate activity expands in volume and complexity, thought leaders and industry players are increasingly recognising the importance of talent, autonomy, education, and leadership development, especially for women, as key drivers of inclusive growth. Given women’s significant role in investment and market sentiment, efforts that support leadership pathways and capacity building are becoming central to the sector’s future narrative.