Amid Rising Number of Australians Turning to Dubai as the Next Property Investment Frontier 

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Australians now hold more than A$4.3 trillion in overseas investments as of December 2024, reflecting a growing appetite for global diversification*. With yields at home stagnating and affordability worsening, Australian investors are increasingly looking beyond local borders to grow their property portfolios, and Dubai is emerging as a top destination. 

It’s in this context that Australian siblings, Nahi, Louie and Natalie Beaini, have just launched Dubai Property Playground (DPP) – a Sydney-based agency dedicated to bridging the gap between ambitious Australian investors and Dubai's world-class real estate market with its established strong investment returns. 

Acting as a buyer’s agent, DPP’s services span curated property opportunities, due diligence, and end-to-end support, from financing and legal checks through to post-purchase management and Golden Visa applications. 

“Dubai’s appeal is clear,” says Nahi Beaini – who has built a career across property development and engineering services including co-founding the Climatech Group (which was later acquired by Japanese conglomerate Sojitz) and Climatech Zero (partially acquired by Origin Energy). Nahi is also behind Luxivana, a forthcoming tokenisation blockchain-based Real World Asset (RWA) investment platform. 

“In addition to 10-20 percent capital appreciation, Dubai offers rental yields of 8-13 percent compared with Sydney’s 2-4 percent, and ownership without capital gains or rental taxes. 

“The introduction of the UAE’s Golden Visa, available with property investments from AED 2 million (around AUD 840,000), provides renewable 10-year residency for investors and their families. 

“Combined with lower mortgage rates, no stamp duty, and strong capital growth forecasts, Dubai is becoming one of the world’s most attractive alternatives for Australian investors. This is especially plausible when contrasted with Australia’s highly regulated and high-tax property environment, where stamp duty, capital gains tax and restrictive lending policies continue to stifle opportunity and erode investor confidence. 

“Most agents in Dubai are incentivised to sell quickly, but we launched DPP for Australians seeking a trusted advisor who understands both markets. 

“My family and I have personally invested in Dubai, so we’ve experienced the market first-hand. We know which precincts are genuinely positioned for growth, which areas risk oversupply and importantly, what Australian investors are really looking for when they venture offshore. 

“Too often, buyers are pushed into properties that suit the seller as opposed to the investor. We created DPP to be the opposite of that. DPP’s role is to act as a transparent conduit between both markets, providing Australians with expert guidance, independent advice and a pathway to opportunities that genuinely align with their long-term goals,” adds Nahi Beaini. 

DPP’s process of engagement begins with an initial consultation to establish goals, budgets and the interested investor’s eligibility for residency visas. The initial consultation is held virtually or in-person via DPP’s office at Concord in Sydney. 

Thereafter, DPP assists with property selection, due diligence and financing, with developer commissions covering DPP’s fees. Investors only pay for the property itself. Post-purchase, DPP provides leasing, resale and portfolio support. DPP also facilitate mortgage lending, business and bank account setup and assist with the Golden Visa application. 

Expert insights for Australians considering investing in Dubai – according to Dubai Property Playground Co-Founder, Nahi Beaini

Innovation Hub Advantage: “Consider Dubai’s deliberate positioning as a global leader in technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and one of the most advanced jurisdictions for Digital Assets and Tokenisation. For investors, the UAE provides access to a market experiencing 20–34 percent annual AI growth, backed by sovereign wealth funds for co-investment and initiatives such as ‘AI for All’ to develop a highly skilled workforce. This future-focused strategy creates opportunities to capitalise on sustainable growth well beyond traditional property markets.”

Long-Term Strategy in a Tech-Forward Economy: The UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in technology and AI. The city’s commitment to advanced technology and AI – backed by $200 billion in investment, the world’s largest AI campus outside the U.S., and supportive regulatory sandboxes – means opportunities in high-growth sectors are expanding. A well-planned, patient approach allows investors to benefit from both real estate and broader economic innovation.”

Global Connectivity: “Dubai’s strategic location as a global transport and business hub provides access to international markets, making properties attractive for corporate tenants and short-term rental opportunities. Dubai is building its new second futuristic airport to cater for the influx of traffic of 260 million passengers annually.”

Lifestyle Appeal: “World-class infrastructure, luxury amenities, and a safe, cosmopolitan environment make Dubai an attractive destination for high-end renters, which can support consistent rental yields and property value growth. Advisory firm Henley & Partners estimates that the UAE will attract an unprecedented 9,800 millionaires this year -- more than anywhere else in the world.”

Regulatory Clarity and Investor Protection: “Dubai has established clear legal frameworks for property ownership by foreigners including freehold zones and investor protections. These regulations upfront can safeguard your investment and provide confidence in navigating the market.”

Tax Efficiency and Incentives: “The UAE’s investor-friendly tax environment – including zero property taxes and capital gains exemptions – can enhance net returns, particularly for Australians seeking diversification in a low-tax jurisdiction.”

Developer Reputation: “Delays or substandard construction can be costly. Partnering with developers who have a proven track record is essential to protecting your investment.”

Financing Options: “Mortgages for non-residents can be limited and often come with stricter terms, so it’s important to consider financing carefully. DPP assists in finding the right mortgage for investors.”

Australian Tax Implications: “Australian investors need to understand their obligations, including capital gains tax and reporting foreign income, to avoid unexpected liabilities.” 

“I see Dubai as the next Singapore for Australian investors. It’s an incredibly exciting market, but success depends on understanding the risks and having expert support at every step – which is precisely why my siblings and I created DPP,” adds Nahi Beaini. 

For more information, visit: https://www.dubaipropertyplayground.com/