According to Knight Frank’s most recent Global Super-Prime Intelligence report, Dubai has solidified its status as the most active super-prime residential market in the world, continuing to dominate the globe in the number of home transactions for $10 million or more in the second quarter of 2025.
According to the report, despite a complex macroeconomic environment, there is still a strong demand for ultra-luxury homes worldwide. In Q2 2025, there were 590 super-prime transactions, up 19% year over year from 497 deals in the same period the previous year. The overall value of these transactions increased by 33% to $11.8 billion, from $8.9 billion in the previous year, indicating strong demand from wealthy individuals in key cities worldwide.
With more transactions than more established powerhouses like New York, London, and Hong Kong, Dubai remained the dominant force in the global super-prime market. The combination of the emirate’s excellent economic foundation, tax benefits, first-rate infrastructure, and unparalleled lifestyle offerings is what makes it so appealing. In addition to an infusion of affluent entrepreneurs and family offices moving to the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s luxury real estate market has been supported by growing demand from international investors looking for a safe haven for capital.
“Dubai’s position as the world’s leading super-prime market is now firmly established,” said Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank. “Its performance underscores the emirate’s maturity as a wealth hub and its ability to attract global capital consistently, irrespective of market cycles.”
According to Knight Frank’s data, New York regained its top ranking in terms of overall transaction value, recording the greatest aggregate for sales of $10 million or more for the first time since late 2021, even if Dubai dominated in terms of deal count. Strong activity in the ultra-prime condominium market in Manhattan and the trophy townhouse resale market served as catalysts for this.
Driven by a surge of high-end single-family home sales in Malibu and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles saw a dramatic recovery and had its best quarterly performance since early 2021. In contrast, Hong Kong experienced a strong rebound, with both transaction volumes and values increasing sharply year over year, indicating that pent-up demand is still strong in spite of ongoing political and economic difficulties.
A number of favorable factors, such as Dubai’s investor-friendly policies, world-class safety standards, year-round sunshine, and the steady influx of wealthy expatriates and remote entrepreneurs attracted by its long-term residency programs, are credited by industry analysts with the city-state’s continued dominance.
According to data from previous Knight Frank studies, about one out of every five super-prime sales worldwide in 2024 took place in Dubai, with record-breaking deals occurring in upscale neighborhoods like Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Bay Island, and Dubai Hills Estate. With a number of properties selling for over $100 million, Dubai is now firmly positioned alongside international icons like London’s Mayfair and New York’s Billionaires’ Row.
The momentum is expected to last for the remainder of 2025, according to real estate analysts, thanks to steady inflows of private capital from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as well as a limited amount of new supply in the ultra-luxury market. In response, builders are launching a flurry of new luxury developments aimed at world-class individuals. These projects include penthouses, waterfront villas, and branded homes that combine architectural uniqueness with seclusion and concierge-style living.
Bailey pointed out that although investors will have to deal with a more complicated global landscape characterized by fluctuating interest rates and unstable political conditions, the super-prime market’s resiliency is still remarkable. “Dubai holds its lead, but New York’s resurgence and strong rebounds in Los Angeles and Hong Kong highlight the depth and diversity of global demand. Looking ahead, momentum is expected to be sustained as ultra-wealthy buyers continue to diversify across markets offering value, stability and lifestyle appeal,” he said.
Dubai’s capacity to attract the wealthiest buyers in the world is unmatched, solidifying its position as the hub of the global super-prime real estate market as global wealth creation accelerates and investor confidence improves.
