Women, Property, and Opportunity: Real Estate Dynamics in the Arab World

Real estate continues to stand out as one of the most attractive and resilient sectors in the Arab world. Across cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo, property ownership remains not only a financial aspiration but also a cultural and social one, deeply tied to ideas of stability, security, and legacy. For decades, families across the region have viewed real estate as a safe haven: a tangible asset that generates income, preserves wealth, and, in many cases, appreciates in value over time.

Today, this traditional investment space is undergoing a quiet transformation, driven increasingly by women. In recent years, women across the Arab world have stepped confidently into real estate markets as investors, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. This shift reflects broader social and economic reforms sweeping through the region, where new policies are promoting gender inclusion and empowering women to own, manage, and transfer property more freely.

Women as Drivers of Market Growth

The rise of women investors is reshaping how the real estate market functions. In the UAE, for example, women accounted for 34% of all real estate investors in 2024, contributing more than AED 118 billion (around USD 32 billion) across nearly 51,000 transactions. Similar patterns are emerging in Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 reforms have opened up new economic opportunities and eased property ownership restrictions.

For many women, real estate serves as an accessible and empowering entry point into investment. Property ownership provides not only financial security but also independence and decision-making power within households. It allows women to participate more actively in national economies, transitioning from consumers to capital holders and entrepreneurs.

A survey in the UAE revealed that 79% of women view real estate as a key long-term investment. Yet, despite this optimism, 62.5% reported facing barriers such as limited access to financing, mentorship, and investment platforms which highlight a critical gap between enthusiasm and opportunity, one that, if bridged, could unleash tremendous potential for inclusive growth across the Arab region.

The Allure and the Risks

Real estate’s enduring appeal lies in its tangibility and perceived stability. Unlike volatile financial assets, property feels concrete and enduring. This sense of security is reinforced by government-led diversification initiatives that position real estate as a cornerstone of national development.

However, the very qualities that make real estate attractive can also invite risks. Rapid price increases that outpace income growth may signal speculative bubbles. The region has experienced such cycles before, where periods of euphoria gave way to oversupply and price corrections. Political instability, regulatory changes, and liquidity constraints can further amplify these vulnerabilities.

For women investors in particular, financing remains a structural challenge. In some markets, banks impose stricter lending conditions or require male guarantors, limiting access to credit. Without inclusive financial frameworks, women may find themselves constrained despite their willingness and capacity to invest.

A Gendered Perspective on Stability

Interestingly, the growing participation of women in real estate could act as a stabilizing force. Studies consistently suggest that women investors tend to adopt a more cautious, long-term approach, focusing on sustainability, community development, and family well-being rather than short-term speculation. This mindset aligns naturally with the evolving priorities of many Arab cities, which are shifting toward sustainable urban planning, green architecture, and affordable housing.

Women investors help create a more robust and responsible market culture by supporting initiatives that strike a balance between economic growth and social impact. Their participation inspires developers and legislators to consider initiatives that improve livability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship rather than just opulent towers.

Building a More Inclusive Future

The path forward for real estate in the Arab world lies in embracing transparency, innovation, and inclusion. Governments can play a pivotal role by simplifying property regulations, diversifying financing options, and creating mentorship and networking platforms tailored to women entrepreneurs. Financial institutions, in turn, can promote gender-sensitive lending policies and investment products designed to support first-time female investors.

Real estate should not remain an exclusive symbol of wealth; it should become a lever for sustainable development and social empowerment. When women participate fully in this sector, they not only drive economic activity but also bring balance, foresight, and long-term value to markets that have often been driven by short-term gains.

As the Arab world continues to urbanize and diversify its economies, empowering women in real estate is more than a matter of equity; it is a strategic imperative. Their growing influence promises not just to reshape skylines but to redefine what sustainable and inclusive growth looks like in the decades to come.