Dubai Maritime City by BEYOND: A Prime Waterfront Investment

An apartment bought in Bluewaters for AED 2.2 million in 2018 is now worth AED 6.5 million. That is nearly three times its value in just seven years, and a clear example of the returns Dubai's waterfront real estate delivers.

Waterfront properties in Dubai are limited. Early opportunities on central waterfront land, like the first phase of Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Bluewaters, are now scarce. That is what makes Dubai Maritime City (DMC), and the BEYOND master plan by Omniyat, such an exciting opportunity.

The Value of Waterfront Real Estate in Dubai

Waterfront property is seen as a different asset class because of its scarcity. In Dubai, apartments make up about 70% of the city's residential properties, but only 7% of them are in established waterfront communities.

Waterfront land in Dubai is a strong long term investment:

• When the market grows, it appreciates faster.
• Long-term demand stays strong because the coastline is limited.
• It holds its value when the market slows down.

Dubai Maritime City offers sea and bay views, a private beach and a central location, all in one place. Projects that bring all three together are rare, which makes BEYOND a special chance to own waterfront property in the heart of Dubai.

Dubai Maritime City Location

DMC is a massive reclaimed peninsula, more like an island, of about 2.3 square kilometers, roughly half the size of Dubai Marina. It sits between the historic Port Rashid and Dubai Drydocks, close to both old and new Dubai:

• Old Dubai: Dubai Creek, the old souks and the cruise terminal are close by, which attracts tourists and short term renters.
• New Dubai: Downtown, DIFC and Business Bay are about 20 to 25 minutes away, which suits professionals looking for a home near work.

Travel times are expected to drop by 8 to 12 minutes, thanks to the government's AED 5.3 billion Shindagha Corridor upgrade, due between 2027 and 2029. A planned Dubai Metro line from Bur Dubai to Dubailand will also connect DMC to the metro system.

About Omniyat and BEYOND

Dubai based Omniyat has built its reputation over 20 years as a developer focused on ultra luxury, design driven projects. It is known for landmark projects with top global designers in prime locations like Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay and Marasi Bay.

In September 2024, Omniyat launched BEYOND, taking the same high standards into large scale master plans and communities. Dubai Maritime City is a 25 million square ft development with an 11 million square ft section being developed by BEYOND and Omniyat. This means an integrated approach to development creating enhanced lifestyle opportunities and increasing property values for residents.

The BEYOND Master Plan and Lifestyle

The whole community is designed around the people who live there, featuring safe pedestrian pathways, lots of green space and resort style facilities for an easy and enjoyable lifestyle.

• The sky bridges provide safe passages for families with children and prams.
• No roadways are on the waterfront. There are cafes, walkways and parks.
• There's a 10km cycling track around the island.
• There is a school, hospital, shopping mall and commercial tower, making this an independent area.

There are three main zones:

• The Bay: The social center, with high end shops and restaurants that BEYOND will lease, not sell, to control quality.
• The Forest District: The green heart of the island, with thousands of trees and shaded walkways.
• The Private Beach: The most exclusive zone, a man made sandy beach only for BEYOND and Omniyat residents.

Within the bay, The Cove delivers a resort lifestyle with a marina and yacht club, an Olympic size pool, a wave pool and eight swimmable lagoons.

Ten towers have launched so far, mostly 35 to 50 floors, with more to come. Most homes are one to three bedroom apartments with larger than average layouts and floor to ceiling windows, plus duplexes, penthouses and podium chalets with private pools.

Entry Prices Compared with Mature Waterfront Areas

Today's mature waterfront areas are already trading at high levels. BEYOND, at up to around AED 2,500 per sq ft, comes at a substantial discount.

You have a central waterfront property at a lower price, meaning there is greater scope for it to increase in value. It can also provide strong rental income:

• Long term rentals in DMC are expected to provide a 5-8% return per annum.
• Short term holiday rentals can provide even higher returns.

Overall, BEYOND provides a better entry price and higher rental returns.

Four Drivers of Capital Appreciation

The following factors may help BEYOND's prices eventually rise and catch up to those of older waterfront neighborhoods:

1. The area will mature: As new roads, retail establishments and the metro open, BEYOND will grow into a well-established community, and prices will will typically rise with it.

2. Early buyers pay less: Later phases usually launch at 5% to 15% higher prices, so purchasing early gives you a head start.

3. Luxury projects nearby: Omniyat's future high-end towers, like its Dorchester Collection project, will boost the overall value of the entire area.

4. Dubai's growth plans: The project will be completed around 2030, in accordance with Dubai's 2040 plan for increased population and improved infrastructure.

More people are interested in moving to and staying in Dubai. Visitor numbers increased from around 17 million in 2023 to 19 million in 2024, with a goal of 40 million by 2040. Numerous golden visas and wealthy families relocating to the area have resulted in a consistent demand for properties such as these.

A Flexible 50/50 Payment Plan

The payment schedule is very flexible with a 50/50 structure. You pay 50% of the total price in installments during the build and then pay the final 50% when you get your keys (approx. 4 years after purchase). You will have an easier time budgeting because you are not required to pay the full price. Your property will continue to increase in value while you only pay 50%, which means your money is working hard for you. There is no interest to pay meaning you will keep more of your profits. This is an easy and comfortable way to own a luxury waterfront home in Dubai.

Investing Wisely for the Long Term

To make the most of this investment opportunity consider the following:

• Look for prime units within the development. Units with sea or bay views and those closest to the private beach and The Cove will appreciate the most and give the highest rental returns.

• Secure early phase pricing: later phases usually launch 5% to 15% higher, so early allocation locks in the best entry price.

• Plan a five to seven year hold: this gives roads, retail and amenities time to mature, so you capture most of the value growth.

From a long-term perspective it also makes sense to invest in Dubai as there is still great value for money. For example, according to Knight Frank, you can get around 1,000 sq ft of property in Dubai for around AED 3 million. However, in Monaco you would only be able to get 205 sq ft, 344 sq ft in Singapore and 366 sq ft in London. This means that there is still lots of room for growth in Dubai’s property market.

Final Thoughts on Dubai Maritime City and BEYOND

Dubai Maritime City and BEYOND offer everything investors look for in a waterfront development including limited seafront land, prime central location close to DIFC, Downtown and Business Bay, a reputable luxury developer (Omniyat), and backed by Dubai's 2040 vision. This investment opportunity has the potential to provide access to a luxury property in a prime location at a discounted rate now with huge potential for capital growth.

This is the perfect opportunity to invest in one of Dubai's most exciting waterfront developments. Get in touch with our team today to find the perfect property and payment plan for you.