Five reasons to invest in off plan properties in Business Bay

Ideally located in the middle of the city, this constantly evolving ‘mini Manhattan’ has serious buyer appeal

Carved into the heart of Dubai city, Business Bay ticks all the boxes for what makes the emirate famous – soaring skyscrapers, designer shops, posh cafes, pristine malls, celebrity chef restaurants, and bustling offices packed with sharp suited corporate types. 

It also boasts a glittering manmade canal that winds its way around the neighbourhood, dotted with tourist-friendly traditional abras and super sleek yachts. This is the famed Dubai lifestyle in full swagger.

Business Bay is one of Dubai's main Central Business Districts and offers investors a constantly developing hub to buy in, with all the advantages of owning a property close to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the bustling Downtown area.

And as a range of impressive off plan projects in Business Bay start to complete in the next couple of years – there are currently 17,361 units under construction – here are five key reasons why this is a real estate investment hotspot.

Location, location, location

Let’s start with the ‘where’. With an enviable position slap bang in the middle of the city, Business Bay is great for getting around.

The area is served well by two major highways – Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road – meaning it’s never more than a 20-minute drive to Dubai’s main attractions. Dubai Mall is just 5 minutes away (you can even walk there) and for frequent travellers it is an easy 15 minutes to Dubai International Airport.

It’s Dubai’s Central Business District

Business Bay is considered Dubai's Central Business District (CBD) and caters to a work-centric lifestyle. Filled with finance companies and home to several large corporate HQ’s and banks, as it develops the area is set to compete with the likes of Manhattan in New York City.

Superior Investment yields

Due to an ideal location, great connectivity and various neighbourhood attractions, Business Bay properties continue to offer high returns for buyers who want to rent out their property.

According to Property Monitor, the current average gross investment yield in Business Bay sits at 6.06%. This is significantly more than the other major investment cities such as London and New York (2-3%), Sydney (2.87%), Singapore (2.5%), and Paris (2.5%). Plus, there is zero income tax.

Capital gains

Residential and commercial property prices in Business Bay are on the rise, meaning excellent capital gains for investors. On top of that, total sales transactions increased by 12% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year – so investors can expect a lucrative investment with incredible potential.

Vibrant waterfront living

In terms of attracting those wanting a life by the water, the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay is an obvious draw. The canal connects the natural Dubai Creek back to the sea in Jumeirah and this 6.4km waterfront has given the neighbourhood a vibe of its own. Residents can enjoy jogging on the 3km track, taking their bike on the 12km cycling route, or simply going for a leisurely stroll across the five pedestrian bridges to watch the boats pass underneath. With such an attractive quality of life on offer, no wonder the top developers in Business Bay are keeping busy.

Restaurants, bars, shops – and everything in between

Very much a mixed-use area by design, the area is a hive of activity and packed with luxurious hotels such as the eye-catching JW Marriott Marquis (the tallest hotel in the world until 2018). Not to mention endless restaurants serving a range of global cuisines, smart shopping malls and boutiques, and sophisticated bars – in fact, the rooftop bars in Business Bay are in a league of their own boasting glittering views across the city at night.

Business Bay is also home to the famous ‘La Perle’ show located in the W Hotel featuring an amazing fusion of artistic performances, imagery, and technology.

Spectacular upcoming real estate launches

There's an impressive collection of off plan projects in Business Bay currently underway that are changing the landscape. A good example is Bugatti Residences by Binghatti – due for completion at the end of 2025, this designer complex is set to become a local icon.

The two towers are designed with a surreal wavy design and the overall look is reminiscent of the resort-inspired lifestyle of the French Riviera.

Then there’s the elegant Crestmark by Ellington Properties due for completion in early 2026. With scenic views of the Dubai Water Canal and Business Bay Marina, it overlooks ‘floating villas’ and has direct access to the Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk.

Then there’s the ambitious Peninsula Four, The Plaza featuring two 52-storey towers and a collection of 16 premium duplex lofts. Bringing sophistication and elegance with a contemporary urban twist, it boasts spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Ultimately, your type of investment will always depend on your goals, but this is definitely an area to look at. Check out the latest off plan developments in Business Bay and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.