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Best REITs to Invest in Dubai

If you’re looking to invest, you might want to consider REITs. This article discusses different types of REITs in Dubai, as well as tips on investing in them.

What is a REIT?

A business that owns, manages, or finances income-producing real estate is a real estate investment trust (REIT).

Based on mutual funds, REITs combine the capital of many investors in Dubai, among other countries. REITs now enable individuals to earn dividends from real estate without having to invest, manage, or finance any property themselves.

Benefits of REITs for Property Investors

Managing Properties Without Stress

The average investor can own commercial properties thanks to REITs. The investor also benefits from having seasoned property managers manage their properties to generate income without the typical landlord’s hassles. 

Rent collection, marketing, tenant supervision, and facility maintenance are all handled by a carefully chosen management team. Investors in REITs only need to take their dividends. 

Gains from Appreciation

Even though stock price increases won’t be as big in a strong market, commercial real estate has always gone up steadily over time, which has helped REITs do well in the past. 

The prices of commercial real estate and REIT share prices are typically less affected by short-term inflation and interest rate changes than equity stock prices.

Earnings from Dividends

In the case of equity stocks, management decides on dividend payments and profit reinvestment. In contrast, REITs return 90% or more of profits to investors. Consequently, investors can choose how to use their dividends.

If investors decide to reinvest, they primarily buy more shares. They can also use their dividends to fund a trip if they prefer. While dividends are typically constant, REITs offer the chance for higher dividends as rents rise. 

High Liquidity

The main reason anyone would want to invest in REITs is liquidity. It is well known that real estate has a favourable risk-return profile as an asset class. This indicates that compared to other investments, it offers excellent returns and lower downside risk. 

But because it is hard to sell, real estate has a big disadvantage compared to other asset classes. Investors must wait weeks, if not months, to withdraw money from their real estate investments. 

This is where real estate investment trust (REIT) investing can help. The securities that REITs sell are listed on numerous international exchanges. They can therefore be purchased and sold, thus encouraging investors to put their investments in REITs to enjoy high liquidity.  

Diversification

Real Estate Investment Trusts allow investors to diversify their potential risks, particularly those with small investment amounts. This is so because the properties that these trusts own are so diverse. 

They own homes, apartments, condos, office space, retail stores, and other real estates in various markets. As a result, they are sufficiently diversified to guard against the risks that any particular micro market may pose. This has led many investors to favour REITs as a preferred option.

Best REITs to Invest in Dubai

The best REIT to invest in Dubai offers high liquidity, diversification, and potential for high dividends. All the companies listed below have a long history in the city and are well-positioned to take advantage of the Dubai real estate market.

1. SEDCO Capital

SEDCO Capital, based in Saudi Arabia, has launched an increased offering of its real estate investment trust fund, increasing asset value by SR702 million ($187 million)

The offering span will last five days, until December 16, according to the company. The cost per unit is set at SR10. 

2. Al Rajhi Capital

Al Rajhi Capital, which has its main office in Riyadh, is a closed joint stock company with a paid capital of SAR 500 million. It was established on March 18, 2008, and the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority has governed it since June 19, 2007.

3. Al Bilad Capital

Al Bilad Capital Fund stands out by offering a method of investing in Saudi company shares with returns permissible under Shariah law. Additionally, Al Bilad Capital does not charge redemption fees, giving you the flexibility to redeem at any time.

4. Emirates REIT

Emirates REIT is UAE’s largest publicly traded Sharia-compliant Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). It was the first REIT established in the UAE in 2010 and currently manages nearly USD 734 million in assets. Emirates REIT is incorporated in the DIFC and is DFSA-licensed.

5. ENBD REIT

ENBD REIT, a real estate investment trust, provides investors with a steady stream of dividend income. This income is typically derived from rental income from investment properties, with the possibility of capital growth and increases in the value of the equity.

As of December 2021, Emirates NBD Asset Management, the fund manager, had approximately US$ 6.1 billion in assets under management, making it one of the top asset managers in the GCC.

6. GII REIT

GII Islamic REIT (CEIC) Plc is a Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”)-an incorporated closed-ended investment company. According to the laws and regulations of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”), the REIT is regulated as a Qualified Investor Fund. The DFSA classifies the REIT as a Domestic Fund, an Islamic Fund, and a Real Estate Fund.

7. Al Mal Capital

Al Mal Capital, an asset management subsidiary of Dubai Investments, brings us to a close with a bang. According to reliable sources, this subsidiary raised Dh350 million ($95.37 million) through the public offering of its real estate investment trust.

Conclusion

With so many REITs to choose from, which one is the most suitable investment for you? Each of the REITs mentioned above has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to do your research before making a decision.

Land Sterling has been in the real estate industry for over ten years. Our team of leaders and experts offers top-quality services, including project management, and has delivered over 10,000 projects. Contact us today to get a quote for all the best REITs you can invest in in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

A “paper clip REIT” boosts a REIT’s tax benefits while enabling it to manage properties that such trusts ordinarily aren’t able to.

You can invest in a publicly traded REIT listed on a significant stock exchange by purchasing shares through a broker. Additionally, you can buy shares of a REIT exchange-traded fund or mutual fund.

The fact that it is easier to buy REIT shares than rental properties is probably its biggest benefit. With REIT investing, you can share in the value growth and rental income of real estate without having to buy, manage, and sell it.

Opening a brokerage account, which typically takes just a few minutes, is all it takes to get started. Once that happens, you can buy and sell publicly traded REITs like any other stock.

A few new entrants have recently drawn attention to the REIT market. In the GCC, there are currently 18 REITs that are listed, including those from Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. Since 2014, all have established regulatory frameworks to allow for REITs.

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Vinodh Mahadevan MRICS

Author

Vinodh Mahadevan MRICS

Vinodh Mahadevan is the Head of Business & Strategy at Land sterling and a Member of MRICS. With over 14 years of experience in investment advisory, consulting, valuation & advisory services, he has gained extensive exposure to valuation engagements. Vinodh's expertise includes due diligence exercises, appraisals of commercial and residential properties, mortgage and collateral appraisals, retail malls, large-scale industrial parks, hospitality and entertainment projects, and other special use real estate valuations.

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