Refine is a leading development management company in the UAE which has unveiled a new pipeline of projects in Dubai with a gross development value (GDV) of over AED 18 billion (approximately US$4.9 billion). The portfolio will deliver more than 3,000 residential units across eight major developments, along with a landmark commercial asset in Business Bay. This announcement reinforces both the depth of Dubai’s growth prospects and Refine’s position as a major player in the city’s real estate landscape.

Core Highlights of the Pipeline

Refine’s new offering encompasses eight residential projects, as well as a commercial landmark. The residential units span a mix of branded residences, luxury apartments and mid-rise communities. They are strategically located across several of Dubai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods which we will over below.

Beyond product type and scale, what matters is the strategic orientation toward investor value, delivery reliability, and geographic diversity. In short, Refine is betting on a market where both demand and supply dynamics look favourable.

Why This Matters to Investors

Several points stand out.

• A pipeline of this size signals strong developer confidence in Dubai’s medium-term outlook.
• More than 3,000 units represent a significant volume, which often enables better cost control, economies of scale and a stronger marketing reach.
• The inclusion of commercial space in Business Bay suggests that Refine is not just chasing residential demand, but also recognising the role of mixed-use and workplace-anchored ecosystems.
• Taken as a whole, this portfolio provides exposure to both capital growth and rental yield opportunities.
• It also illustrates that prominent asset managers and development managers are committing to Dubai’s real estate cycle which matters if you are aligning for longer-term plays (five to ten years) rather than just short-term flips.

Key Locations in Focus

Here is a breakdown of each of the central districts referenced in Refine’s portfolio, along with why they stand out to an international investor.

Downtown Dubai

A global flagship address. Home to landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, the neighbourhood continues to draw high-net-worth and international interest. For ultra-premium apartments and branded residences, this zone offers strong brand value, visibility, and long-term capital appreciation potential.

Because demand remains strong and new steps are more selective, investing here often means trading yield for prestige and a higher likelihood of capital value upside.

Meydan

Located north-east of Downtown, the Meydan area offers good connectivity, newer infrastructure and a growing mix of luxury residential. Because pricing here is generally more accessible than ultra-core addresses, the area appeals to investors seeking growth with better entry valuations.

Refine has placed projects here to tap into “next-ring” growth around major infrastructure corridors.

Safa Park (Area)

The area around Safa Park offers a mix of central-city access and green space value. While fewer ultra-premium launches dominate this location, it appeals to residents and families who value accessibility plus a more relaxed environment. For investors, this translates to potentially stronger occupancy and rental support.

It also offers a different risk profile: less speculative, more steady.

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

Jumeirah Village Circle has emerged as a popular choice for both investors and end-users. Recent data suggest an average price of around AED 1,238 per square foot and rental yields of above 7% in some segments—the appeal lies in good infrastructure, a relatively lower entry price compared to core zones, and strong rental demand.

For buy-to-let investors, this zone presents a favourable balance of yield and capital growth potential.

Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)

Jumeirah Village Triangle offers similar advantages to JVC, but with newer stock, larger land plots, and more family-oriented product types (such as townhouses and villas), which are suitable for medium- to long-term holds. Entry may cost more than purely mid-rise apartment zones, but product types here cater to a broader leasing or owner-occupier pool.

Dubai Islands

The Dubai Islands waterfront scheme is gaining traction. In the first half of 2025, the area achieved a strong sales performance, surpassing AED 3.5 billion with projected capital growth estimates of 25-35% in the near term. For premium investors targeting seaside homes, lifestyle brand value and future flexibility (holiday let own-use) make this a compelling segment.

How Refine’s Model Supports Investors

Refine utilises a “Development-as-a-Service” model. It covers the entire cycle: land acquisition, feasibility studies, design, approvals, marketing & sales, customer relationship management, and handover.

What that means in practice is that if you partner or invest via Refine, you benefit from end-to-end management rather than dealing with fragmented developer/ agent risk.

For investors who can reduce project-execution risk, improve transparency, and provide more transparent timelines and cash-flow expectations.

Given that 75 % of Refine’s clients reportedly return for new projects after measuring outcomes, the model appears to have strong repeat credibility.

Global Investor Focus

Refine reports that roughly 70 % of its sales now come from overseas buyers. In prime areas like Downtown Dubai, around one in every five buyers this past year has been from the UK.

What this shows: International demand remains strong and Dubai remains a preferred destination for non-resident investment. That underscores global visibility and may imply easier exit options down the line.

For you, as an international investor, this supports two key aspects: liquidity and global benchmarking of value (not just local domestic demand).

Market Context & Timing

Dubai’s real-estate market continues to show momentum and scale. For example, the city is projected to add approximately 73,000 new homes in 2025, bringing it closer to its target of 300,000 by the end of 2028. That speaks to both supply expansion and underlying demand.

At the same time, global rating agency Fitch Ratings has cautioned that a supply surge might put pressure on prices, forecasting possible double-digit falls (~15%) in some segments for 2025–26.

What this means: growth is real, but timing and product type are crucial factors in achieving it. Early entry, quality locations and strong execution will likely outperform less-refined launches.

In such a market, a large-scale pipeline backed by a firm like Refine gives you structure and visibility. The geography (Downtown, Meydan, JVC, JVT, Dubai Islands) is well-chosen across different demand vectors. The model aligns with investor needs, and the global investor pool remains active.

What This Means for You

If you are considering investing in new projects Dubai, here’s how you might think about Refine’s announcement and how you act on it:

• Choose your zone with your goal in mind: For long-term capital gain, focus on places like Downtown or Dubai Islands. For rental yield and affordability, JVC or JVT may be a better fit.
• Check delivery timelines: The pipeline spans multiple projects. Understand which phase you’re in, expected handover, payment terms and resale potential.
• Leverage the model: A fully-managed development partner (like Refine) reduces your operational burden. It may mean slightly higher cost upfront, but lower risk and higher transparency.
• Global buyer liquidity matters: With numerous overseas buyers in these regions, you’re not relying solely on local market conditions. That may help with resale timing.
• Watch supply-/demand dynamics: While Dubai’s growth is solid, supply headwinds are real. Entry now means you position yourself ahead of full market saturation, but you still need to select a quality product and execute it effectively.
• Size, scale, and brand count: Large pipelines (AED 18 billion) convey confidence, but you still must verify individual units, finishes, neighbourhood specifics, and developer track record.

Final Thought

Refine’s announcement is a strong signal. It indicates that Dubai’s real estate market still has room to grow, and that major development management players are aligning large-scale capital and infrastructure with what they perceive as sustainable growth zones.

For an international investor, this means an opportunity—not a guarantee. Good execution, clear timelines, location choice and delivery quality still matter intensely.

If you act with knowledge, discipline and patience, you could position yourself ahead of the next wave rather than chasing the lingering tail.