Indians have a special liking for Dubai, evident from the fact that they not only from the largest chunk of the emirate’s population, but are also the biggest investors in its real estate sector.

According to Dubai Land Department, the authority that tracks realty investments in Dubai, Indian investors dominated the emirate’s real estate sector by investing over AED 20 billion in 2015.

Furthermore, the South Asian nation was also the biggest source market for the emirate’s tourism sector in 2015, as 1.6 million Indian visitors headed to Dubai last year.

So what pushes Indians to swarm to the emirate by the thousands? Is it good investment opportunities, magnificent buildings, crystal clear waters, clean beaches, or all of the above?

By reinventing its realty sector, Dubai has managed to maintain an investment friendly atmosphere that is easy to comprehend and operate in, much to the relief of foreign investors.

It is one of the few regulated real estate markets in this region, a fact much appreciated if you happen to be an investor from the rampant realty markets in India and Pakistan.

Currently, properties in most Indian cities are heading skywards, thus pushing local investors to look elsewhere.

Since Dubai provides some of the best value and yields on properties in the world, investors are directing their capital toward the emirate.

High percentage of rental yields (over 7 percent on average according to Bayut.com) is another reason for investor trust in the city’s realty sector.

The addition of tax-free investment opportunities provide the perfect blueprint to residents wanting to pursue a luxurious and hassle-free lifestyle. Add to it world-class infrastructure, sustainable urban neighborhoods, state-of-the-art medical facilities and quality educational institutes that make Dubai not only a great place to work and do business in, but also to raise a family.

Dubai is also becoming a melting pot of financial activity and hold immense potential for Indians given the strengthening state-level ties between UAE and India.

During Indian PM’s historic UAE visit last year, leaders agreed upon strengthening ties between the two countries through people-to-people contact, as well as extending cooperation in security, defense, space, IT, energy, infrastructure, real estate and the hospitality sectors.

Interest in the emirate’s untapped economic opportunities is oft stirred up by celebrities as well.

Bollywood superstars are often heard investing in the realty sector and other businesses in the emirate owing to secure business environment here.

Naturally, this trend has encouraged other Indians to move their assets to the port city as well, in expectation of coming across their favorite superstar while they do so.

The Expo 2020 is just around the corner and while the emirate makes preparations to welcome 20 million visitors a year by that time, investors are looking at innumerable opportunities to reap benefits from the mega global event.

The emirate’s reputation as a top-class tourism spot is legendary as it has some of the best beaches, hotels, restaurants and recreational centers in the world.

Traveling to Dubai is also easy for Indians since both the countries are located in close proximity to each other.

This might also be the reason why Indian diaspora is the largest in this port city, almost making up half of the city’s population.

Apart from all this, the emirate’s biggest foreign investors cannot disregard the homely feeling many of Dubai’s neighborhoods provide. Be it a candid conversation in Hindi, a mouth-watering Vada Pav or Dal with the famous Indian spices, there’s not much from back home you’ll miss in this magical city.

Dubai makes Indians feel truly at home while away from home, and that’s why the love affair continues. (https://www.bayut.com)