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UAE billionaire Al Habtoor backs real estate as safest long-term asset
Al Habtoor says this approach shaped his preference for real estate, which he described as a tangible and stable asset and remains a long-term store of value that can be passed down across generations
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 12:51 PM UPDATED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 2:27 PM
Emirati billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor backed real estate as one of the safest long-term investments, urging investors to focus on markets they understand. In a video shared on X, Al Habtoor said investing is not just about financial returns, but about familiarity with the country and confidence in its environment.
He recalled the advice given to him by Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla, the late Emirati businessman who was a former minister and a founding member of Etisalat by e&, who had advised him early on to avoid investing in places that are difficult to access or unfamiliar.
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“Do not invest in a place you do not know, cannot reach, or do not feel at ease in,” Al Mulla used to say to Al Habtoor, adding that investing requires “understanding, trust, and knowledge of the place.” Al Mulla passed away in 2023 at the age of 97, and was a prominent entrepreneur and a dear friend of Al Habtoor’s.
Al Habtoor said this approach shaped his preference for real estate, which he described as a tangible and stable asset. “Real estate is one of the most important and strongest investments,” he said. “A solid foundation, you can touch it and see it, benefit from it today, and it remains for you, your children, and your grandchildren.”
He added that, unlike more volatile instruments, property remains a long-term store of value that can be passed down across generations.
‘Investing in something you see and follow’
Al Habtoor also pointed to the importance of investing in assets that can be directly managed and monitored, noting that physical investments offer a level of control that financial instruments may not provide.
“In the end, true investing is in the thing you understand,” he said. “Something you can see and follow yourself.”
His comments come as investors continue to weigh opportunities across global markets, with increasing interest in stable, income-generating assets.
Resilient Gulf economies
Despite ongoing regional escalations, Al Habtoor said economies in the Gulf have shown an ability to adapt and remain resilient. He was replying to Elon Musk on X, in which Musk shared an image which depicted the Strait of Hormuz as the thin, frail barrier holding together “Vision 2040”.
“The Gulf countries, and foremost the blessed State of the UAE have built their economy on strong foundations, a clear vision, and stability that fosters confidence. And for this reason, we are certain that this phase, like others before it, will pass, and we will emerge from it stronger, God willing,” he said.
This resilience has also been reflected in the UAE’s property market, particularly in Dubai, which has recorded sustained growth over the past five years. Industry executives have told Khaleej Times the market has not seen sharp corrections or distressed pricing, even during periods of global and regional uncertainty, with demand continuing to support prices across key segments.
Previously, the real estate tycoon has been vocal regarding the military conflict encompassing the region.
Hind Aldah is a business reporter based in Sharjah. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.