Entrepreneur.com features an exclusive interview with Ben Locke, sharing his journey in launching Locke Lifestyle Properties in Dubai.
Seasoned corporate executive Ben Locke aims to offer businesses from all around the world a gateway into the MENA region.
Starting a business in a new country isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about vision, adaptation, and taking calculated risks. For Ben Locke, founder of Locke Lifestyle Properties, Dubai was more than just a destination; it was the perfect launchpad for a bold new venture.
"Moving to Dubai wasn’t just about starting a company—it was about embracing an entirely new way of doing business. The energy, the opportunity, and the forward-thinking mindset here are unlike anywhere else in the world. But with opportunity comes challenge, and navigating the real estate market as a foreign entrepreneur required strategy, connections, and a deep understanding of the market." – Ben Locke
Entrepreneur.com recently featured Ben’s journey, highlighting the challenges, insights, and pivotal moments that shaped Locke Lifestyle Properties into the brand it is today.
🔗 Read the full article on Entrepreneur.com
Dubai’s property market in 2025 is being shaped by six key trends: the rise of branded residences, sustainable and smart developments, co-living spaces, ultra-luxury waterfront projects, Golden Visa-driven investments, and emerging fractional ownership models. These trends are creating new opportunities for both local and international investors.
Branded residences in Dubai are outperforming the market in 2025, offering stronger resale values, premium rental rates, and world-class quality through partnerships between developers and luxury brands. Key locations include Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Bay Island, and Dubai Marina, with demand driven by high-net-worth buyers seeking prestige and turnkey luxury. Properties priced at AED 2 million or more also qualify for the UAE Golden Visa.
Buying property in Dubai in 2025 is simple if you follow the right steps. Define your budget, choose the right location, work with a registered broker, arrange financing, select your property, sign the sales agreement, transfer ownership through the Dubai Land Department, and set up utilities or management. Foreigners can buy in freehold zones, and a property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for a Golden Visa.
In Dubai, freehold ownership gives you permanent rights to both the property and the land, while leasehold offers ownership for a fixed term of 30 to 99 years. Freehold is popular for long-term investment and resale value, while leasehold can be cheaper and suit short-to-medium-term plans.
Dubai’s property market is set for steady growth through 2025–2026, driven by strong demand for luxury waterfront homes, branded residences, and high-yield mid-market communities. Prime areas like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and MBR City are expected to see the most capital appreciation, while JVC and Dubai Silicon Oasis remain top spots for rental yields. Off-plan projects will continue to dominate, supported by attractive payment plans and strong investor demand.
