TMR

By AKMAR ANNUAR 

DUBAI-BASED luxury property developer Binghatti has officially designated Malaysia as its Southeast Asia hub to drive regional investor interest in its premium real estate developments, reinforcing the country’s role as a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic property markets.

The announcement was made during a media event held at Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, where Binghatti formalised a three-way partnership with Hong Kong-based property advisory firm Swan Knights and Malaysia’s Skylink Global Consultancy through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The initiative will offer Malaysian and Southeast Asian investors exclusive access to Binghatti’s portfolio of luxury residences in Dubai, including the newly launched Aquarise project located in Business Bay.

“Our presence in Malaysia marks the next chapter in Binghatti’s global investment platform — bringing world-class Dubai real estate closer to Southeast Asian investors,” said sales manager Lucky Zhang.

With over AED50 billion (RM58 billion) in development value and more than 11,000 units delivered across Dubai, Binghatti’s expansion comes amid strong momentum in the UAE’s real estate sector. 

The first half of 2025 alone saw AED431 billion (RM498 billion) in transactions — a 25% increase compared to the same period last year, driven largely by international demand, robust liquidity and investor confidence in Dubai’s tax-free ecosystem.

As the appointed regional base, Malaysia will serve as a springboard for cross-border property investment, targeting buyers from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and beyond through investor briefings, private previews, and after-sales support.

Swan Knights Founder and Managing Director Cubie Chan noted that the MoU marks a pivotal milestone in building a structured and strategic pathway for investors seeking access to Dubai’s thriving real estate market.

Speaking to The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), Chan said Malaysia’s maturing investment class and rising number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals made it a natural choice for Binghatti’s expansion. 

She also praised the country’s well-developed financial infrastructure and direct flight connectivity to Dubai.

“We are committed to delivering high-calibre advisory that aligns with the evolving sophistication and aspirations of Malaysian and Southeast Asian investors,” she added.

Why Dubai is gaining global appeal

Chan, who has been active in the UAE property market since last year, said investors are increasingly turning to Dubai for its capital appreciation, currency stability, and low entry barriers. 

She cited the absence of stamp duty, rental income tax and capital gains tax as critical factors drawing high-net-worth clients from China, India, Hong Kong, Russia and now Southeast Asia.

“There is no tax in UAE — no rental income tax, no capital gains tax, and even when you buy or sell, there is no stamp duty. That is why a lot of high-net-worth individuals are moving their capital there,” she said during the investor session.

Chan explained that developers in Dubai also allow off-plan property resale before completion, with no capital tax implications. 

The stable Dirham currency, pegged to the US dollar, further enhances investor confidence, particularly in an era of currency volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.

She added that property investment in Dubai is increasingly viewed as a safer option than volatile stock and bond markets, particularly after recent downturns in traditional safe havens like Hong Kong and London.

“Most of the investors I meet nowadays want something stable — and property is always a good investment if you have the capital. Stocks may rise one year and crash the next. Real estate gives more predictable returns,” she said.

Business Bay: The next prime investment zone

Among the developments featured during the event was Aquarise, Binghatti’s latest off-plan luxury tower located in Business Bay — just five minutes by car from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. 

The tower is expected to be handed over between late 2026 and mid-2027, with prices starting at AED1.35 million for studios and AED2.9 million for two-bedroom units.

Chan said Business Bay represents a strategic “next best” alternative for investors priced out of Downtown Dubai. 

The area provides clear views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, proximity to metro stations, and high rental demand from expatriate professionals.

Rental yields in the area currently range between 8% and 9%, with capital appreciation estimated at 20% annually, based on secondary market trends and Dubai Land Department data. 

Chan added that one-bedroom units and studios were especially popular for Airbnb and long-term leasing due to the district’s central location.

“A lot of our clients who could not afford to buy directly in Burj Khalifa are looking at Business Bay as the next best option — you still get the skyline view, and the returns are impressive,” she explained to TMR.

Binghatti’s competitive advantage

Chan said Swan Knights chose Binghatti as its partner due to the company’s blend of quality, pricing and brand recognition. 

She said Binghatti units are often preferred by tenants due to their build quality and are well-known among newcomers to Dubai.

“Some luxury developers charge a premium that doesn’t translate into rental returns. Binghatti strikes a better balance — the pricing is fair, the location is strategic, and the quality is consistent. I only recommend projects I’ve seen with my own eyes,” she added.

Projects under Binghatti’s name include global brand collaborations such as the Bugatti Residences, Mercedes-Benz Places, and Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co. Residences, which is set to become the world’s tallest branded residential tower.

Golden visa and crypto adoption expand investor base

A key driver of demand is Dubai’s Golden Visa programme, which grants a 10-year residency to investors purchasing properties worth AED2 million and above. 

This includes not just the buyer but also their immediate family — spanning three generations — with no minimum stay requirement.

Once registered in the Dubai Land Department, investors can apply for the visa within weeks, even before property handover. The visa also enables holders to open bank accounts, register companies, and enrol children in international schools.

Chan also highlighted Dubai’s openness to cryptocurrency payments, with several developers accepting Bitcoin and USDT. 

This appeals to younger investors and those in high-cash or decentralised asset segments, particularly in China, Hong Kong and Russia.

“Being able to convert crypto gains directly into property assets is a major draw. Some developers now accept Bitcoin or USDT — and it’s all legal and recognised,” she said.

MoU lays foundation for long-term collaboration

The partnership formalised through the MoU will see Swan Knights and Skylink co-hosting roadshows, advisory sessions, and private investment events in Malaysia and Hong Kong. The firms also plan to bring more Malaysian projects to Hong Kong in the future.

Skylink Global Consultancy marketing director Sammy Heng said whether they are first-time buyers or seasoned investors, the focus is on providing tailored guidance and end-to-end support throughout their investment journey.

He added that the firms are planning to host private showcases and agent networking sessions.

Dubai’s evolving global role

Chan noted that Dubai today holds the same potential that the United States had in the 1960s or China in the 1980s — an emerging global nexus for wealth, migration and innovation.

She noted that population growth in Dubai has accelerated post-Covid, with the number of residents reaching over 3.79 million in 2024, a 5.1% increase year-on-year. 

Expats make up 90% of the population, and the city continues to attract global talent in sectors such as fintech, logistics and tourism.

Dubai’s new infrastructure projects — including the world’s largest airport and the UAE’s first casino in Ras Al Khaimah — are also set to further boost property demand and tourism revenue.

“Dubai is no longer just a stopover. It’s a destination — for business, for lifestyle, and for wealth preservation,” she commented.

Investor engagement activities in Malaysia are expected to begin in the coming months, with ongoing previews and briefings for qualified buyers.

For further enquiries, contact Sammy Heng at 012-213 3417 / [email protected] or Klayson Ngan at 012-787 7097 / [email protected].   

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