Investors and lenders are becoming more selective around asset quality
Ongoing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East are influencing how investors, lenders and advisors assess real estate risk across the UAE, affirmed Rus Kolinko, Managing Partner at Archers Valuation & Advisory.
While real estate activity across Dubai and Abu Dhabi remains relatively resilient, Archers notes that conversations around risk, liquidity and downside protection have become more prominent, particularly within larger or more complex transactions.
Archers’ in-house research finds the capital continues to enter the UAE market, supported by the country’s relative stability, favourable tax and business environments and safe-haven positioning.
Becoming selective
However, investors and lenders are becoming more selective around asset quality, income durability, refinancing exposure and execution risk as regional geopolitical, macroeconomic and financing conditions continue to evolve.
Archers says this is contributing to stronger demand for independent valuation and technical due diligence advice, especially in refinancing, restructuring, institutional acquisitions and transactions involving complex ownership structures.
The trend is also evident in selected M&A transactions, portfolio disposals and sale-and-leaseback structures, where independent analysis can support pricing, financing and risk assessment decisions.
Capital withdrawal
“What we are seeing is not a withdrawal of capital from the UAE market. If anything, the UAE continues to attract capital during periods of regional uncertainty. However, the approach to risk has become more disciplined,” asserted Kolinko.
Technical due diligence is also becoming more risk-focused, with investors considering operational resilience, future capital expenditure, regulatory risks, ESG considerations and long-term asset performance alongside traditional physical condition and compliance matters.
Specialist briefing papers
As Networking Partner at the 4th Annual Financial Restructuring MENA Conference in Abu Dhabi, Archers will launch two specialist briefing papers examining these trends. The conference will take place from June 17th and 18th, 2026 at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel.
