But buyers from Germany, India and the UK are also high up on the list, according to the figures from the Dubai Land Department.
Overall international transactions reached AED114 billion in 2013 with AED6.71 million coming from Qatari buyers, followed by AED5.77 million from Oman, AED4.56 million from the UAE and AED3.71 million from Saudi Arabia.
German buyers were next, and top of the non Gulf buyers table, with transactions worth AED2.37 million, followed by buyers from India with sales worth AED2.22 million and then the UK at AED 2.11 million.
There are also a considerable number of buyers from other countries. French buyers were involved in AED 2.15 million worth of sales, Russian buyers AED2.05 million, Canadians AED 1.98 million and the US AED 1.83 million.
The figures were released ahead of the 10th International Property Show in April, which will coincide with the 4th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
IPS organisers said the fact the figures show that Gulf investors remained a key driver in the emirate’s property sector. They have been encouraged by new investor friendly legislation and a rising confidence in returns on property investments.
Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, director general of the Dubai Land Department, said it reinforced Dubai’s status as a top notch real estate investment hub in the Gulf and beyond.
‘I foresee even stronger regional demand in 2014 and this is where specialised events like IPS will help in maximizing per capita investment from neighbouring regions and the world,’ he added.
According to Dawood Al Shezawi, chief executive officer of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, organisers of IPS, said that overseas investments have been important in the turnaround of the UAE economy.
‘Growth has been driven by a maturing market, transparent legislations and regulations and a growing appetite for property investment. Our major focus in this year’s show is to expand the number of exhibitors and investors,’ he explained.
‘We will also be highlighting the role of regulation in driving transparency, market confidence and facilitating sustainable investment in emerging markets in conjunction with the IPS’ Official Knowledge Partner RICS International,’ he added.
Meanwhile another indicator of the recovery in the Dubai market is the number of projects that are now being launched. For example, developer Emaar announced seven new projects in the first eight weeks of this year.
These include the Lila Spanish coastal villas, Yasmin and Rasha villas in Arabian Ranches, the Vida Residence and Boulevard Point in Downtown Dubai, Mira Oasis town houses close to Arabian Ranches and the Mulberry at Park Heights in Mohammed Bin Rashid City.
Emaar, the developer behind the iconic Burj Khalifa which is currently the world's tallest building, said its total value of sales in Dubai for 2013 was AED12 billion, nearly three times the amount in 2012.
