For Indian investors, Dubai has long been an attractive yet complex real estate destination promising global exposure, strong returns, and a superior lifestyle, but often clouded by confusion around regulations, taxation, and on-ground realities. In an exclusive conversation, Aditya Earnest John, Founder of HowToDXB Real Estate, shares how his own 13-year investment journey exposed a critical gap in the market: advisors who understood either Indian compliance or Dubai real estate, but rarely both.
What began as a personal challenge evolved into a trusted cross-border advisory that now guides Indian families through every step of their Dubai property journey legally, financially, and strategically. From shifting mindsets of a new generation of global Indian buyers to breaking long-held myths around affordability, residency, and visas, Aditya offers rare, on-ground insights into why Dubai has become a preferred base for long-term wealth creation and lifestyle-led investing.
1. You have built a trusted advisory for Indian investors in Dubai. What personal experiences or market gaps inspired you to start this journey?
Ans. Like many good businesses, this started with a personal pain point. When I began my own Dubai investment journey 13 years ago, I realised there was a huge gap in the market. Dubai agents understood Dubai well, but not Indian taxation. Indian agents understood Indian rules, but could not compare two Dubai communities, analyse returns, or guide me on which neighbourhood suited my family’s lifestyle better.
I realised first-time Indian investors needed both sides:
- correct FEMA + taxation guidance, and
- deep, on-ground Dubai knowledge.
So I learned the rules myself, understood Dubai’s landscape, and built an advisory that handholds an Indian investor from both ends legally, financially, and strategically.
2. More Indian families are choosing Dubai for education, safety, and lifestyle. What shifts in buyer behaviour are you noticing on the ground?
Ans. The new generation of Indian buyers doesn’t carry the same baggage as older investors. Earlier mindsets like “property must be close to home” or “will the building get completed on time?” have vanished. Dubai has delivered for 20 straight years, and RERA’s strength means people no longer worry about delays or construction quality.
Today’s Indian investor has a global mindset. A long-term UAE residency is highly sought after. Families are thinking internationally from sending their children to top universities abroad to building global investment portfolios. Dubai has become the perfect base between the East and West.
3. What are some common misconceptions Indians have about buying property in Dubai, and how do you address them?
Ans. There are several recurring misconceptions:
Misconception 1: “Indians cannot buy property in Dubai unless they are residents.”
Falseanyone from anywhere in the world can buy property in Dubai. Residency is not required.
Misconception 2: “Golden Visa needs tens of crores.”
Incorrect you only need to buy property worth AED 2 million (~₹4.7 crore) and pay just 20% to apply.
Misconception 3: Dubai is only for millionaires.
Dubai is the cheapest per sq. ft. compared to top cities in the world, and even ₹1.5 crore is enough to get you an investment-grade property.
4. As an entrepreneur operating in a global market, how do you balance rapid business growth with maintaining deep personal relationships with clients?
Ans. Trust is the foundation of our business. Indian families come to Dubai based on our analysis, projections, and judgment, so the relationship must be built on deep trust and transparency first.
We are expanding rapidly Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and London by March but our biggest challenge is maintaining the same client experience across geographies. To solve this, we follow strict SOPs and three core values:
- Radical Transparency
- Treat it like our family money
- Long-term thinking
5. From your experience, what mindset or approach differentiates successful long-term investors from those who make impulsive decisions?
Ans. Two qualities stand out:
- Successful investors know why they are investing.
They understand Dubai’s pros and cons, are not over-leveraged, and treat real estate as part of a long-term plan. When minor corrections happen, they don’t panic because they see the bigger picture.
- Unsuccessful investors are over-leveraged or looking for quick exits.
They invest more than they are comfortable with, chase hype, and worry at the first sign of a correction.
Golden rule:
If it’s your first Dubai investment, work with an advisor you trust.
