How Dubai’s Studio Apartment Prices Have Changed Over the Past Decade

Dubai’s real estate market has long been a magnet for global investors, offering a mix of luxury, affordability, and strong rental yields. Among the most popular entry points for buyers are studio apartments—compact, affordable, and high in demand.

Over the past decade, prices of studio apartments in Dubai have reflected the city’s broader economic cycles. From peaks to downturns and now a renewed surge, here’s a closer look at how the market has evolved.

The Decline: 2014–2016

In 2014, the average price of a studio apartment stood at AED 618,100. However, by 2016, prices had corrected sharply to AED 489,193, a drop of over 20%.
This period reflected global oil market pressures and a cooling of Dubai’s post-Expo bid boom.

Volatility and Stabilization: 2017–2020

After the dip, prices rebounded modestly to AED 537,608 in 2017 and AED 550,000 in 2018. But the momentum didn’t last—values slid again to AED 474,025 by 2020, reflecting oversupply in the market and macroeconomic slowdowns.

The Resurgence: 2021–2025

The turning point came in 2021, with prices holding at AED 482,520 before rebounding strongly:

• 2022: AED 540,000
  
• 2023: AED 570,000
  
• 2024: AED 673,057
  
• 2025: AED 727,990
  

Also read: Dubai Real Estate: A Decade of Price Shifts

The rise aligns with Dubai’s broader economic recovery, foreign investment inflows, and the city’s emergence as a preferred global hub for business and lifestyle.

Why It Matters for Investors

For global investors, and particularly Indian buyers, Dubai’s studio apartment market offers:

• Accessibility: Lower ticket sizes make studios an affordable entry point.
  
• Rental Yields: Studios remain among the highest-yielding asset classes in Dubai.
  
• Lifestyle Appeal: Central locations, modern infrastructure, and strong demand from young professionals and expats.
  

With prices projected to remain on an upward trajectory, studios may continue to serve as a smart hedge against volatility in other property markets.

Bottom Line

Dubai’s studio apartments have come a long way—from a market correction in 2016 to record highs in 2025. For investors seeking a balance between affordability and returns, the segment remains one of the city’s most attractive real estate plays.