1. Ten Bitcoins of an English teacher
In 2011, when Chang Jian answered the question 'How should a college student invest with 6,000 yuan?' on Zhihu, his advice was to buy Bitcoin - then worth 0.3 USD each. This former founder of Babit may not have anticipated that seven years later, his six-figure Bitcoin cash-out would be enough to buy two apartments on the west side of Central Park in New York.
'Looking back, the guy who bought pizza with Bitcoin back then,' said former New Oriental English teacher Li Xiaolai, puffing on an e-cigarette at a blockchain conference in Xiamen, 'was essentially using a Picasso painting as a placemat.' Laughter erupted from the audience, caught between envy and jealousy.
This man, known as 'China's Bitcoin tycoon', now has properties in Tokyo, Vancouver, and Zug, Switzerland, but he insists that 'Dubai understands the tastes of crypto-rich people the best.'
2. The Binance leader of the Wandering Earth
CZ's passport is stamped with entry and exit stamps from all over the world, but this Binance founder found the most important anchor for his 'digital nomadic' career in Dubai. In October 2021, he purchased a luxury home of over 1,000 square meters in downtown Dubai for 13.5 million USD. This property quickly became the golden intersection of the crypto world and the real economy.
'In Dubai, my cold wallet and hot tub are equally safe.' This entrepreneur, dubbed 'cryptocurrency tycoon' by Forbes, once joked. In fact, since the founding of Binance, CZ's footprints have spread across the globe, but Dubai, with its unique charm, has become an indispensable 'oasis' in his business landscape - here, there’s not only a 24-hour operational blockchain regulatory sandbox but also the stunning skyline of Palm Island that captivates every cryptocurrency elite.
3. The blockchain gold rush in Dubai
In the summer of 2021, a magical scene appeared at a sales office on Palm Island in Dubai: A thirty-year-old Chinese man named Wang Ming pulled out his phone to show the developer his Coinbase account - quietly holding 2,000 Ethereum. 'It was as simple as scanning a payment code at the supermarket,' he later recalled on Twitter: 'Except I scanned a QR code, and they received cryptocurrency worth 6 million USD.'
This is not an isolated case. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, the volume of cryptocurrency-related property transactions surged 400% year-on-year in 2022, with Chinese investors contributing 70% of the total. Real estate agents on Palm Island now come with bilingual (Chinese and English) versions of the (cryptocurrency payment guide), and some developers even accept Dogecoin - although Elon Musk may have only mentioned it in jest.
'Last month, a young man in flip-flops came to view a property,' said Sarah, a sales director at a top luxury real estate firm in Dubai. 'He immediately transferred 500 bitcoins as a deposit, crashing our financial system - no one had seen such a large on-chain transaction before.'
4. The new totem of digital nomads
These new elites buy homes as casually as NFTs. Former Huobi executive James, after a drunken night in 2021, spent 45 bitcoins (then about 2.8 million USD) to buy a sea-view apartment in Dubai Marina, just because he liked the balcony view of the world’s tallest building. 'After sobering up, I realized the direction was wrong,' he complained on a podcast: 'I spent another 10 bitcoins to have the agent find a unit in the neighboring building.'
They created a performance art-like home buying ritual: posting a photo of the property certificate and wallet address on Twitter, using smart contracts to automatically pay off the mortgage (triggered when the ETH price exceeds a certain threshold), and engraving the luxury home's GPS coordinates on the blockchain as permanent proof of ownership. A Chinese mine owner even requested the developer to accept unique installment payments - using the output from his mine for the next three months as collateral.
5. From Wenzhou property speculation groups to blockchain real estate teams
Unlike the previous Wenzhou property speculation group, this group of 'blockchain real estate teams' has distinct digital native characteristics. Singaporean lawyer Allen observed: 'They will have DeFi market data and property blueprints open simultaneously in Zoom meetings, suddenly exclaiming, 'Damn, UNI has dropped again!' when discussing pool sizes.'
Their home buying logic is also full of crypto characteristics:
Prefer projects with divisible ownership (flexible disposal like splitting tokens);
Prioritize projects with divisible ownership (flexibly disposed like splitting tokens);
Special attention to politically and economically stable regions (to guard against domestic regulatory storms).
Dubai has become an unexpected winner, absorbing hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency investments through the 'Golden Visa' program. A quantitative trading team from Shanghai collectively purchased an entire building on Palm Island, transforming it into a 'Web3 co-living space,' with each bedroom named after mainstream currencies - roommates living in the 'Bitcoin suite' have to pay double the utilities.
6. The lifestyle of the new cryptocurrency elite in Dubai
In Dubai's most exclusive social circle, there's a joke: to determine whether someone is really a 'crypto big shot', check if they have installed heat dissipation devices for Bitcoin mining machines by their swimming pool. Although it's a joke, it reflects the unique lifestyle of this group.
Mr. Lin, a quantitative trading expert from Shanghai, owns three adjacent apartments in Dubai Bay Area. 'I’ve turned them into a three-bedroom mining farm,' he explained with a smile: 'The living room is for people, the bedroom has mining machines, and the balcony has a perfect view of the Burj Khalifa light show - this is probably the spring breeze facing the sea in the Web3 era.'
Even better is the flexibility of Dubai developers. The sales director of a project on Palm Island revealed: 'One client wanted to pay the down payment with Dogecoin, and we immediately adjusted the system to complete the transaction. Now our sales manual includes a special section on how to buy property with various mainstream cryptocurrencies.'
7. Trump's cryptocurrency real estate revolution
While global investors are still worried about the ups and downs of meme coins, the Trump family has already dived into a 'high-end game' in the Middle East. This former US president's business empire has collaborated with the London-listed real estate company Dar Global, investing 1 billion USD in a core area of Dubai to build the Trump International Hotel and Tower. What is the project's most eye-catching innovation? It fully accepts payments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies!
'This is the first large real estate project in the world to accept cryptocurrency!' Eric Trump's declaration is striking. Two penthouses in the project are priced at 20.4 million USD each, while regular apartments cost 4 to 5 million dirhams. As one netizen sharply commented: 'While others are getting rich from trading coins to buy properties, Trump is directly issuing coins to sell properties, a commercial genius confirmed!'
8. The golden formula of Dubai
The Trump family’s choice of Dubai is no coincidence; this desert city perfectly exemplifies the ultimate form of 'wealthy indulgence':
In the first quarter of 2025, Dubai sold 111 luxury homes priced over 10 million USD, totaling 1.9 billion USD. The number of millionaires in the UAE has surpassed 130,000, ranking 14th globally. Eric Trump’s praise hits the nail on the head: 'Dubai = Monaco + Las Vegas + New York, it is a tax haven, an entertainment paradise, and a financial center!'
The advantages at the policy level are equally remarkable: 10-year golden visas, zero personal income tax, remote work visas specifically designed for digital nomads... The Dubai government has almost turned all welcoming words into real monetary incentives. As a local real estate agent put it: 'Here, your Bitcoin can not only buy coffee but can also buy the land under the entire café.'
9. The carnival and void in the bubble
At the top bar of the Armani Hotel in Dubai, I met a cryptocurrency influencer known as 'Sohaguo'. He had just purchased a villa on Jumeirah Beach with earnings from SHIB coins. 'Did you know?' he swirled a glass of 23-year-old Macallan: 'Our generation is destined to be landlords in both reality and the metaverse.' The bartender quietly told me that this guest had casually asked, 'Is the gas fee enough?' when he last paid a tip with a credit card.
But behind the carnival lies anxiety. On the night of the LUNA coin crash in 2022, a partner at a Dubai crypto fund listed seven properties overnight, saying in the trading group, 'If I don’t act soon, I’ll be liquidated and will have to drive for Uber.' Sure enough, three months later, someone saw this former 'Ethereum whale' driving a Toyota Corolla in the financial district.
10. The future is here, just unevenly distributed
When I met Vitalik Buterin (the founder of Ethereum) at the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa while he was inspecting a project, he was surrounded by a group of Chinese investors asking, 'Should we buy property with ETH?' 'An interesting phenomenon,' said the shy programmer scratching his head: 'But are you sure you want to pin your decentralized ideals on reinforced concrete?'
Standing under a new cryptocurrency payment billboard by the Dubai Canal, watching the parade of Lamborghinis, I suddenly understood the unique appeal this city holds for blockchain billionaires. It not only has the world's first cryptocurrency regulatory authority but also a complete ecosystem that enables digital wealth to be instantly transformed into real enjoyment.
As a former miner who bought a villa on Jumeirah Beach with Bitcoin in 2021 said: 'In Dubai, your virtual currency wallet and your luxury home keychain can coexist harmoniously.' While elsewhere is still debating the legality of cryptocurrencies, Dubai has already provided the answer with tangible actions - here, the future is not coming; it has already happened.
For those digital pioneers who have achieved great success in the blockchain world, Dubai is not just a property destination but a real-world utopia that proves the true value of cryptocurrencies. Here, their digital wealth can gain maximum respect and the most flexible redemption methods. This may explain why more and more cryptocurrency elites choose to call Dubai 'Home Sweet Home'.
On the day I left Dubai, rare rain fell. Cryptocurrency tycoons on Palm Island were sharing the same joke in the group: 'It turns out there are blue chips and altcoins in the Middle East - rainwater is the real scarce asset.' Fifteen years had passed since the release of the Bitcoin white paper. This group of people rewriting the rules of wealth with code ultimately sought a sense of belonging in the physical world.
Top ten golden reasons to buy property in Dubai now: Seize the wealth express train granted by the era!
As a popular destination for global real estate investment, Dubai's property market offers investors highly attractive options due to its unique policy advantages, economic vitality, and international environment. The following is an analysis of the core advantages of purchasing property in Dubai from multiple dimensions.
1. The world's most favorable tax policies
Dubai is famous for being a 'zero-tax paradise', with almost no tax burden on property transactions and holdings:
No capital gains tax: No tax on the appreciation portion when selling property, allowing investors to retain 100% of their profits;
No property tax: No annual property tax during the holding period, reducing long-term holding costs;
No personal income tax: Rental income or property appreciation profits are exempt from personal income tax;
Low transaction costs: Only 4% land registration fee and 2% agency fee, far lower than other international cities (such as London's stamp duty, which is as high as 12%).
2. High rental yield and stable appreciation
Dubai's rental yield and capital appreciation potential rank among the best in the world:
Rental yield: Rental yields for downtown apartments are about 7%-10%, while non-downtown areas can reach 10%-12%, far exceeding cities like London (3.5%) and New York (4%). For example, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Dubai has a monthly rent of about 12,000 dirhams (approximately 23,000 RMB), with an annual rental yield of up to 8%;
Property price growth: In 2023, property prices in Dubai rose by 18% year-on-year, with high-end residential prices in 2024 ranking among the top five globally. Core locations like downtown Dubai and Palm Island saw price increases of 15%, and it is expected that prices will continue to rise moderately by 5%-10% in 2025;
Supply-demand imbalance: By 2025, Dubai’s population will increase to 3.92 million, adding about 1,000 people daily, but the annual new housing delivery is only 61,000 units, with the supply-demand gap persistently driving up property prices.
3. Foreign-friendly home buying policies
Dubai is highly open to international investors, with comprehensive policy protections:
Permanent ownership: Foreigners can own permanent property rights in designated areas (such as downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina), allowing for free buying, selling, renting, or inheritance;
Financial safety: Developers must set up government-regulated escrow accounts to ensure that buyers' funds are used for project construction. If the project is canceled, a full refund is guaranteed;
Legal protection: Off-plan transactions must be notarized and registered, issuing a temporary ownership certificate called 'Oqood'. If the delivery area differs by more than 5%, the developer must compensate at the original price;
No common area fees: Dubai properties are priced based on actual usable area, excluding common area fees, ensuring that every penny is well spent;
Finely furnished delivery: Most new Dubai properties come with fine furnishings, and some even include furniture, kitchenware, and appliances, saving the hassle and extra costs of decoration;
Interest-free payment plans: Dubai developers offer interest-free payment plans, allowing buyers to pay a certain percentage of the down payment, with the remaining amount payable in installments, easing financial pressure and improving investment returns.
4. Visa and residency convenience
Home purchases can directly or indirectly grant long-term residency rights:
Golden visa: Investment of over 2 million dirhams (approximately 3.8 million RMB) in real estate can apply for a 10-year golden visa, allowing spouse, children, and parents to accompany;
Retirement visa: Investors over 55 years old purchasing property worth 2 million dirhams can apply for a 5-year retirement visa, with no residency requirements;
Work visa: Obtain a work visa through property investment or entrepreneurship (such as a free trade zone company) to enjoy local medical and educational benefits.
5. Economic diversification and leading infrastructure
Dubai's economy has strong risk resistance and world-class infrastructure:
Non-oil economy accounts for over 90%: Industries such as finance, tourism, and trade contribute significantly to GDP. In 2023, non-oil GDP grew by 6.7%, reducing dependence on oil;
World-class infrastructure: Dubai has the world's busiest airport (over 90 million passengers annually), a metro network, free trade zones (like JAFZ), and smart city projects (like Dubai South), enhancing property values;
Large events drive tourism: International events such as the World Expo and Dubai World Cup attract a large number of tourists and investments, boosting the short-term rental market.
6. Exchange rate and asset allocation advantages
The dirham is pegged to the dollar, with a stable exchange rate, suitable for global asset allocation:
Exchange rate hedging: The dirham is long-term fixed at 3.67:1 against the dollar, avoiding exchange rate fluctuation risks, especially suitable for investors holding dollar assets;
RMB appreciation potential: If the RMB depreciates, Dubai properties priced in RMB will appreciate simultaneously. For example, if the RMB depreciates by 1% against the dirham in 2024, a property worth 5 million dirhams will appreciate by about 100,000 RMB;
No foreign exchange controls: Dubai has no foreign exchange controls, allowing free flow of funds, enabling investors to flexibly allocate resources;
No purchase or sale restrictions: The Dubai real estate market has no restrictions on quantity or resale timing, providing ample freedom and flexibility for investors to seize global asset allocation opportunities.
7. Green buildings and sustainable development
Dubai promotes green buildings, enhancing the long-term value of properties:
Environmental policies: New buildings must meet green building standards (such as LEED certification), utilizing solar energy, water-saving technologies, etc., to reduce energy costs;
Future trends: By 2050, all buildings in Dubai will achieve net-zero carbon emissions, with green buildings commanding a rental premium of 10%-15%.
8. Regional investment potential and developer credibility
The choice of different regions and developers affects investment returns:
Core areas: Premium areas such as downtown Dubai, Palm Island, and Dubai Marina have rental and property price increases leading the way, suitable for short-term investment and high-end leasing;
Emerging areas: New planned areas such as Dubai South and Dubai Silicon Oasis, supported by policies and infrastructure investment, have long-term appreciation potential;
Reliable developers: Choose reputable developers like Emaar and Damac to ensure projects are delivered on time and quality is guaranteed.
9. Advantages of self-use and living support
Dubai provides a high-quality education, medical, and living environment:
International education: Top global schools such as GEMS Wellington Academy and JSS Private School have branches, with tuition fees only a third of domestic international schools;
Medical resources: Dubai has many internationally accredited hospitals (such as the Cleveland Clinic Dubai), with globally leading medical standards;
Convenience of life: Year-round abundant sunshine, tax-free shopping, and diverse cultural festivals (like the Dubai Shopping Festival) make it suitable for family living.
10. The East-West hub and wealthy social circles
The world's first city to establish a cryptocurrency regulatory authority, buying luxury homes with Bitcoin and USDT is not a dream. Trump Tower even accepts cryptocurrency payments. Here, your virtual assets and physical properties perfectly integrate, truly realizing 'on-chain wealth, off-chain enjoyment';
The tallest building, the largest mall, the most luxurious hotels... Dubai takes 'world's best' as standard. Here, waking up every day is a VIP treatment, and life is an endless top-tier enjoyment;
8 hours flying to major cities worldwide, covering Eurasia and Africa in 4 hours, your Dubai luxury home is the strategic center of the global business landscape;
Being neighbors with CZ and friends with Trump buyers, Dubai real estate is not just a residence but a golden key to unlock top-tier circles. Here, opportunities are like oil in the desert, flowing endlessly!
Summary
The advantages of Dubai real estate can be summarized as 'three highs and three lows': high returns, high appreciation, high convenience, low taxes, low risks, and low thresholds. For international investors, especially those seeking asset preservation, tax optimization, and long-term residency, Dubai is an ideal choice. At the same time, investors should also be aware of market fluctuations and regional differences, choosing suitable property types and developers according to their individual needs.
🌟 If you don't buy in Dubai now, are you going to wait for the whole world to wake up and rush to purchase? Opportunities are like Bitcoin, fleeting! Act now and let your wealth shine the brightest on the pearl of the desert! 🏙️💰
Silver Time Real Estate - Alice, add contact information (V: nihaoalice309, note OpenSea Chinese community).
Alice's message
I am a senior agent focusing on the Dubai real estate sector and also an investor in the blockchain industry. I have lived and worked in Dubai for 10 years and am well-versed in the development trends of various areas. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped many clients achieve their dreams of owning property in Dubai.
I am well-versed in various policies and regulations in the Dubai real estate market and can accurately interpret the home buying process, property rights issues, tax policies, etc., to help you avoid potential risks. From the early stages of screening the most suitable properties based on your needs, to accompanying site visits, helping you communicate and coordinate with developers, lawyers, etc., to subsequent loan processing, property handover, and management services, I will follow through the entire process, providing a worry-free one-stop service.
Whether you want to invest in Dubai real estate to achieve wealth growth through rental income and property appreciation, or are looking for an ideal residence for your children's education and family immigration, you can confidently entrust it to me. I will use my expertise and enthusiasm to open the door to your ideal life in Dubai.
About Silver Time Real Estate
Silver Time Real Estate has deepened its presence in the Dubai real estate market for eleven years, redefining asset value with professionalism. As a leading enterprise in the Dubai Chinese real estate brokerage industry, we have a professional team of 50, building a full-cycle service system covering market research, project selection, transaction services, and asset management. We have been awarded the annual sales champion among Dubai developers for three consecutive years.
We have created a unique 'five-dimensional due diligence' assessment model, screening the most value-appreciable real estate projects for you from the five dimensions of policy planning, regional development, cash flow calculation, builder qualifications, and rental-to-sale ratios. Additionally, we provide a one-stop service loop that includes investment consulting, property selection, loan planning, legal risk control, property handover inspection, leasing management, and asset disposal. A legally certified team from the Dubai Land Department ensures that each transaction is compliant and transparent.
With our exceptional professional capabilities, we have become the designated real estate service provider for Huawei Dubai, China National Petroleum, Sinopec, and several state-owned banks' institutions in Dubai, accurately matching your global asset allocation needs.
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