DAMAC Properties is sharpening its focus on India, calling it one of its most critical international markets, as more Indians turn to Dubai’s property market for better returns, lifestyle appeal and investor-friendly payment plans. The Dubai-based developer, which has already built a strong presence across the Gulf, is now widening its outreach in India through partnerships, targeted marketing and a deeper brand presence.
During a recent interaction, DAMAC Properties Managing Director Amira Sajwani said the company sees India not just as a source of buyers but as a long-term market where sustained engagement is essential. The strategy, she noted, involves more than promoting projects. It includes investor education, tailored financing structures and stronger on-ground relationships with Indian partners.
The company’s latest move reflects this intent. DAMAC has brought on popular Bollywood actors Ranveer Kapoor and Alia Bhatt as brand ambassadors for its newest development, DAMAC Island 2. The decision sits at the intersection of aspiration, visibility and familiarity. Kapoor and Bhatt have enormous reach among affluent Indian buyers, many of whom are already active in Dubai’s real estate market. DAMAC has also signed singer-composer Majid al Mohandis to appeal to Arab audiences, creating a combined brand profile that bridges two of its biggest buyer bases.
Sajwani said the choice of ambassadors was driven by the twin pillars of demand. “We have a huge following from both the Asian and Arab markets. We wanted brand ambassadors who represent both sides of our demand,” she said. The strategy signals how DAMAC wants to position its properties, as cross-cultural lifestyle products with global appeal.
DAMAC Island 2, the project being promoted through this campaign, is a master-community development built around the idea of island living. Inspired by destinations like the Bahamas, Maui, Mauritius and Tahiti, the project features about 2,500 units across six-bedroom luxury villas, five-bedroom twin villas, townhouses and other high-end configurations. Prices start from AED 2.7 million, or roughly Rs. 6.5 crore, placing it firmly in the premium segment.
The pitch to Indian investors is straightforward. Dubai continues to deliver rental yields that outperform major Indian cities by a wide margin. According to Sajwani, typical yields hover between 6 and 8 percent, depending on the property type and location. In India’s top metros, rental yields usually fall between 2 and 4 percent. The difference has become hard for global investors to ignore, especially those looking for stable returns and a hedge against currency or market volatility.
DAMAC officials say Indian investors were the largest buyer group for the company in 2024. This continues a trend that has strengthened over the past five years, driven by easier travel, more transparent regulations and Dubai’s reputation for quick construction timelines and high-quality execution. The city’s permanent residency programmes and business-friendly rules add another layer of appeal.
To attract more Indian buyers, the developer is offering flexible and staggered payment plans. These structures allow buyers to invest without heavy upfront pressure, aligning with financial planning cycles typically followed in India. Sajwani said this approach has made a significant difference, especially for buyers considering second homes or investment properties.
For DAMAC, the opportunity lies in building deeper roots. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing wealth markets, with a rising count of high-net-worth individuals seeking global real estate exposure. Dubai’s proximity, tax advantages, strong capital appreciation and lifestyle benefits make it a natural extension of this demand. DAMAC wants to anchor itself within this momentum rather than simply capture occasional bursts of interest.
The company’s renewed push comes at a time when Dubai real estate is in a strong cycle, supported by government reforms, population growth and continued demand from expatriates. Indian buyers, especially, are looking at Dubai as a place where both investment logic and aspirational living align. DAMAC is positioning itself to be the first stop for this audience.
As the company rolls out more India-specific initiatives, the focus will continue to be on visibility, trust and long-term engagement. The new brand ambassadors may draw attention, but the deeper game is about sustained presence in a market that is becoming central to its global strategy.
