Trade protectionism measures that have come to dominate the global economy are primarily being driven by the United States, the European Union, and China. Since the Global Financial Crisis, these protectionist tendencies have intensified and continue to rise, with advanced economies increasingly adopting such policies. According to estimates, the United States alone has implemented approximately 11,390 trade protectionist measures between 2008 and 2025. The majority of these actions have been directed against China, reflecting the strategic and economic rivalry between the two powers. In recent years, this growing trend has evolved into what is now commonly referred to as “trade wars,” significantly impacting the global economic landscape. Given that the United States is the world’s largest importer, any prolonged disruption in its trade relations has the potential to trigger a contraction in global trade volumes. The initial wave of protectionist actions that began with China has gradually been expanded to include a broader range of countries, raising concerns over the future of international trade.
If this trend continues and protectionist measures become more widespread, global trade could shrink by as much as $1 trillion. Such a scenario would be particularly detrimental to exporting economies, as they would face reduced market access, increased costs, and heightened uncertainty. Ultimately, the rise of trade protectionism threatens the stability of the global trade system and poses serious challenges to economic growth and cooperation worldwide.
When examining recent developments from the perspective of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the city of Dubai, it becomes evident that the process entails both advantages and challenges. In 2024, Dubai recorded a remarkable $207 billion in real estate transactions and attracted nearly 20 million tourists, making it the seventh most visited city globally. For a city with a population of approximately 4 million, drawing in such a high volume of tourists and achieving this scale in the real estate market can be regarded as a significant success.
To better understand the scale of Dubai’s real estate market, one could compare it to the entire housing market of Turkey. In 2024, Turkey witnessed over 1 million property transactions, yet the total transaction value remained below $200 billion. Dubai, on its own, surpassed that figure with $207 billion in real estate transactions. This comparison highlights the magnitude of Dubai’s housing market and its increasing prominence on the global stage. Furthermore, Dubai has evolved into a direct competitor to global tourism hubs such as Istanbul and Antalya. Although global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions could potentially affect the city’s trade volume and investor appetite, such risks may also redirect international capital flows. As investors from regions such as China, the United States, and the European Union seek alternative destinations, cities in the UAE—most notably Dubai—stand out as prime candidates.
The UAE has not been subject to U.S. tariffs and has maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations with Western nations. Additionally, Dubai’s "2033 Housing Strategy Plan" is specifically designed to attract more international investment into the city. Large-scale infrastructure investments and projections of the city’s population growing towards 8 million signal Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory and potential to become a magnet for global investors. One of the most striking features of Dubai is its deliberate design as a tax-free global trade hub. In contrast to the rising tide of trade protectionism elsewhere in the world, Dubai is actively positioning itself as a gateway for global commerce. Through ambitious new port and airport projects, the city is preparing to cement its role as a key international player in logistics and trade.
As Parcel Estates, we firmly believe that Dubai is well-positioned to remain resilient in the face of global economic disruptions and to continue its trajectory of sustained growth. We are proud to offer investors access to emerging opportunities in a city that exemplifies future-forward planning, economic dynamism, and global connectivity.
© Copyright by Parcel Estates
