Learn how RICS-aligned valuation standards enhance trust, ESG integration, and investor confidence in the UAE real estate market.
The world has truly become a global village, with increasingly interconnected real estate markets. The world is currently experiencing a surge in investors, developers, and institutions engaging in cross-border expansion, despite language and cultural barriers.
RICS, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, is the global professional body. An institute that is supposed to enforce standards for the land, property, construction, and infrastructure sectors.
It provides a framework through its Valuation Global Standards, commonly known as the Red Book, which ensures transparency, consistency, and professionalism in property valuations worldwide
Given the rapid growth of the UAE real estate market, developments must align with international standards, such as those of RICS, to foster trust and facilitate cross-border investments. This blog explores how understanding cross-border valuations can support informed property dealings.
These are complex legal, economic, and cultural considerations, making standardized valuation protocols essential. The RICS Red Book of Global Standards was updated in January 2025.
It incorporates the international valuation standards (IVS) to provide a complete valuation protocol to everyone worldwide.
This makes sure that property valuation practices remain transparent and consistent, regardless of geographic location. Investors can rely on a clear and consistent framework across international markets.
The RICS Red Book is a cornerstone of professional valuation practice, emphasizing independence, objectivity, and ethical conduct.
So, if you are looking into real estate and investment, here are the key 2025 updates that real estate investors and professionals should be aware of. The 2025 updates introduced several key changes relevant to cross-border valuations:
Valuers must now consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, assessing their impact on property values. This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where sustainability initiatives, such as Masdar City’s net-zero goals, are shaping real estate development.
The Red Book incorporates guidance on automated valuation models (AVMs) and AI, ensuring human oversight to maintain ethical standards. In the UAE, PropTech (or “property technology”) adoption is rising, with firms like Reliant Surveyors leveraging data analytics to enhance valuation accuracy.
The removal of repetitive content and enhanced cross-referencing make the Red Book more accessible, aiding valuers in aligning with both global and local requirements.
Of course, where there is good, there's always bad. The UAE real estate market is full of opportunities, but at the same time, it's full of challenges and drawbacks. The UAE’s real estate sector is characterized by its diversity, encompassing luxury residences, commercial towers, retail malls, and mixed-use developments.
Dubai’s off-plan sales surged by 25% in 2024, driven by projects like Emaar’s The Heights and Damac’s Lagoons, while Abu Dhabi’s focus on cultural landmarks, such as the Guggenheim Museum, enhances its appeal to global investors.
One challenge is the distinction between freehold and leasehold properties in Dubai, which can complicate valuations, especially given the high volume of foreign investors.
Every place has an organization responsible for the building regulations and for keeping a check. Right? In Dubai, this role is performed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which oversees transactions, registers ownership, and promotes investment. As well as the ownership, it enforces real estate laws and foreign investment. And Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
The problem can arise when the guidelines set by these bodies differ from the ones set by RICS. The property valuers are advised to keep documents of any conflicts between local and RICS requirements in their terms of engagement and reports.
For any further queries and questions regarding the property and real estate development, contact Reliant Surveyors.
Reliant Surveyors is a professional, RICS-accredited firm delivering expert valuation services that adhere to global standards, making them a trusted partner for banks, developers, investors, and legal entities.
With extensive experience across diverse real estate sectors—including residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial properties—Reliant Surveyors combines deep local market knowledge.
Along with international valuation expertise, we adhere to RICS standards. Our insights are informed by the latest industry developments, such as the 2025 Red Book updates, which emphasize ESG, AI integration, and streamlined guidance. For tailored valuation solutions and documentation worldwide, visit www.reliantsurveyors.com to book our services today.
