Flying from the UAE to Phuket has become easier, and consultants report interest in island condos from Middle Eastern buyers. Official statistics, however, do not show a mass wave of buyers who are Gulf citizens. Here is what open sources say.
Flights
There are more than 140 flights a week between the UAE and Thailand, including over 15 direct flights a day from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, operated by Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai (Khaleej Times, 9 July 2026).
On 3 September 2026 Riyadh Air launched Riyadh to Bangkok: three flights a week at first, rising to seven in October 2026 (TAT News).
What consultants say
Colliers' Phuket residential report notes rising condo interest from Russian and Middle Eastern buyers amid shifting global capital flows and softer sentiment in Dubai (Colliers, 16 April 2026).
According to CBRE, Phuket residential sales rose by more than 45% in H1 2026 year on year. International buyers made up 67% of purchasers, and Bang Tao and Cherng Talay were the most sought-after condo locations. CBRE names buyers from the UK, Russia, Canada, India, the US and many European countries (CBRE Thailand).
Official statistics
REIC data show foreigners took transfer of 6,533 condo units in Thailand in H1 2026 (down 8.8%). Russian buyers took 842 units, up 50.4% year on year, and 75.9% more by value. No Gulf country is in the top ten, and they are not reported separately (REIC table). Buyers relocating from Dubai are counted under their own nationality.
Comments from company experts
Company experts advise buyers abroad to check the property documents, the construction stage and the building's foreign quota before paying, and to base decisions on official statistics rather than headlines. The deal can be closed in person or fully remotely using our escrow technology, refined over many years. Phone: +66 90 040 0052.
Browse: Bang Tao, Phuket new developments, branded residences.
Read also: From Dubai to Phuket · Phuket or Dubai · Remote escrow purchase from the UAE · Branded residences · News: from Dubai to Phuket
Sources: Khaleej Times, 9 July 2026, TAT News, 4 September 2026, Colliers, 16 April 2026, CBRE Thailand, 19 August 2026, REIC data for H1 2026 (table translated by Siam Glow).