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  • Qatar Rental Market Records 35,917 Contracts in Q4 2025

    Qatar Rental Market Records 35,917 Contracts in Q4 2025

    The Public Authority for Real Estate Regulatory Affairs (Aqarat) confirmed on April 2, 2026, that Qatar’s rental market achieved sustained expansion across all four quarters of 2025, with each period surpassing the corresponding quarter in 2024.

    The third quarter of 2025 registered the most significant year-on-year growth at approximately 12.6%, while the fourth quarter climbed by nearly 6.9% to reach a record 35,917 contracts, Aqarat stated in a post on its X platform.

    The authority attributed the broad-based recovery to increased activity and consistent demand, noting that the volume of rental agreements finalized in 2025 exceeded 2024 figures throughout every quarter.

    Aqarat observed that this comprehensive growth within the rental industry strengthens Qatar’s status as a premier location for residence and investment, illustrating growing trust in the national real estate regulatory and legislative systems.

    The sustained performance in Qatar’s rental sector reflects broader momentum across the GCC, where residential markets continue to benefit from economic diversification and infrastructure investment. Earlier data showed that Qatar’s property sales reached $740.5 million in February, with transaction values climbing 56% month-on-month as Doha Municipality led regional activity.

    The record contract volumes come as Qatar advances long-term development plans and regulatory frameworks designed to support both local and international investors in the residential sector.

    With all four quarters of 2025 outperforming the previous year, the rental market’s trajectory signals sustained confidence in Qatar’s real estate infrastructure and its appeal as a destination for long-term residency and capital deployment.

  • Dammam Emerges as Top Choice for Saudi Homebuyers in 2025

    Dammam Emerges as Top Choice for Saudi Homebuyers in 2025

    Saudi Arabia’s housing market is experiencing a notable geographic shift, with Dammam capturing increasing buyer attention as affordability pressures reshape demand across the Kingdom’s three major cities.

    According to Cavendish Maxwell’s 2025 KSA Residential Real Estate performance report released on April 2, 2026, Dammam recorded a close to 30% increase in sales values to SAR10.7 billion, supported by more accessible pricing and steady economic activity in the Eastern Province.

    “Dammam, where property is more affordable compared to other cities, was the standout performer and is poised for sustained growth supported by competitive pricing and robust economic activity in the region,” said Siraj Ahmed, Director and Head of Strategy and Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell.

    The performance contrasts sharply with Riyadh, where residential transaction volumes fell 31% year-on-year despite the capital maintaining its position as the largest market by value with SAR96.2 billion in sales across 56,600 transactions. Average transaction values in Riyadh reached SAR1.7 million, reflecting higher property prices and elevated financing costs that have reduced purchasing power.

    Jeddah delivered its strongest performance in years, recording 30,500 residential transactions with total sales of SAR36.6 billion. The average deal size stood at SAR1.2 million, reflecting steady end-user demand.

    Recent policy interventions are expected to influence market dynamics through 2026 and beyond. A five-year rent freeze introduced in 2025 and adjustments to the White Land Tax aim to encourage development and improve affordability, particularly in Riyadh where supply constraints have been most acute.

    “We expect a recalibration of the market as new supply, the 5-year rent freeze and White Land Tax reforms make property more competitively priced and lead to a recovery in market activity,” Ahmed noted.

    New residential supply continues to enter the market, though delivery timelines remain fluid. Riyadh added 13,000 units in 2025, bringing total inventory to 1.93 million, with tens of thousands more planned through 2027. Jeddah’s pipeline is also expanding, while Dammam is set to add new stock over the same period.

    The expansion in supply is further supported by the recent rise in White Land Tax, which encourages landowners to develop empty plots and accelerate delivery timelines. “The full impact of this reform will likely materialise through this year and beyond, with the gap between demand and supply gradually narrowing, in turn easing price pressure and enhancing affordability,” Ahmed said.

    A new foreign ownership law introduced earlier in 2026 is expected to draw a broader investor base into the market. The framework allows non-Saudi buyers to acquire property in designated zones, marking a shift from earlier restrictions and opening the sector to additional capital.

    Oil price swings and geopolitical developments remain key variables, though underlying demand drivers continue to hold. “External factors including oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions of course warrant close monitoring, but Saudi’s residential market remains well positioned, supported by strong demographic drivers, ongoing infrastructure investment and a continued commitment to Vision 2030,” Ahmed said.

    The diverging performance across Saudi Arabia’s major cities mirrors patterns seen in neighboring markets, where off-plan sales momentum and buyer preferences for affordability continue to shape transaction activity across the Gulf region.

  • Dubai Commercial Property Prices Jump 28% Despite Regional Conflict

    Dubai Commercial Property Prices Jump 28% Despite Regional Conflict

    Dubai’s commercial property prices climbed 28% year-on-year during the period from February 28 to March 19, 2026, according to data released by Property Finder on April 2, 2026, demonstrating resilience in the emirate’s commercial real estate segment despite the start of regional conflict.

    Several communities recorded exceptional growth in per-square-meter prices, with Dubai Investment Park Second witnessing a 323% increase compared to the same period last year, while Al Safouh saw prices rise by 286%.

    Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, attributed the price growth to transactions concentrating at higher values.

    The primary segment continues to show relative strength compared to the overall market, with transactions up to 1.9% year-on-year across the same period (Feb 28 – March 19).

    Total real estate transactions between February 28 and March 19 stood at 8,549 compared to 10,404 in the same period last year, amounting to Dh28 billion ($7.62 billion) compared to Dh32.7 billion ($8.9 billion) the previous year. However, the commercial segment saw a 44.2% decline in transaction volumes year-on-year during this period.

    In the off-plan segment, primary transactions increased by 1.9% year-on-year despite lower overall volumes, with year-on-year transaction values up 15.9% during the same period. Prices in this segment saw a temporary adjustment of 5.2% compared to the previous two weeks.

    “Importantly, year-on-year transaction values from the same period are up 15.9%, despite lower volumes, indicating demand for premium properties. This points to buyers continuing to transact, but at higher-values, which indicates sustained market confidence,” Sleiman explained.

    The commercial segment’s performance aligns with broader market dynamics. Off-plan apartment sales climbed 12.9% in March 2026, while the market continues to demonstrate what industry leaders describe as structural resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty.

    Dubai’s commercial real estate sector recorded an impressive 77.9% growth in sales value and 35.1% increase in transaction volume in 2025, with office sales more than doubling to Dh131.1 billion, the strongest performance in more than a decade according to Cavendish Maxwell.

    Property Finder noted that buyer inquiries have remained fairly stable in recent weeks, with only a slight dip as purchasers adopt a more measured approach rather than withdrawing from the market entirely. The data suggests that confidence in Dubai’s commercial property fundamentals remains intact, with investors continuing to commit capital at premium pricing levels despite the regional security situation.

  • Dubai Off-Plan Apartment Sales Rise 12.9% to $4.77 Billion in March

    Dubai Off-Plan Apartment Sales Rise 12.9% to $4.77 Billion in March

    Dubai’s real estate market demonstrated continued resilience in March 2026, with off-plan residential apartment sales reaching AED17.5 billion ($4.77 billion), up from AED15.5 billion in the same month last year, according to an analysis of Dubai Land Department (DLD) data released April 1, 2026.

    Transaction volumes increased 2.3% year-on-year to 7,983 off-plan residential apartment deals, compared to 7,801 transactions in March 2025, reflecting sustained investor confidence in Dubai’s under-construction residential segment.

    Dubai Islands Leads Off-Plan Sales

    Al Masdar Al Aqaari’s latest report revealed that Dubai Islands emerged as the top-performing area by sales value, generating AED1.3 billion from 402 transactions during March. Madinat Al Mataar, near Al Maktoum International Airport, ranked second with AED1.2 billion across 809 off-plan residential apartment transactions while also leading in transaction volume.

    Jumeirah Second secured third place with AED1.1 billion in total sales, driven by just nine high-value transactions within the Dubai Peninsula master development, including Aman Residences Dubai and Peninsula Dubai Residences – Tower 2.

    By transaction volume, Madinat Al Mataar led with 809 deals, followed by Dubai Land Residence Complex with 651 transactions worth AED618.9 million, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), which recorded 570 transactions totaling AED660.6 million.

    Luxury Segment Posts Record Transactions

    Dubai’s luxury real estate segment recorded several landmark deals in March, with Aman Residences Dubai completing the third most expensive off-plan apartment sale in Dubai’s history. The transaction, valued at AED422 million, involved a 31,201-square-foot off-plan residential apartment sold at AED13,525 per square foot. The project also recorded another high-value deal, with a similar-sized unit selling for AED356.2 million at AED11,417 per square foot.

    The highest price per square foot during the month was recorded at South Square, Madinat Al Mataar, where a 1,230-square-foot off-plan residential apartment sold for AED19.9 million, equating to AED16,180 per square foot.

    The second-highest rate was at Aman Residences Dubai, where a 3,824-square-foot off-plan residential apartment sold for more than AED55.6 million at AED14,545 per square foot.

    Market Context

    The strong March performance comes as Dubai’s property market shows resilience amid ongoing regional tensions. Industry analysts note that the off-plan segment continues to attract both local and international investors, with move-in-ready properties and under-construction units both seeing strong demand.

    The data reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading real estate investment destination, with developers continuing to launch new projects and buyers maintaining confidence in the emirate’s long-term growth trajectory. As S&P Global Ratings recently noted, strong developer fundamentals and substantial revenue backlogs continue to support market stability.

  • Hotel Apartments Dominate Dubai’s Furnished Property Market

    Hotel Apartments Dominate Dubai’s Furnished Property Market

    More than a quarter of all homes currently on the market in Dubai come fully furnished, with hotel apartments leading the shift as the emirate attracts a globally mobile workforce seeking immediate convenience and flexibility.

    New research from eXp Realty Dubai reveals that nearly nine out of ten hotel apartments are move-in ready, offering everything from furniture and kitchenware to housekeeping and building services — a sharp contrast to penthouses and standard apartments, where only about a third are furnished.

    Dounia Fadi, Managing Director of eXp Realty Dubai, said:

    Buying a furnished property can be particularly appealing for some buyers, as it allows them to move straight into a home without the additional cost and effort of furnishing it themselves.

    For thousands of people relocating to Dubai each year, hotel apartments solve a practical problem: instead of spending weeks shopping for furniture, arranging deliveries or coordinating utilities, residents can walk into a home that is already set up for daily life.

    This convenience is proving especially attractive among young professionals, consultants and executives who relocate frequently or want flexibility in tenure. Larger homes such as villas and townhouses rarely fall into the furnished category, reflecting that families settling long-term usually prefer to personalize their living spaces.

    Demand for furnished apartments remains resilient even as Dubai’s rental market matures. Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for MENA at Knight Frank, said:

    Furnished rentals continue to outperform in prime locations, particularly where flexibility and immediacy are valued.

    For tenants, the benefits extend beyond furniture. Hotel apartments often include maintenance, security and amenities, allowing residents to focus on work and life rather than home management — a trade-off many find worthwhile in a fast-paced city.

    The trend reflects broader shifts in Dubai’s population dynamics. As the emirate continues to grow and diversify, fully furnished hotel apartments are no longer just a stopgap for visitors but a practical, popular way for people to live, work and settle into the city on their own terms.

    The shift comes as Dubai’s property market maintains strong momentum with sustained international interest, while the sector adapts to evolving resident preferences and lifestyle patterns shaped by increased global mobility.

  • Neoterra Developments Breaks Ground on Dh130 Million ELMORA Tower

    Neoterra Developments Breaks Ground on Dh130 Million ELMORA Tower

    The groundbreaking ceremony for ELMORA marks a significant milestone for Neoterra Developments as the company accelerates its presence in Dubai’s residential market. The upscale tower, strategically positioned just off Sheikh Zayed Road, features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with studios and one-bedroom units completely sold out and limited two-bedroom residences available starting at Dh1.7 million.

    Naresh Perwani, Founder and Chairman of Neoterra Developments, emphasized the project’s strategic importance.

    The groundbreaking of ELMORA at Jumeirah Garden City signals a significant step forward in our growth strategy as we accelerate our footprint in Dubai. ELMORA reflects our long-term vision to create boutique, design-led residences in prime yet evolving urban districts of the city, aligned with Dubai’s vision for next-generation urban communities.

    Strategic Location and Connectivity

    ELMORA offers residents direct access to Dubai’s key business and lifestyle destinations. The development is located minutes from the Dubai International Financial Centre and just five minutes from the recently announced Dh100 billion DIFC 2.0 expansion. Proximity to Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and La Mer beach, along with metro stations and major highways, positions the tower within Dubai’s integrated urban framework.

    The project is being developed in collaboration with GRID as its Development Lifecycle Management partner. Shreen R. Gupta, Founder and CEO of GRID, confirmed the company’s commitment to timely delivery.

    Despite the broader geopolitical scenarios, GRID’s extensive network enables us to secure the right partners and ensure timely, high-quality delivery.

    Amenities and Sustainable Design

    The 85-unit tower integrates hospitality-inspired services with residential living. Amenities include an exclusive jogging track, rooftop business lounge, state-of-the-art gymnasium, infinity lap pool, Jacuzzi with panoramic views, male and female sauna suites, and landscaped podium gardens. The lobby has been designed and curated by Grandé Maison by GRID.

    Residents will have access to dedicated concierge services covering reservations, deliveries, professional housekeeping, laundry, airport transfers, grocery management, nutrition support, and private chef experiences for special occasions.

    Sustainability forms a core component of the development. ELMORA incorporates EV-ready parking, water-efficient fixtures, solar-control glazing to minimize heat gain, and energy-efficient cooling systems to reduce resource consumption while enhancing indoor comfort.

    Expansion Plans

    Alongside the ELMORA groundbreaking, Neoterra Developments announced its next project in Dubai Production City, targeted for launch in the second quarter of 2026. Perwani stated,

    This reflects our continued growth and long-term confidence in Dubai’s evolving residential hubs.

    The announcement comes as Dubai’s property market maintains strong transaction volumes and investor interest despite ongoing regional geopolitical tensions. The near-complete sellout of ELMORA before construction began demonstrates continued demand for well-positioned, boutique residential projects in the emirate.

    With construction now underway and completion scheduled for February 2028, ELMORA represents Neoterra Developments’ strategy to deliver design-led, technology-integrated residences in prime urban locations as Dubai continues its transformation into a global residential destination.

  • S&P Rules Out 2008-Style Crash for Dubai Property Market

    S&P Rules Out 2008-Style Crash for Dubai Property Market

    Dubai’s real estate sector is structurally resilient and will not experience a collapse comparable to the 2008 global financial crisis, according to S&P Global Ratings analysts speaking at a March 26, 2026 webinar.

    The ratings agency highlighted that major developers have entered the current period of regional uncertainty from a position of strength, supported by years of robust pre-sales, solid revenue backlogs covering several years of operations, and healthy liquidity reserves.

    Four rated developers demonstrate stability

    S&P’s assessment covers four Dubai-based developers: Damac, Emaar, Omniyat, and Sobha Realty. Notably, Sobha Realty exceeded rating expectations and saw its outlook upgraded from negative to stable.

    “We’re not really seeing that play out just yet. The situation has definitely introduced a level of caution, but what we are seeing are lower transaction volumes,” said Sapna Jagtiani, director and lead analyst of Corporate Ratings at S&P Global Ratings.

    Developers in Dubai are entering this period from a position of strength, supported by strong pre-sales in recent years, solid revenue backlogs, and healthy liquidity buffers, which should help them absorb a short-term shock.

    Fares Shweiky, associate director of Corporate Ratings at S&P, emphasized that the current financial cushion should enable developers to weather short-term volatility.

    Base case scenario: temporary slowdown

    S&P’s base case assumes the regional military conflict will last approximately two to four weeks, with a temporary slowdown in demand and price appreciation following years of rapid growth. The agency expects a slight decline in transaction volumes but sees no indication of a broader market collapse.

    Jagtiani noted that some of the reduced activity can be attributed to Ramadan, when markets typically experience quieter periods with lower sales volumes.

    Market data shows resilience

    Despite regional tensions, Dubai’s property market continues to attract capital, with data from proptech firm Smart Bricks indicating that 85 percent of landlords are holding their assets and continuing transactions at scale.

    Even during Ramadan, traditionally a slower period, Dubai real estate recorded 15,196 transactions with a combined value of Dh50.58 billion, representing a 5.63% year-on-year increase in volume and a 29.7% increase in value, according to Kelt and Co Realty.

    Five-year growth trajectory

    Dubai’s property developers have recorded exceptionally strong sales over the past five years, driven by robust investor demand, government reforms, and the emirate’s expanding global appeal. Growth has been broad-based across apartments, villas, and commercial assets, with developers consistently launching projects met with strong off-plan demand and high absorption rates.

    The momentum continued through 2025, which marked a record-breaking performance for Dubai’s property sector. Developers benefited from sustained population inflows, rising investor confidence, and attractive residency policies that drove both end-user demand and international investment.

    The S&P assessment reinforces market sentiment that Dubai’s real estate fundamentals remain sound, with structural advantages and diversified buyer base providing support even as the region navigates geopolitical uncertainty. Unlike 2008, when overleveraged developers faced liquidity crises and massive project cancellations, today’s market operates with stronger financial controls, more conservative lending practices, and significantly improved regulatory oversight.

  • Dubai Penthouse Rents for Dh12 Million in Record Burj Khalifa Deal

    Dubai Penthouse Rents for Dh12 Million in Record Burj Khalifa Deal

    The property marks a rare transaction at the very top of Dubai’s rental market, where high-net-worth tenants continue to commit to premium rents for scale, privacy, and prestige. The deal highlights how demand for trophy assets remains intact even as broader regional uncertainty persists.

    “In times of volatility, capital does not retreat, it becomes more selective. It seeks environments defined by stability, security, and long-term vision. Dubai continues to command that trust,” said Karl Haddad, owner of the property.

    A One-of-a-Kind Residence

    The residence stands apart within the Burj Khalifa itself, following a multi-year structural transformation that combined multiple units into a single vertical residence. The process took more than six years, including over three years of approvals, with concrete slabs modified to create a private internal staircase. The result is the only duplex of its kind in the tower.

    Spanning more than 10,000 square feet with plans to expand further, the property includes a large terrace, private pool, cinema, spa, and gym, alongside high-end finishes and custom interiors designed for long-term occupancy.

    “This property is unlike any other in the tower,” Haddad said. “On a personal level, this reinforces why I continue to invest and operate here. Dubai has built an ecosystem where ambition is protected, capital is respected, and confidence is sustained, even in the most testing moments.”

    Shift in Ultra-Prime Rental Demand

    The transaction was facilitated by Keyper and points to a shift in how ultra-wealthy residents approach property in Dubai.

    “Ultra-high net worth individuals are prioritising flexibility without compromising scale, privacy, or prestige. A Dh12 million annual lease would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Today, it reflects the growing sophistication of Dubai’s ultra prime rental market.”

    Omar Abu Innab, Co-Founder and CEO of Keyper, noted that large-ticket property purchases remain common, though high-value leases at this level are still rare, placing the deal among a limited set of global transactions.

    That positioning has helped sustain activity in Dubai’s prime segment, even as other markets face slower deal flow. The flexible payment structures offered by landlords and the emirate’s strategic appeal continue to attract capital from ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking stability and premium lifestyle offerings.

    The transaction comes as Dubai’s property market maintains resilience through ongoing regional tensions, with industry leaders citing structural advantages and a diversified buyer base as key factors supporting continued investor confidence across all segments.

  • Dubai South Awards Dh2 Billion Contract for HAYAT Residential Project

    Dubai South Awards Dh2 Billion Contract for HAYAT Residential Project

    Dubai South Properties, the real estate development arm of Dubai South, confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons LLC for the contract, which will cover several phases of HAYAT by Dubai South, a master-planned development spanning 10 million square feet.

    The project is located near Al Maktoum International Airport, adjacent to the Golf District, and is planned as an integrated community focused on balanced living and wellness-oriented amenities.

    HAYAT will include around 2,500 residential units, ranging from one- to five-bedroom layouts. The mix will feature townhouses, semi-detached and standalone villas, mansions, apartments and hotel apartments.

    Nabil Al Kindi, Group CEO of Dubai South, said:

    Since its launch in 2025, the project has witnessed strong demand and interest, driven by its unique positioning and wellness-inspired features. Through this development, we are focused on creating a well-balanced community that combines quality living, connectivity, and lifestyle-driven amenities, while reinforcing Dubai South’s position as a key destination for residents and investors.

    The homes are designed with a minimalist architectural style, offering privacy, flexibility and contemporary living spaces.

    The development will also include amenities such as parks, shaded walking trails, play areas, outdoor recreation spaces, fitness facilities, community pools and landscaped gardens. Plans also include lagoons, a scenic lake, a community mall and a retail boulevard with shops, cafés and essential services.

    The location offers access to major roads and economic hubs, including Al Maktoum International Airport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai South Free Zone.

    Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with initial phases expected to be completed by 2028.

    Dubai South said it continues to expand its residential ecosystem with facilities including parks, sports courts, retail outlets, a 50,000-square-foot hypermarket, a mosque, a petrol station, and a public bus route linking to the Expo Metro station. The area also includes a GEMS Founders School, and a 200,000-square-foot mall is under development.

    The Dh2 billion HAYAT project adds to Dubai’s expanding residential pipeline as the emirate continues to attract investor interest. Earlier in March, Futura EDGE launched Oak Yard Residences in JVC, while BEYOND Developments unveiled an 8 million sq ft masterplan at Dubai Maritime City, reflecting the sustained momentum across multiple districts.

  • Dubai Records Dh84.6 Million Off-Plan Apartment Sale in Jumeirah

    Dubai Records Dh84.6 Million Off-Plan Apartment Sale in Jumeirah

    A luxury off-plan apartment spanning approximately 11,566 square feet has been sold for Dh84.6 million in Dubai’s Jumeirah 1 district, according to data from the Dubai Land Department’s Dubai REST platform released March 24, 2026.

    The property, located within the Solaya 1, 2, 3 development, was transacted at an average price exceeding Dh7,317 per square foot, reflecting sustained demand in the emirate’s ultra-prime residential segment.

    The transaction contributed to a strong trading day, with total real estate transactions reaching approximately Dh1.57 billion by midday, including property sales exceeding Dh1.32 billion.

    Record-Breaking Luxury Market Performance

    Dubai’s luxury property market delivered exceptional results in 2025, recording 6,668 high-end transactions worth Dh143.8 billion, compared with 4,735 deals valued at Dh99.3 billion in 2024. This marked growth of 41% in transaction volume and 45% in value year-on-year.

    The performance was driven by growing interest from high-net-worth individuals worldwide, attracted by the emirate’s investment environment, regulatory framework, and tax advantages.

    Continued Market Momentum

    The Jumeirah 1 sale follows a series of major transactions across Dubai’s most prestigious addresses. Earlier in March, a luxury off-plan apartment at Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah sold for Dh92.5 million, while a villa on the World Islands changed hands for Dh220 million on March 12, 2026.

    The sustained appetite for premium properties comes as Dubai’s property market demonstrates resilience despite regional geopolitical tensions, with international capital continuing to flow into the emirate’s real estate sector.

    The transaction underscores the strength of Dubai’s off-plan luxury segment, where pre-construction developments continue to attract significant buyer interest from both resident and international investors seeking exposure to the emirate’s evolving skyline and lifestyle offering.