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  • UAE Office Rents Surge 13% in Q2 2026

    UAE Office Rents Surge 13% in Q2 2026

    The UAE’s commercial real estate sector demonstrated resilience during the second quarter of 2026 despite regional geopolitical headwinds that weighed on tourism, retail and broader economic activity, with office and industrial markets continuing to benefit from supply constraints and strong occupier demand.

    Dubai’s office market recorded average rent increases of 13 percent year-on-year in Q2 2026, while prime office rents climbed 16 percent. Occupancy levels remained exceptionally high at approximately 94 percent, reflecting continued shortages of Grade A office stock across key commercial districts and free zones including DIFC, TECOM and DMCC, where pre-leasing activity absorbed a significant portion of future supply before completion.

    Abu Dhabi’s office fundamentals proved equally robust, with average rents rising nearly 16 percent year-on-year and occupancy reaching approximately 96 percent. Demand remained concentrated in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) freezone, supported by continued growth across financial services sectors, including hedge funds and investment activities. With less than 300,000 square meters of new office space expected between 2026 and 2027, supply constraints are likely to persist in the medium term.

    “The second quarter marked a notable shift in the UAE’s economic and real estate landscape, as regional geopolitical developments began to weigh on business activity, tourism flows and broader market sentiment. While several sectors have seen a moderation in performance, the impact has been uneven, with office and industrial markets continuing to benefit from limited supply and sustained occupier demand,” said Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE MENA.

    The report forecast a marginal GDP contraction of 0.04 percent for 2026, reflecting disruptions to trade, tourism, aviation and consumer-facing sectors, while projecting a strong recovery in 2027 as regional conditions stabilize and economic activity normalizes.

    The UAE’s industrial and logistics real estate market remained a standout performer, supported by government-led industrial strategies, supply chain localization initiatives and ongoing foreign direct investment. Industrial exports reached AED262 billion in 2025, while programs such as Operation 300bn and Make It in the Emirates (MIITE) continue to attract manufacturing and logistics investment.

    Despite regional supply chain challenges, leasing activity remained resilient and rental growth continued across major industrial hubs. In Dubai, strong rental growth was recorded across key logistics destinations including Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Investments Park and National Industries Park. Abu Dhabi’s market was supported by significant investment commitments, including AED48.5 billion announced through the MIITE initiative and major new logistics agreements within KEZAD.

    Dubai’s residential real estate market experienced noticeable moderation during the second quarter as demand softened and transaction activity declined. While residential sales prices remained 1.9 percent higher year-on-year, rental performance turned negative, with average rents declining by 2.6 percent annually and 6.2 percent quarter-on-quarter. Increased supply, slower transaction activity and weaker occupier demand contributed to a cooling market environment.

    Transaction volumes fell by 29 percent year-on-year during Q2 2026, with fewer than 37,000 residential sales recorded compared to more than 51,000 in the same period last year. Total transaction values declined to AED88 billion, down from nearly AED154 billion in Q2 2025. Approximately 18,000 residential units were completed during the first half of the year, adding to available inventory while helping moderate pricing pressures.

    In contrast, Abu Dhabi’s residential market continued to outperform, supported by strong domestic demand and sustained investor confidence. Residential values increased by 21.6 percent year-on-year during Q2 2026, driven primarily by apartment price growth of 24.4 percent. Rental growth remained positive at 3.6 percent annually despite short-term moderation during the quarter.

    Transaction activity in Abu Dhabi proved particularly robust, with sales values reaching AED32 billion, representing a 150 percent increase compared to Q2 2025, while transaction volumes grew by approximately 80 percent year-on-year. The off-plan market remained the dominant segment, accounting for roughly 83 percent of all residential transactions and 85 percent of total sales value, reflecting continued demand for newly launched projects.

    “What remains particularly noteworthy is the speed and scale of the UAE’s policy response, from supporting business continuity and trade flows to advancing economic partnerships and diversification initiatives. Although near-term conditions are likely to remain challenging, the country’s long-term growth trajectory remains supported by structural reforms, strategic investment and its position as a leading hub for trade, capital and talent,” added Green.

    The divergent performance across real estate segments underscores the UAE market’s complexity, with commercial property fundamentals continuing to strengthen while residential markets adjust to increased supply and shifting demand patterns across both emirates.

  • Abu Dhabi Residential Yields Reach 8.92% in H1 2026

    Abu Dhabi Residential Yields Reach 8.92% in H1 2026

    Abu Dhabi’s residential market maintained momentum across multiple price segments during the first half of 2026, with affordable communities delivering the highest projected rental returns while premium waterfront developments attracted wealthy buyers focused on lifestyle and long-term appreciation.

    Al Reef led the affordable apartment category with a projected return on investment of 8.92 percent, according to data released by property portal Bayut on July 28, 2026. Masdar City delivered 7.63 percent within the mid-tier segment, while Yas Island and Al Maryah Island each generated projected returns of 5.94 percent among luxury apartments.

    Villa returns followed a similar pattern. Al Reef produced a projected yield of 5.92 percent in the affordable category, narrowly ahead of Al Raha Gardens at 5.91 percent. Al Raha Beach offered 5.11 percent among luxury villas, while Saadiyat Island delivered 4.32 percent in the ultra-luxury segment, where investors prioritize exclusivity and capital appreciation over immediate income.

    “The first half demonstrated the residential market’s growing maturity. Demand across multiple price segments demonstrated the depth of market confidence,” said Haider Ali Khan, chief executive of Bayut and Dubizzle Group MENA.

    Rental Demand Strengthens Across Communities

    Abu Dhabi’s rental market remained balanced during the first six months of the year, supported by population growth and expanding employment opportunities. Saadiyat Island maintained its position as the leading ultra-luxury apartment rental destination, while Yas Island recorded strong interest within the luxury segment.

    Average advertised apartment rents increased 2.85 percent in Al Reem Island and 3.81 percent in Al Khalidiyah compared with the second half of 2025. Villa rental demand strengthened as households continued prioritizing space and family-oriented amenities.

    Shakhbout City recorded the strongest increase, with average villa rents rising 6.57 percent during the period. Khalifa City’s average villa rents increased 6.53 percent, while Al Reef posted growth of 3.76 percent. Al Raha Gardens recorded a more moderate gain of 2.37 percent in the mid-tier segment.

    Average advertised rents on Yas Island rose 4.17 percent as the waterfront community attracted tenants seeking premium lifestyle amenities.

    Buyer Interest Spans All Segments

    Saadiyat Island remained the leading destination for ultra-luxury apartments and villas, supported by its cultural attractions and appeal among buyers focused on long-term capital appreciation. Al Raha Beach retained its position among luxury apartment buyers, while Al Reem Island was the preferred choice within the mid-tier segment.

    Al Reef continued to draw value-conscious investors seeking lower entry prices and competitive rental returns. Yas Island emerged as the most popular luxury villa destination, while Al Shamkha remained prominent for investors seeking more affordable properties.

    Interest remained strong in off-plan properties. High-net-worth investors focused on Saadiyat Cultural District, Nouran Living and Manarat Living III on Saadiyat Island. Gardenia Bay, Yas Bay and Diva supported off-plan momentum on Yas Island, while Bloom Living and Reem Hills attracted mid-tier buyers.

    Market Activity Surges 112%

    The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre reported Dh117 billion in total real estate transactions during H1 2026, representing annual growth of 112 percent. Transaction volume increased 61.7 percent.

    Sales accounted for Dh86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions, with their value increasing 163.7 percent from a year earlier. Mortgage transactions reached Dh26.7 billion through 8,876 deals.

    Foreign direct investment in Abu Dhabi property reached Dh13.8 billion, increasing 309 percent and exceeding the amount recorded during the whole of 2025. Non-resident buyers from 116 nationalities participated, compared with 82 nationalities during H1 2025.

    Investment zones open to buyers of all nationalities attracted Dh75 billion, up 181 percent annually. Authorities approved eight additional investment zones, bringing the emirate-wide total to 50.

    Transaction Prices Rise in Key Areas

    Independent research by Knight Frank reported that average apartment transaction prices on Yas Island and Al Reem Island increased approximately 18 percent year-on-year through June 2026.

    Saadiyat Island remained Abu Dhabi’s most expensive apartment location, with average transaction values rising around 21 percent to Dh43,100 per square meter. Al Jubail Island led annual villa-price growth at approximately 40 percent, while Saadiyat remained the emirate’s most expensive villa market at Dh26,500 per square meter.

    The consultancy estimated that around 36,900 homes were under construction for delivery between 2026 and 2030. Apartments represented 66 percent of the pipeline, with 70 percent of planned apartment completions scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

    Rental Freeze Takes Effect

    The rental environment changed during the first half when Abu Dhabi temporarily reduced the permitted annual increase from 5 percent to zero. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre said the temporary measure applied across residential, commercial and industrial properties and would remain in place until further notice.

    The authority said demand had exceeded supply during recent years, pushing prices for new leases 15 percent higher across Abu Dhabi and 23 percent higher within investment zones compared with a year earlier. The measure was introduced to provide greater predictability for households and businesses.

    Bayut’s H1 rent changes compare advertised rates between H1 2026 and H2 2025, including periods before the freeze was announced.

    Population Growth Supports Demand

    Abu Dhabi’s population increased 7.5 percent during 2024 to 4.14 million, representing growth of approximately 51 percent over the preceding decade. Employment among people aged at least 15 increased 9.1 percent to 2.76 million.

    The emirate added about 29,000 real estate units during 2024, taking the total to nearly 784,000. Residential properties represented approximately 466,700 units.

    The findings are based on property advertisements placed on Bayut rather than completed transactions. They reflect asking prices, projected yields and search preferences rather than final prices agreed between buyers and sellers.

    Abu Dhabi’s residential market performance contrasts with broader UAE property market trends, where Dubai recorded its first quarterly price decline since the pandemic while other emirates show varied growth patterns. The emirate’s transaction volumes significantly exceeded earlier projections, with foreign investment reaching record levels as authorities expanded designated investment zones.

  • Binghatti H1 Profit Jumps 64% to Dh3 Billion on Dubai Demand

    Binghatti H1 Profit Jumps 64% to Dh3 Billion on Dubai Demand

    Binghatti Holding posted robust financial results for the first half of 2026, with revenue climbing 50 percent year-on-year to Dh9.5 billion during the six months ended June 30, the Dubai-based developer announced on July 27, 2026.

    Gross profit rose 66 percent to Dh4.3 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 75 percent to Dh3.8 billion, reflecting continued growth across the business.

    The developer launched eight projects during the first half, including Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City, the company’s first master-planned community, and Tilal Binghatti, its first villa development. The company delivered around 1,700 residential units during the period.

    “The first half of 2026 combined strong financial performance with important strategic progress across our platform. We expanded into new development segments while maintaining delivery discipline across our portfolio,” said Muhammad Binghatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding.

    Binghatti’s development backlog reached Dh44.2 billion, while revenue backlog stood at Dh17.3 billion at the end of June, providing strong visibility for future earnings. The company also maintained liquidity of around Dh10 billion.

    During the period, Binghatti completed a $500 million sukuk maturing in 2031, which was 4.3 times oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from regional and international investors. Moody’s reaffirmed the company’s Ba3 corporate credit rating.

    Chief Financial Officer Shehzad Janab said the results highlighted the resilience of Binghatti’s business model despite heightened regional volatility, with improving profit margins and the sizeable revenue backlog providing strong visibility over future earnings.

    The performance comes as Dubai’s off-plan property market continues to attract strong investor interest, with the emirate recording 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion in the first half of 2026.

    Looking ahead, Binghatti said Dubai’s residential market continues to benefit from population growth, long-term residency initiatives and economic diversification, with demand increasingly driven by end-users and long-term residents rather than speculative investors.

    The developer’s results align with broader market trends showing strength across all price segments in Dubai’s residential sector as the market transitions toward more sustainable, end-user-focused growth in 2026.

  • UAE Investors Drive Half of Sharjah Property Market in H1 2026

    UAE Investors Drive Half of Sharjah Property Market in H1 2026

    A statistical report released by the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department on July 27, 2026, showed that 9,655 Emirati investors contributed 50.6 percent of the emirate’s total real estate trading value of Dh29.5 billion during the first six months of the year.

    The department said the figures reflected growing confidence in Sharjah’s investment environment, supported by modern legislation, sustainable urban development and an expanding pipeline of real estate projects.

    Women drive nearly quarter of sales value

    The report highlighted the increasing role of Emirati women in the property market. Women accounted for 28 percent of traded properties and 24.7 percent of the total value of sales transactions, while men represented 72 percent of traded properties and 75.3 percent of transaction values.

    Ownership data showed women accounted for 40.7 percent of Emirati property owners involved in sales transactions, compared with 59.3 percent for men, underlining women’s growing role in investment and wealth creation.

    Young investors maintain strong presence

    Buyers aged 35 and below recorded notable activity, reflecting increasing awareness of real estate investment among younger Emiratis, while investors aged between 36 and 53 remained the largest segment. Investors aged 54 and above also continued to play a significant role in the market.

    Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, said the results reflected the strength of the emirate’s real estate sector and the success of its long-term development strategy.

    The report demonstrated not only the scale of investment but also the expanding participation of Emiratis, particularly women and young investors, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a preferred destination for sustainable real estate investment.

    Sharjah’s performance in the first half of 2026 reflects broader momentum across the UAE property sector. Dubai recorded 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion during the same period, while Abu Dhabi registered Dh117 billion in deals, marking a 112 percent year-on-year increase as foreign direct investment surged to a record Dh13.8 billion across 116 nationalities.

  • 84% of Global Investors Prefer Dubai Off-Plan Property Market

    84% of Global Investors Prefer Dubai Off-Plan Property Market

    Dubai’s off-plan property market continues to draw unprecedented levels of international investor interest, with 84 percent of global investors now rating the emirate as a more attractive destination for off-plan investment than rival global markets, according to a study by Smart Bricks released on July 26, 2026.

    The survey, which polled more than 8,500 international off-plan investors from Europe, South Asia, the GCC, Africa, the Americas and East Asia, found that over half of respondents said Dubai was “significantly” more attractive than other global property markets, while a further 32 percent viewed it as “somewhat” more attractive.

    The findings come as Dubai recorded 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion in the first half of 2026, with off-plan properties accounting for 71 percent of all deals. Approximately 121,000 new residents moved to the emirate during the first six months of the year, reinforcing housing demand and supporting long-term growth prospects.

    Capital appreciation remains the primary attraction for investors. The survey found that 61 percent cited the potential for capital growth as the main reason for investing in Dubai’s off-plan market, followed by developer payment plans at 54 percent, the city’s tax environment at 47 percent, population and economic growth at 42 percent, and strong rental demand at 36 percent.

    Dubai’s average property prices rose 9 percent during the first half of 2026, while luxury demand remained robust, with the city recording 296 home sales above $10 million worth a combined $5.1 billion. Transaction volumes in this ultra-prime segment climbed 16 percent year-on-year, while sales values increased 14 percent.

    “Global confidence in Dubai has never been higher, and much of it is well founded – but enthusiasm is not a strategy. The returns that make the strategy worthwhile are concentrated among investors who choose the right segment, buy in the right community, and above all sell at the right moment,” said Mohamed Mohamed, Co-Founder and CEO of Smart Bricks.

    The growth in off-plan activity is being supported by a substantial development pipeline. Dubai has more than 31,000 branded residence units scheduled for delivery by 2030, representing around 8 percent of total future housing supply. The emirate already leads the world in branded residences, with 64 completed developments and another 87 projects in the pipeline. Branded properties command an average 64 percent premium over non-branded homes, according to the analysis.

    A separate Smart Bricks report analyzing more than 70,000 off-plan units bought directly from developers and resold before handover between 2009 and 2026 found that the median flip generated a gross gain of 9.1 percent after a typical holding period of 19 months. Once transaction costs of about 5 percent are factored in, net returns fall to roughly 4.1 percent.

    The study highlighted how timing can significantly affect returns. Off-plan properties sold more than 18 months before handover produced median gains of 5.3 percent, while properties sold at or after handover achieved median gains of 18.7 percent. Villas showed a different pattern, with returns peaking at 27.5 percent in the final three months before completion before dropping sharply after handover.

    Location emerged as a critical factor. Tilal Al Ghaf recorded median gains of 24 percent, followed by La Mer and City Walk at 22 percent each, while Dubai Marina and Sobha Hartland delivered median gains of only 5 percent and 2 percent, respectively. The strongest returns were often generated in master-planned lifestyle communities rather than in the city’s most established residential districts.

    “Off-plan property buyers commit before they can experience the finished product, so confidence must be earned through architectural quality, functionality and delivery credibility. These qualities will define the next generation of luxury residences and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most desirable places to live and invest,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED.

    The combination of strong investor sentiment, record transaction volumes, growing population inflows and an expanding development pipeline suggests that Dubai’s off-plan market remains one of the world’s most active real estate segments. Yet the research also indicates that as the market matures, investors are becoming more selective, with successful returns increasingly dependent on asset choice, location and timing rather than broad market momentum alone.

  • Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties is progressing with a new Dh2 billion master-planned residential development as the company transitions from financial restructuring to an active growth phase backed by strengthening cash flows and improved operational performance.

    The planned community will feature approximately 167 townhouses, villas and bungalows, and is currently undergoing the approval and permitting process. The project forms part of Union Properties’ expanding portfolio, which includes the ongoing Takaya and Mirdaf developments.

    Revenue increased 68 percent year-on-year to Dh529.3 million during the first half of 2026, compared with Dh316 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Gross profit rose 41 percent to Dh107 million from Dh75.6 million, reflecting higher revenue and improved operating efficiencies.

    Second-quarter revenue climbed 69 percent to Dh257.8 million, while gross profit reached Dh48.6 million during the period.

    Through disciplined execution, we have strengthened our balance sheet, enhanced operational efficiency and built a high-quality development pipeline that is now translating into tangible financial results.

    Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties, said the company now has clear visibility over future earnings. “With approximately Dh4 billion of projects under development, Dh3.87 billion in potential development revenue with higher margins yet to be recognised, and a strong liquidity position, we have clear visibility over future earnings and significant capacity to pursue further growth,” he stated.

    Development revenue of Dh101.6 million was recognised during the first half, leaving the majority of the Dh3.87 billion pipeline to flow through financial results over the next two and a half years as construction progresses and project milestones are achieved.

    Union Properties maintained average cash balances exceeding Dh400 million during the first six months, providing the developer with funding for construction activity, new project launches and further expansion while preserving capital structure discipline.

    The company is using its in-house contracting arm, Tetra Edge, to manage execution and project margins across its portfolio as it accelerates delivery timelines.

    Management confirmed that development revenue is expected to account for a growing share of financial performance as work advances on existing projects and new phases enter the market. The developer indicated it will continue focusing on project delivery, portfolio expansion and profitability growth over the coming years.

    Union Properties’ results reflect broader momentum across Dubai’s diversified property market, where demand remains strong despite moderating price growth in certain segments. The company’s multi-year revenue visibility positions it to benefit from sustained investor and end-user interest as commercial and residential sectors continue expanding.

  • Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Residential Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Residential Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    The planned master development is currently navigating the approval and permitting process and forms part of Union Properties’ broader Dh4 billion project pipeline, which includes ongoing construction at its Takaya and Mirdaf developments.

    Revenue for the first six months of 2026 reached Dh529.3 million, compared with Dh316 million during the same period in 2025. Gross profit rose 41% to Dh107 million from Dh75.6 million, supported by higher revenue, operating efficiencies and continued project execution.

    Second-quarter revenue increased 69% year-on-year to Dh257.8 million, compared with Dh152.4 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Gross profit reached Dh48.6 million during the quarter.

    Through disciplined execution, we have strengthened our balance sheet, enhanced operational efficiency and built a high-quality development pipeline that is now translating into tangible financial results.

    Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties, said the company now has clear visibility over future earnings and significant capacity to pursue further growth.

    The developer recognised Dh101.6 million in development revenue during the first half, leaving the bulk of its current project pipeline to flow through financial results over the next two and a half years as construction continues and unit handovers accelerate.

    Union Properties expects development revenue to account for a greater share of its financial performance as work progresses across its portfolio. Its in-house contracting business, Tetra Edge, is being used to manage execution and project margins.

    Union Properties maintained average cash balances exceeding Dh400 million during the first half, providing funds for construction, project launches and further expansion while retaining a prudent capital structure.

    The results mark the developer’s transition from financial restructuring towards a growth phase supported by its development pipeline, improved liquidity and higher project activity. Management confirmed it will continue to focus on accelerating project delivery, expanding the company’s portfolio and increasing revenue and profitability over the coming years.

    Union Properties’ expansion comes as Dubai’s property market shows strength across multiple price segments, with developers recording robust sales volumes through diverse project portfolios in 2026.

  • Dubai Lowers Tokenized Real Estate Entry to Dh1,000

    Dubai Lowers Tokenized Real Estate Entry to Dh1,000

    The platform announced the change in a message to customers on Friday, stating the reduction would make ownership of real estate tokens more accessible while giving investors greater flexibility to build and diversify their portfolios across Dubai’s residential market.

    PRYPCO MINT allows users to invest in fully funded properties with the potential to generate rental income and capital appreciation, while also enabling the buying and selling of property tokens on the secondary market without mandatory holding periods.

    The move is part of the platform’s strategy to widen participation in the emirate’s growing tokenized property market by reducing the capital required to enter the sector.

    Strong Market Performance

    Since Dubai launched its real estate tokenization initiative on May 25, 2025, the Dubai Land Department has listed 10 tokenized properties through PRYPCO MINT, all of which were fully funded within record times, in some cases in less than two minutes, underscoring strong investor demand for digital real estate products.

    The platform said investors can spread their capital across multiple properties in Dubai, helping diversify risk and gain exposure to a broader range of real estate assets without the traditional barriers associated with direct property ownership.

    Regulatory Framework

    Dubai’s real estate tokenization programme operates under a regulatory framework developed by the Dubai Land Department in partnership with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the Central Bank of the UAE and the Dubai Future Foundation through the Real Estate Sandbox initiative.

    The lower entry threshold comes as Dubai’s property market maintains strong momentum, with traditional real estate transactions continuing to attract significant investor interest alongside emerging digital alternatives.

    The tokenization model represents a significant shift in how investors can access Dubai’s real estate market, offering fractional ownership opportunities that were previously unavailable to smaller investors while maintaining regulatory oversight and transparency through blockchain technology.

  • Dubai Property Market Shows Strength Across All Price Segments in 2026

    Dubai Property Market Shows Strength Across All Price Segments in 2026

    A new market analysis has revealed that Emaar generated the highest value of residential sales transactions in 2026 so far, recording Dh30.6 billion in sales—83.2 percent higher than second-placed DAMAC at Dh16.7 billion.

    The figures, released by fäm Properties on July 23, 2026, highlight a market driven by demand at multiple price points rather than concentration in a single segment. The top ten developers collectively recorded 36,808 residential sales transactions worth Dh86.8 billion as of July 22.

    Luxury homes continued to attract high-value buyers, with Emaar leading sales of properties priced above Dh15 million through 387 transactions worth Dh8.4 billion. Omniyat followed with 212 transactions valued at Dh6.5 billion, while H&H completed 178 deals worth Dh6.9 billion. In total, developers sold 1,248 luxury properties worth Dh35.16 billion during the period.

    The fact that Dubai’s leading developers have been driving sales across both the luxury and affordable segments throughout the year is a clear sign of market strength.

    Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the figures reflect a diversified market supported by both investors and end-users.

    At the affordable end of the market, Azizi emerged as the dominant player, recording 8,411 residential sales transactions overall—the highest among all developers—with more than 8,000 sales concentrated in properties priced below Dh2 million. Binghatti ranked second in the affordable segment with 4,268 transactions, followed by DAMAC with 2,247 deals.

    The analysis also highlighted the scale of ongoing development activity. Emaar has delivered nine projects and 3,819 units this year, more than any other developer, and currently has 150 projects under construction, representing the largest pipeline in the market. DAMAC ranked second with seven completed projects, 2,591 delivered units and 113 projects under construction.

    Meanwhile, Reportage has been the most active developer in launching new projects in 2026, introducing 16 developments to the market. The company also ranked among the top ten developers in both overall sales volume and affordable housing transactions.

    The report suggests that Dubai’s property market continues to benefit from a combination of robust luxury demand and sustained activity in the affordable housing segment, supporting growth across a wide range of developers. This aligns with broader market trends showing stabilization in the second quarter of 2026 as the emirate’s real estate sector matures.

    The strong performance across price segments reflects confidence among both international investors and end-users, particularly as foreign buyers remain active in Dubai’s residential market throughout 2026.

  • Dubai Commercial Property Sales Hit Record $5.31 Billion in H1 2026

    Dubai’s commercial real estate market has entered a new phase of growth, driven by expanding international businesses, rising institutional demand and the emirate’s increasing role as a regional headquarters for global companies.

    According to a new research report by W Capital Real Estate Brokerage released on July 23, 2026, commercial property sales reached an all-time high during the first half of the year, highlighting a structural shift in Dubai’s property market as demand increasingly reflects long-term economic expansion rather than short-term investment activity.

    “What we are witnessing today is not a speculative cycle but a direct reflection of Dubai’s expanding economy. The record growth in commercial property sales is being driven by real business activity, increasing corporate presence, higher employment levels and sustained international investment,” said Walid Al Zarooni, Chairman of W Capital Real Estate Brokerage.

    Average Transaction Value Nearly Doubles

    According to data from the Dubai Land Department, commercial property transactions totaled AED19.5 billion across 3,415 deals during the first six months of 2026, representing a 183 percent year-on-year increase in transaction value.

    Remarkably, sales during H1 2026 have already exceeded the entire commercial property sales recorded throughout 2025 by 7.7 percent, underscoring the exceptional momentum in the sector.

    The average commercial transaction value nearly doubled from approximately AED2.8 million in H1 2025 to AED5.7 million in H1 2026, indicating stronger demand for premium office assets and strategically located commercial developments.

    W Capital said the record performance signals more than just strength in the property market. It reflects Dubai’s accelerating economic diversification, rising foreign investment and the continued expansion of multinational corporations, financial institutions, technology firms and professional services companies establishing or expanding their regional operations in the emirate.

    “The fact that six months of sales have already exceeded an entire year’s performance clearly indicates that Dubai’s commercial real estate market has entered a new phase where institutional demand has become one of the primary drivers of long-term growth,” added Al Zarooni.

    Al Zarooni noted that the relocation and expansion of investment funds, global banks, financial institutions, credit rating agencies and multinational companies demonstrate that Dubai has evolved beyond being a gateway to regional markets into a genuine global center for managing operations, capital and talent.

    Office Properties Dominate Market Activity

    Office properties in Dubai accounted for more than 81 percent of total commercial real estate sales value, generating AED15.8 billion through 2,569 transactions, while retail units recorded AED3.7 billion from 846 transactions.

    Off-plan offices led market activity, generating AED13 billion through 1,668 transactions, compared to AED2.7 billion for ready office space. Meanwhile, off-plan retail properties recorded AED2.5 billion, with completed retail units contributing AED1.1 billion.

    The dominance of off-plan office assets reflects strong investor confidence in sustained future demand, as developers continue introducing high-quality commercial projects featuring modern design, sustainability standards, smart technologies and flexible workspaces.

    Al Zarooni highlighted the limited availability of Grade-A office space as a key factor supporting rental growth and capital appreciation.

    “The combination of robust corporate demand and constrained supply continues to strengthen market fundamentals. However, developers must carefully expand the pipeline of premium office projects to ensure supply keeps pace with the emirate’s long-term economic growth,” he said.

    He stressed that future office developments should focus not only on increasing supply but also on delivering smart, sustainable, and flexible workplaces that meet the evolving requirements of global businesses.

    Business Bay Leads Investment Destinations

    Business Bay remained Dubai’s leading office investment destination, recording 814 transactions worth AED8 billion, accounting for more than half of the emirate’s total office sales value during the first half of the year.

    It was followed by the Second Commercial Centre with AED1.6 billion, TECOM Site A with AED1.4 billion, Dubai Maritime City with AED1 billion, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) with AED910 million.

    This geographic diversification demonstrates the maturity of Dubai’s commercial real estate market, with demand spreading across multiple business districts offering varying price points, office formats and infrastructure to meet the needs of multinational corporations, SMEs and entrepreneurs alike.

    Strong Momentum Expected to Continue

    According to W Capital, Dubai’s commercial real estate market has proven resilient despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and global economic pressures, highlighting the depth of genuine demand and the strength of the emirate’s business environment.

    Al Zarooni explained that long-term corporate expansion strategies—including headquarters relocations, workforce growth and operational expansion—have fundamentally changed the nature of demand compared with previous market cycles.

    He further noted that the growth of Dubai’s office market generates significant spillover benefits across the wider economy.

    “When a company establishes a new office, it creates demand well beyond commercial real estate. Employees require housing, schools, retail, hospitality, transport and professional services. Every new office therefore acts as a catalyst for broader urban economic growth.”

    Today, more than 50,000 professionals work within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), illustrating how business clusters contribute directly to economic activity across multiple sectors.

    Looking ahead, Al Zarooni expects Dubai’s commercial real estate market to maintain its strong momentum, supported by continued corporate expansion, sustained foreign investment and growth across the financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    “Commercial real estate has become one of the clearest indicators of Dubai’s economic strength. Record sales are no longer simply measuring investor appetite for office assets—they reflect the growing number of businesses choosing Dubai as their long-term base for regional and global operations,” he concluded.

    The commercial property surge complements broader real estate trends, with Dubai’s residential market showing signs of stabilization in Q2 2026 and Al Maktoum Airport expansion positioning southern Dubai as an emerging growth corridor.