Author: Estattor.com

  • Dubai Adds 186 Property Developers in Seven Months of 2026

    Dubai Adds 186 Property Developers in Seven Months of 2026

    The Dubai Land Department reported that 186 real estate development companies entered the market during the first seven and a half months of 2026, reflecting continued expansion in one of the region’s most active property sectors.

    The Department of Economy and Tourism issued 180 licences to new developers, accounting for the vast majority of registrations during the period. Trakhees, the licensing arm of Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation responsible for Dubai Maritime City development activity, granted three additional licences.

    The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development issued two licences, while Expo City Dubai granted one.

    The steady monthly average of 25 new developers underscores growing investor confidence in Dubai’s capacity to absorb additional projects as the emirate maintains robust transaction volumes across residential and commercial segments.

    The expanding pool of developers is expected to intensify market competition and broaden the range of projects available to buyers and investors, extending beyond established players to include a wider variety of companies with diverse project portfolios.

    Dubai’s property market has demonstrated strength across all price segments in 2026, with transaction values reaching Dh221.4 billion across 79,300 deals in the first half alone.

    The influx of new development companies reinforces Dubai’s position as a regional and international destination for property investment, attracting both capital and developers as the market continues to deliver projects across affordable, mid-tier and luxury categories.

  • Qatar Property Market Records $103.53 Million in One Week

    The Ministry of Justice’s Real Estate Registration Department registered QAR353,406,706 in sale contracts between August 2 and 6, 2026, according to QNA reporting from Doha on August 13. Residential unit contracts added QAR23,813,514 during the same period, bringing combined real estate trading to QAR377.22 million.

    The department’s weekly bulletin showed that properties traded included vacant land, homes, commercial shops, a hotel and residential units, indicating activity was not limited to a single asset category during the five-day reporting period.

    Transactions were registered in Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Al Daayen, Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al Thakhira and Al Shamal. Sales also covered Al Kharaej, Lusail 69, The Pearl and Legtaifiya, placing established urban districts and designated investment locations within the week’s recorded activity.

    The latest total followed more than QAR400 million in sale contracts registered between July 26 and 30. Because the earlier bulletin described trading as exceeding that threshold without providing a precise combined value, an exact week-on-week percentage comparison was not available.

    Market indicators strengthen

    The weekly result arrives against a firmer property-price backdrop. Qatar Central Bank compiles its real estate index from Ministry of Justice transaction data and publishes the measure monthly. The index reached 244.56 points in May 2026, increasing 1.28 percent from April and 8.7 percent from a year earlier.

    May’s trading value totaled QAR1.73 billion across 425 transactions, representing a 31 percent annual decline. Mortgage activity moved differently, reaching QAR11 billion through 131 transactions and increasing 136 percent. Real estate loans and facilities held by banks stood at QAR185.4 billion during the month.

    Registration costs decline

    Qatar adjusted its property-registration framework in January. Ministry of Justice Decision No. 5 of 2026 reduced several charges and introduced exemptions intended to simplify services and support the investment environment.

    The fee for authenticating a special real estate power of attorney fell from QAR300 to QAR100. Charges for transferring farms or marine land declined from 1 percent to 0.25 percent of assessed value. Replacement title deeds were reduced from QAR500 to QAR100, while a title deed with a cadastral registration plan fell from QAR300 to QAR100.

    The decision also exempted specified government, charitable, housing and inheritance-related transactions. It extended registration treatment to preliminary real estate records under Qatar’s development framework and set a QAR100 fee for registering each unit after final subdivision.

    Ownership access widens

    Foreign-ownership rules provide another source of potential demand. Qatar permits non-Qataris to acquire freehold property in nine designated areas and usufruct rights, generally lasting up to 99 years, in 16 areas.

    A property worth at least QAR730,000 can qualify its owner for renewable residency without a local sponsor. Investment of at least QAR3.65 million can provide real estate residency with permanent-residency privileges, including healthcare, education and investment benefits, subject to the applicable requirements.

    The Real Estate Regulatory Authority’s sector strategy complements those ownership incentives. Its priorities include a national sector plan, stronger implementation of laws, professional licensing, off-plan sales programs and advanced digital services. The authority plans a data and analytics platform alongside an artificial intelligence-supported investment map to improve transparency and help investors assess opportunities.

    Recent weekly activity

    Qatar’s weekly property figures have varied considerably during the summer. Transactions totaled QAR383.03 million between June 21 and 25, comprising QAR317.89 million in general sale contracts and QAR65.14 million in residential units.

    Activity increased during the following period. Between June 28 and July 2, registered contracts reached QAR482,772,733 and residential unit sales totaled QAR82,522,865, producing more than QAR565 million in combined trading.

    The July 5–9 bulletin recorded an even larger total. General sale contracts reached QAR785,396,891, while residential units contributed QAR45,571,768, lifting combined activity above QAR830 million.

    The next available Ministry of Justice update combined two weeks. Transactions registered from July 12 to 23 included QAR748,483,214 in sale contracts and QAR56,995,573 in residential units, producing a total above QAR805 million.

    Contracts then exceeded QAR400 million between July 26 and 30 before reaching QAR377.22 million from August 2 to 6.

    The weekly figures measure contracts formally recorded by the Real Estate Registration Department. They provide a regular view of completed property activity across Qatar’s municipalities and residential-unit market rather than an estimate of listings, asking prices or transactions awaiting registration.

    While Dubai’s off-plan market continues to attract buyers across multiple price segments, Qatar’s property sector is reinforcing its own transaction base through systematic regulatory improvements and broader ownership access. Together, registered trading data, lower service charges, foreign-ownership pathways and regulatory digitalization are broadening the infrastructure supporting Qatar’s property market.

  • Dubai Off-Plan Market Attracts Buyers Across All Price Segments in H1 2026

    Dubai Off-Plan Market Attracts Buyers Across All Price Segments in H1 2026

    Bayut’s first-half 2026 Dubai Sales Market Report has revealed that off-plan residential demand is no longer concentrated within a single pricing category. Instead, buyers with markedly different budgets are actively considering projects across affordable, mid-tier, luxury and ultra-luxury segments.

    The findings point to an increasingly diverse buyer population evaluating different locations and property types. While price and payment flexibility remain important, purchasers are also weighing connectivity, community appeal and prospects for long-term value when making final decisions.

    Price Range Spans Entry to Premium

    Average prices among popular off-plan apartment projects highlighted by Bayut ranged from just over Dh600,000 at Dubai Investment Park 1 in the affordable category to almost Dh12 million at The Crescent on Palm Jumeirah in the ultra-luxury segment.

    The price range was wider for villas. Verdana 2 in Dubai Investment Park had an average value of Dh1.31 million, while The Palm Crown on Palm Jumeirah averaged Dh31.92 million. The comparison illustrates the scale of opportunities available to purchasers with different budgets and investment goals.

    The Palm Beach Towers, The Crescent and Bluewaters Bay were among the leading off-plan apartment projects attracting interest in the ultra-luxury category. City Walk, Sobha One and Riverside Crescent stood out in the luxury apartment segment, while JVC District 11, JVT District 4 and Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2 appeared among preferred choices for mid-tier buyers.

    For purchasers seeking more accessible entry prices, International City Phase 2, the Residential District in Dubai South and Dubai Investment Park 1 were among popular affordable off-plan apartment options.

    Buyer Priorities Evolve Beyond Payment Plans

    Akash Kanjwani, founder and group chief executive officer of Sky View Real Estate and Sky View Developments, said off-plan property continues to attract buyers by providing flexibility, choice and access to emerging communities.

    “Today’s buyers are considerably better informed and ask detailed questions about developers, locations, nearby infrastructure and how communities will function after completion. A payment plan may generate initial interest, but the project’s underlying fundamentals are playing a greater role in the final purchasing decision,” Kanjwani said.

    That shift means buyers are increasingly evaluating the entire proposition rather than using price as their only measure. Community quality, accessibility, amenities, the developer’s record and expected future demand are becoming more influential throughout the decision-making process.

    Fibha Ahmed, vice president of property sales at Bayut, said the first-half data showed that Dubai’s off-plan market was attracting a remarkably varied group of buyers whose motivations were becoming increasingly specific.

    “Purchasers are no longer making only a general choice between off-plan and ready homes. They are comparing individual projects using price, location, lifestyle, connectivity, potential rental performance and future value,” Ahmed said.

    She added that the breadth of prices and communities generating interest demonstrated the depth of Dubai’s off-plan sector and reflected a buyer base applying greater information and deliberation when assessing opportunities.

    Market Context and Transaction Activity

    Bayut’s buyer-interest findings sit within a property market that entered 2026 with substantial transaction activity. Dubai Land Department’s first-quarter data showed total real estate transactions reaching Dh252 billion, 31 percent more than a year earlier, while the number of transactions increased 6 percent to 60,303.

    Real estate investments reached Dh173 billion through 57,744 deals during the quarter, increasing 22 percent in value and 7 percent in number. Dubai’s investor base expanded 8 percent to 48,448 people, including 29,312 new investors, 14 percent more than a year earlier.

    Foreign investment rose 26 percent to Dh148.35 billion, while GCC nationals completed 3,228 investments worth Dh12.23 billion. The breadth of capital entering the market supports the portrayal of demand extending beyond one buyer profile or pricing category.

    Bayut’s separate price index placed Dubai’s advertised off-plan price at Dh1,894 per square foot in June 2026, up 5.38 percent over 12 months. The displayed averages varied sharply by unit size, from Dh1,773 per square foot for studios and Dh1,779 for one-bedroom apartments to Dh3,862 for four-bedroom apartments and Dh5,650 for apartments with at least five bedrooms.

    Villa figures ranged from Dh977 per square foot for two-bedroom homes to Dh2,394 for six-bedroom properties, further illustrating how product type and scale shape entry costs.

    Off-Plan Growth Extends 2025 Trends

    The latest findings extend trends visible throughout 2025. Bayut’s annual report said Dubai recorded 134,623 off-plan sales worth Dh293 billion that year, with off-plan properties representing 62.6 percent of total sales transactions.

    Developers launched 446 off-plan projects in 2025, compared with 428 in 2024. Emaar Properties led with 49 launches and 16,829 transactions. Jumeirah Village Circle recorded 12,285 off-plan apartment transactions, while Business Bay had the highest average apartment transaction price among highlighted areas at Dh2.38 million.

    Dubai recorded more than 270,000 property transactions worth Dh917 billion in 2025, a 20 percent annual increase. Investments exceeded Dh680 billion across 258,600 deals, while the investor population expanded 24 percent to approximately 193,100.

    This expansion supports the emirate’s 2033 strategy, which aims to increase real estate transactions by 70 percent, lift market value to Dh1 trillion, raise homeownership to 33 percent and double the sector’s economic contribution to roughly Dh73 billion.

    As Dubai continues expanding its residential inventory, Bayut expects off-plan property to remain an important part of the market, with buyers likely to continue balancing affordability and payment flexibility against project fundamentals and long-term potential. UAE’s top 10 developers sold Dh113.7 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting sustained momentum across the sector.

  • Zoya Developments Sells Out Dh104 Million Elinor Project in Under Two Weeks

    Zoya Developments Sells Out Dh104 Million Elinor Project in Under Two Weeks

    The complete sell-out of Elinor by Zoya reflects sustained investor appetite for premium residential communities in Dubai South, one of the emirate’s fastest-growing districts anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport’s expansion.

    The milestone was achieved following completion of all critical project requirements, including establishment of the escrow account and execution of all Sales and Purchase Agreements, according to a statement released on August 14, 2026.

    First Prime Properties, led by CEO Ali Al Dahari, served as the exclusive sales partner for the development. The firm’s market expertise and strategic execution played a central role in securing buyers across local and international segments.

    “Selling a Dh104 million development in less than two weeks is a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our product, the trust of our investors, and the dedication of our sales partners,” said Imtiaz Khan, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Zoya Developments.

    Khan extended appreciation to Al Dahari and the First Prime Properties team, noting the achievement reinforces the developer’s vision of delivering high-quality projects that outperform market expectations.

    The rapid absorption comes as Dubai’s property market demonstrates strength across all price segments in 2026, with developers recording robust sales volumes through diverse project portfolios.

    Dubai South continues to attract investors and end-users seeking long-term value, connectivity and lifestyle-focused environments. The district’s appeal has intensified following the Dh128 billion expansion program for Al Maktoum International Airport, designed to accommodate 260 million passengers annually.

    Zoya Developments emphasized its commitment to strong governance, operational excellence and delivering confidence to investors at every stage of the development journey. The company said the sell-out strengthens its position among Dubai’s fastest-growing real estate developers as it expands across key growth locations.

    The successful sell-out adds to a broader trend of accelerated sales velocity in Dubai’s off-plan segment, where 84 percent of global investors consider the emirate more attractive than rival markets, according to recent surveys.

  • Dubai to Launch Zero-Interest ‘Rent Now, Pay Later’ Service in September

    Dubai to Launch Zero-Interest ‘Rent Now, Pay Later’ Service in September

    The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is developing the initiative in partnership with a local bank to provide tenants with greater payment flexibility and make housing more accessible across the emirate.

    Under the proposed mechanism, a tenant selects a residential property and the participating bank pays the landlord the full annual rent upfront. The tenant then repays the amount to the bank in flexible instalments over a period of up to 12 months at zero interest, according to sources familiar with the initiative who spoke to Emarat Al Youm.

    The final mechanism is still being developed, with full eligibility requirements and details covering applications, financing, repayments and the relationship between tenants, landlords and the bank expected to be announced when the service is officially launched.

    When introduced in its proposed final form, the initiative could make Dubai the first city globally to implement such a mechanism as an integrated part of its rental market.

    The move builds on DLD’s Flexi Rent initiative, launched on June 23, 2026, which expanded payment options for tenants to include monthly, quarterly and semi-annual instalments. The earlier initiative also introduced incentives and packages from participating entities, aimed at supporting rental market stability, improving quality of life and providing housing solutions tailored to different segments of the community.

    The zero-interest payment plan arrives as Dubai’s residential market continues to show robust activity, with the emirate completing 24,800 homes during the first half of 2026 while rents declined 2.5 percent amid increased supply.

    By removing interest charges and enabling instalments, the new service is designed to ease the financial burden on tenants who typically face large upfront payments for annual rent, while ensuring landlords receive their full rental income without delay. The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to enhance housing accessibility and market transparency through innovative payment solutions.

  • UAE’s Top 10 Developers Sell Dh113.7 Billion in First Half of 2026

    UAE’s Top 10 Developers Sell Dh113.7 Billion in First Half of 2026

    The combined sales figures demonstrate the scale and momentum of the UAE’s property development sector, with the top three developers — Modon, Emaar and DAMAC — accounting for Dh61.4 billion alone during the six months to the end of June.

    Modon topped the ranking with Dh23 billion in Abu Dhabi property sales, supported by the launch of Hudayriyat Golf Estates and the sell-out of all units at Tara Park on Reem Island. The company’s total property sales across all markets reached Dh26 billion, 2.6 times the level recorded a year earlier, while group revenue climbed 40 percent year-on-year to Dh9.2 billion.

    Emaar followed with Dh22.4 billion in UAE sales, part of Dh26.6 billion in total property sales when international transactions are included. The developer’s revenue backlog from projects under development stood at approximately Dh164.9 billion at the end of June, up 13 percent from a year earlier.

    DAMAC ranked third with Dh16 billion in sales, placing the three developers well ahead of the rest of the market during the first half of 2026.

    Aldar recorded Dh9.5 billion in UAE development sales, part of Dh12.1 billion in total development sales across the group, ranking fourth among the country’s leading developers. International buyers and expatriate residents accounted for Dh7.6 billion, or 80 percent, of Aldar’s UAE sales during the period.

    Aldar’s development revenue backlog reached Dh71.6 billion at the end of June, including Dh59.9 billion from UAE projects, while net profit after tax rose 18 percent year-on-year to Dh4.9 billion.

    Binghatti ranked fifth with Dh7.6 billion in sales, narrowly ahead of Meraas at Dh7.5 billion and H&H at Dh7.4 billion.

    Ellington followed with Dh7 billion, while Omniyat recorded Dh6.7 billion and Beyond completed the top 10 with Dh6.6 billion, establishing the minimum threshold needed to rank among the UAE’s largest developers by sales volume during the first half of the year.

    The figures are based on announced first-half financial results, excluding international sales recorded by Modon and Emaar, together with the half-year ranking published by real estate data platform DXB Interact.

    The performance comes as Dubai completed 24,800 residential units during the first half of 2026, a 38 percent increase year-on-year, while transaction values across the emirate reached Dh221.4 billion. Meanwhile, Modon’s revenue backlog doubled year-on-year to a record Dh65.4 billion, positioning it as Abu Dhabi’s largest developer by sales value.

  • Dubai Startup dataHabibi Launches AI-Powered Property Intelligence Platform

    Dubai Startup dataHabibi Launches AI-Powered Property Intelligence Platform

    Founded by Ibrahim Qorraj and Haron Merzaie, dataHabibi brings building prices, rental yields, transaction histories, forecasts, projects and area trends into one research experience that processes property data through artificial intelligence to identify patterns and present actionable insights.

    The platform carries no property listings, positioning itself as a market intelligence tool rather than a sales channel. It serves buyers seeking comparable transaction data, investors analyzing yields and future supply, agents preparing client briefs, and developers tracking demand across communities and projects.

    AI-Driven Market Analysis

    dataHabibi’s artificial intelligence system organizes records, compares buildings, prices homes, scores yields, tracks momentum and refreshes forecasts as market conditions change. The platform’s current tools include building and project research, developer intelligence, transaction analysis, rental yields, off-plan pipeline data, market forecasts and a Dubai property price index.

    AI should earn its place by making a hard decision easier. Dubai property moves quickly, and no buyer or agent can study every relevant record by hand. We built dataHabibi to do that heavy work, then show the evidence in plain language.

    The company says its models refresh market signals daily, providing users with current data rather than static reports that become outdated after publication.

    Expansion Plans and Business Model

    dataHabibi plans to extend its AI system into automated valuation ranges, broker-ready PDF reports, personalized investment briefs and alerts for changes in price, yield and deal activity. These additions aim to enable investors to receive building briefs before viewings, agents to prepare branded client reports efficiently, and buyers to test asking prices against recorded deals.

    Property decisions often involve a family’s largest asset or an investor’s largest commitment. People deserve more than an asking price and a sales pitch. They should be able to see the market evidence, understand the trade-offs and decide with confidence.

    The platform operates on a freemium model, with core tools available without charge while Pro access provides deeper transaction history, rental data and investment analysis. The company maintains a listings-free and advertisement-free experience to keep research as the primary product focus.

    Market Context and Future Outlook

    The launch aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to support economic growth through AI adoption in key sectors. Dubai’s property market recorded 87,800 transactions worth Dh291.7 billion in the first half of 2026, with off-plan properties accounting for 71 percent of all deals.

    While Dubai is the initial market, the founders indicate the system could expand to other cities where property data is large, fragmented and difficult to interpret. For now, the focus remains on providing Dubai users with clearer visibility into buildings, prices, rents, yields and future supply dynamics.

    The platform’s emphasis on showing the facts behind predictions rather than asking users to trust automated valuations represents a practical application of AI in real estate intelligence, potentially establishing a new standard for data-driven property research in the emirate’s fast-moving market.

  • Global Partners Secures $300 Million for Dubai Creek Gardens Development

    Global Partners Secures $300 Million for Dubai Creek Gardens Development

    The DFSA-regulated fund manager announced the milestone on August 12, 2026, as it continues to deliver on its inaugural fund’s portfolio, which includes the completed Eden House The Canal and the ongoing Eden House The Park development in Jumeirah.

    The two residential projects under Global Partners Property Fund I represent a combined gross development value exceeding Dh4 billion, delivering more than 500 residences along Dubai Water Canal. Eden House The Canal welcomed its first residents in 2026, while Eden House The Park remains on track for handover in September 2027.

    The capital raised for Global Partners Property Fund II will be deployed toward Dubai Creek Gardens, a master-planned development secured through an off-market acquisition in DHCC Phase 2 overlooking Dubai Creek. The location places the project alongside established addresses including Kempinski Residences The Creek, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and the Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai.

    First Westin and Renaissance Residences in UAE

    Global Partners has partnered with Marriott International to bring the Westin and Renaissance brands to Dubai Creek Gardens, marking the first time these hospitality concepts will be applied to residential developments in the UAE.

    Westin Residences will centre on well-being and everyday comfort, while Renaissance Residences will be inspired by creativity, culture and contemporary urban living, offering residents two distinct lifestyle propositions within a single master-planned community.

    Connectivity and Community Design

    Dubai Creek Gardens is designed around liveability, well-being and long-term community value, with a focus on walkability, generous green open spaces, sports and recreational facilities, and direct waterfront access.

    The development will benefit from exceptional connectivity, with access to existing and future Metro stations on the Green Line and the planned Blue Line, alongside a new high-speed rail line connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in under an hour. A future water taxi station will offer a direct marine link to Dubai Creek Harbour and the wider Creek network, connecting to Al Jaddaf and Dubai Festival City.

    The project reinforces the momentum in Dubai’s branded residential segment, as developers increasingly partner with international hospitality groups to differentiate their offerings in a competitive market. Dubai’s property market has shown strength across all price segments in 2026, with leading developers recording robust sales volumes through diverse project portfolios.

    Global Partners Limited operates as a fund manager regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and is working in partnership with H&H on its development projects.

  • Dubai to Launch Rental Index for Shared Housing Units

    Dubai to Launch Rental Index for Shared Housing Units

    The Dubai Land Department will be responsible for establishing and periodically updating the index, according to Practical Guidance published by LexisNexis Middle East on the recently issued shared housing law, Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026. Announced in March, the new law will take effect at the end of August.

    The index will take into account the technical and service specifications of individual shared housing units, the guidance note said. However, it does not specify when the index will be launched, how rents will be calculated or whether rates will be assessed by unit, room, bed space or the area allocated to each resident.

    Dubai already operates a rental index that serves as an official benchmark for determining permitted rent increases during tenancy renewals. The new law provides for an index tailored specifically to properties licensed for shared housing.

    A note published by Mitchell’s Commercial Real Estate said the measure could make pricing across the segment more standardised, reduce informal rent-setting practices and improve transparency.

    For landlords, this could mean less scope to impose aggressive pricing in unregulated arrangements, but greater predictability in rental performance and closer alignment with market benchmarks.

    The DLD will also prepare standard tenancy and management contract templates for shared housing and publish them on its website, according to the LexisNexis guidance note.

    The contracts must record key information, including the landlord’s details, the number of occupants, information about the property and the space allocated for shared accommodation.

    The department will manage an electronic Shared Housing Register containing details of approved units, tenancy contracts and residents. This register will be linked to a unified digital permit platform operated by Dubai Municipality, the guidance note said.

    Permits mandatory

    Under the law, no person or entity will be allowed to designate a property for shared housing without first obtaining a permit.

    Permits will generally be valid for one year and may be renewed for similar periods. Owners may request a two-year permit, while renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry.

    Dubai Municipality said they would be submitted through its digital channels once the relevant procedures and requirements are announced.

    Permits will be issued only after authorities confirm that the property meets planning, construction, health, fire, sanitation, security and electrical safety requirements. Maximum occupancy, minimum space per resident and the availability of shared facilities will also be considered, according to the guidance note.

    Owners and establishments already operating shared housing units will then have one year to bring their properties and operations into compliance. A one-time extension may be granted by the Director-General of Dubai Municipality where required, the LexisNexis note said.

    Violations may result in fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh500,000. Repeat offences within one year may attract double the original fine, up to a maximum of Dh1 million.

    The new regulatory framework arrives as Dubai’s broader residential market shows signs of stabilization following record growth, with 24,800 homes completed in the first half of 2026 and residential rents declining 2.5 percent while major developers continue to report strong sales.

  • Emaar Books Dh26.6 Billion in H1 Property Sales

    Emaar Books Dh26.6 Billion in H1 Property Sales

    The Dubai-listed developer reported EBITDA of Dh12.9 billion for the six months ended June 30, up 24 percent year-on-year, while net profit before tax increased 23 percent to Dh12.8 billion compared with the same period in 2025.

    The Dh164.9 billion property sales backlog was 13 percent higher year-on-year and reflects sales that are expected to be recognised as projects progress and units are delivered, positioning Emaar with multi-year revenue visibility.

    UAE Development Business Drives Performance

    Emaar’s UAE build-to-sell business, led by Emaar Development, recorded Dh22.4 billion in property sales during the first half, underscoring sustained demand across Dubai’s residential property market.

    Emaar Development generated revenue of Dh13.3 billion, up 34 percent year-on-year, while net profit before tax increased 41 percent to Dh7.8 billion.

    Including other UAE development operations such as Dubai Creek Harbour, consolidated revenue from the group’s UAE property development business reached Dh17.7 billion, an increase of 30 percent.

    The UAE development revenue backlog stood at Dh135.7 billion at the end of June, up 6 percent from the same period in 2025, reflecting strong pre-sales across the developer’s project portfolio.

    Emaar launched 11 projects during the first half across Emaar South, Dubai Hills Estate, The Heights Country Club, The Oasis, Rashid Yachts & Marina and Expo Living. The company also announced a new Dh200 billion masterplan during the period, adding to its longer-term development pipeline.

    Our first half results reflect the discipline, consistency, and long-term approach that define Emaar. Dubai never stands still, and neither do we. Every phase of the city’s growth creates new opportunities to raise expectations and redefine experiences. Emaar’s role is to continue building destinations that reflect Dubai’s ambition while maintaining the quality, innovation, and operational excellence that have shaped our business from the beginning.

    Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar

    Large Development Land Bank Supports Pipeline

    The group held approximately 590 million square feet of mixed-use development land, including about 316 million square feet in the UAE, providing a substantial platform for future project launches.

    Its international development operations recorded Dh4.2 billion in property sales during the first half, with revenue reaching Dh1.1 billion, up 8 percent year-on-year.

    International operations accounted for about 4.6 percent of Emaar’s total revenue during the period, with Egypt and India among its key markets.

    Malls Maintain 98 Percent Occupancy

    Emaar’s shopping malls, retail and commercial leasing business generated Dh3.5 billion in revenue during the first half, an increase of 9 percent year-on-year.

    EBITDA from the segment rose 10 percent to Dh3.1 billion, while average occupancy across the portfolio remained at about 98 percent at the end of June.

    The company said leasing income remained supported by a predominantly base-rent structure despite a moderation in tenant sales.

    Emaar’s hospitality, leisure and entertainment business generated Dh1.6 billion in revenue during the period, while its UAE hotels recorded average occupancy of 60 percent.

    The group said softer international tourism flows affected the hospitality portfolio, with local and domestic demand providing some support.

    Recurring Revenue Portfolio Stable

    Recurring revenue from Emaar’s malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment and commercial leasing assets stood at Dh5.1 billion, broadly unchanged from the first half of 2025.

    EBITDA from the recurring revenue portfolio was Dh4 billion and accounted for about 31 percent of total group EBITDA, providing a stable earnings base alongside the developer’s project sales.

    The results underscore Emaar’s position as Dubai’s largest developer by sales value, with performance aligning with broader market trends that saw the emirate complete 24,800 residential units during the first half of 2026 and record Dh221.4 billion in transaction values across 79,300 deals.