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  • Dubai to Launch Rental Index for Shared Housing Units

    Dubai to Launch Rental Index for Shared Housing Units

    The Dubai Land Department (DLD) 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 2026.

    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 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, the consultancy said 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 initiative comes as Dubai residential rents declined 6.2 percent quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter of 2026, while the emirate’s broader property market recorded 24,800 completed residential units during the first half of the year, reflecting strong supply growth across multiple housing segments.

  • RAK Retail Property Prices Soar Up to 348% in H1 2026

    RAK Retail Property Prices Soar Up to 348% in H1 2026

    Average retail property prices in key Ras Al Khaimah locations recorded sharp annual increases during the first half of 2026, led by Al Marjan Island and RAK Central, according to data from Property Finder released on August 5, 2026.

    The average price of retail properties on Al Marjan Island reached Dh19.7 million, up 348 percent from Dh4.4 million in the first half of 2025. RAK Central recorded a 254 percent increase to an average of Dh11.9 million, while retail property prices in Al Hamra Village rose 44 percent to Dh2.4 million.

    The figures point to growing investor interest in Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial property market as the emirate expands its tourism, residential and business infrastructure.

    Retail Rents Rise Across RAK

    Average retail rents in Mina Al Arab increased 109.9 percent year-on-year to Dh187,490, while Al Qusaidat recorded an 83.3 percent rise to Dh58,528. Retail rents on Al Marjan Island grew by a more moderate 5.8 percent to Dh181,564.

    In the office market, average rents in Al Seer more than doubled to Dh61,211, while the Corniche area recorded a 15.6 percent increase to Dh155,058. Julfar office sale prices rose 3.9 percent to an average of Dh613,800, while Al Marjan Island office prices averaged Dh8.6 million.

    Dubai Office Rents Maintain Growth

    Dubai’s commercial property market also recorded strong annual rental growth in several leading business districts. Average office rents in Jumeirah Lakes Towers increased 30.6 percent to Dh475,870 during the first half, while Deira recorded a 23.4 percent rise to Dh64,391.

    Sheikh Zayed Road office rents increased 14.5 percent to Dh578,394, while Business Bay rose 11.4 percent to Dh421,041. The performance aligns with broader trends observed across the emirate’s commercial office sector during Q2 2026.

    Among retail locations, Deira recorded the strongest increase, with average rents rising 61.5 percent to Dh643,855. Jumeirah Village Circle retail rents increased 33.4 percent to Dh511,536, while Arjan rose 19.3 percent to Dh422,612.

    Dubai’s office sales market also recorded increases across several districts. Property Finder’s figures showed average first-half sale prices of about Dh10.6 million in Business Bay, Dh6 million in Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Dh2.45 million in Jumeirah Village Circle.

    The data, however, showed varying performance between the first and second quarters, reflecting differences in property size, quality and the composition of listings in each location.

    Growth Across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Locations

    In Abu Dhabi, average retail rents in Khalifa City increased 17.1 percent to Dh665,200, while Al Raha Beach recorded an 8.5 percent rise to about Dh317,449. Al Reem Island office rents increased 7.4 percent to Dh570,030, while average retail sale prices at Al Raha Beach rose 11.5 percent to Dh5.2 million.

    Average office sale prices on Al Reem Island increased 28 percent to Dh3.8 million, according to the data. The capital’s commercial sector has shown resilience alongside the residential market, which recorded 17.8 percent annual price growth in Q2 2026.

    Sharjah also recorded strong rental growth in selected commercial locations. Average office rents in Al Majaz rose 64.4 percent to Dh121,627, while Sharjah Industrial Area recorded an increase of 57.3 percent to Dh61,262. Office rents in Al Qasimia increased 41.3 percent to Dh122,765, while retail rents in Muwaileh rose 42.3 percent to Dh88,796.

    The figures also showed declines in some areas, underscoring the varied performance of the commercial property market across different asset types and locations. The expansion of commercial infrastructure across northern emirates reflects the broader diversification of the UAE’s property market beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s traditional dominance.

  • Abu Dhabi Sets September 16 Deadline for Occupancy Certificates

    Abu Dhabi Sets September 16 Deadline for Occupancy Certificates

    The Department of Municipalities and Transport has set a firm deadline requiring all property owners and real estate operators in Abu Dhabi to secure or renew building occupancy certificates by September 16, 2026, as part of the implementation of Administrative Decision No. 1 of 2024.

    Applications must be submitted through a classified engineering consultancy using the Municipal e-Permitting System. The directive aims to ensure buildings are structurally safe and suitable for use while supporting residents’ well-being and maintaining property quality and value.

    An occupancy certificate is an official municipal document confirming that a building is safe to use and complies with applicable technical and regulatory standards. Certificates may remain valid for up to five years, depending on the property type, and must be renewed before expiry.

    “Through this grace period, we are urging all relevant parties to coordinate with licensed engineering firms in the emirate as soon as possible to begin their applications,” said Abdulla Mohamed Alblooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre.

    Owners and management companies that begin the formal application process before the deadline may receive an additional six months, or another period approved by the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, to complete the required technical and regulatory procedures.

    Enforcement and penalties

    Failure to comply could result in an administrative fine of up to Dh1 million, in addition to an order requiring all identified violations to be corrected. Units without a valid occupancy certificate will not be eligible for the registration of new residential tenancy contracts through Tawtheeq.

    Municipalities will conduct field inspections to identify buildings requiring certification, considering safety, the external condition of assets and issues that could affect residents or property security. Owners of non-compliant buildings will be notified, while authorities will monitor corrective action and impose penalties where required.

    Safety requirements

    Obtaining or renewing a certificate requires a building to undergo inspections and submit reports based on its type and use. Requirements include structural stability assessments, Civil Defence and fire safety clearances, gas system safety certificates, water and plumbing compliance, and verification of air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

    The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre will support implementation by comparing municipal records and contacting owners of properties that do not meet the requirements.

    Alblooshi added that the occupancy certificate framework was introduced two years ago to improve building safety and protect occupants, with applications processed through the Municipal e-Permitting System in an efficient and transparent manner.

    The department said it would launch awareness initiatives to explain the application and renewal procedures to owners, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders as the September deadline approaches.

    The move comes as Abu Dhabi property prices rose 17.8% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting sustained market momentum across the emirate’s residential sector.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Prices Rise 17.8% in Q2 2026

    Abu Dhabi Property Prices Rise 17.8% in Q2 2026

    The ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) for Abu Dhabi’s freehold residential market reached 151.1 points in Q2 2026, marking a 2.1 percent quarter-on-quarter increase and 17.8 percent annual growth, according to data released by ValuStrat on August 4, 2026.

    The slower quarterly pace signals a gradual moderation following an extended period of rapid appreciation, positioning the capital at an earlier stage in its property cycle compared to Dubai, with relatively more affordable price points continuing to support end-user demand.

    Apartments outpace villas with 24.1% annual growth

    Apartments delivered the strongest performance across Abu Dhabi’s residential market, with the apartment VPI rising 2.9 percent quarterly and 24.1 percent annually. Villa values increased 1.3 percent quarter-on-quarter and 12 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong domestic demand for strategically located communities offering ready homes at accessible price points.

    Al Reef led capital appreciation in the apartment segment with a 41.6 percent annual increase, followed by Al Muneera Island at 24.7 percent, Al Reem Island at 22 percent, and Al Bandar at 21.8 percent. Saadiyat Island posted an 18.3 percent annual gain.

    In the villa segment, Al Reef again topped performance with 27.9 percent annual growth, followed by Saadiyat Island at 12 percent and Al Raha at 4.6 percent.

    “Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty across the region, Abu Dhabi’s residential market has remained resilient, with no material evidence of weakening demand,” said Haider Tuaima, Managing Director & Head of Real Estate Research at ValuStrat.

    “While Abu Dhabi and Dubai do not move in perfect synchrony, they have historically followed similar long-term market cycles, with changes in sentiment typically reaching the capital after a delay.”

    Rental growth moderates as 0% cap takes effect

    The VPI for rental values grew 4.7 percent annually to reach 128.6 points, compared to a baseline of 100 points in Q1 2021, while remaining stable quarter-on-quarter. Villa rents rose 4.4 percent annually to 131.5 points, while apartment rents climbed 5 percent year-on-year to 126 points.

    Average annual residential asking rent in Abu Dhabi stood at AED163,700, with apartment asking rents in Abu Dhabi City averaging AED122,500 per annum and citywide villa asking rents averaging AED260,000 per year.

    On June 2, 2026, Abu Dhabi implemented a temporary 0 percent rent increase cap, replacing the previous 5 percent annual limit on residential, commercial and industrial properties until further notice.

    37,700 new homes scheduled through 2030

    Abu Dhabi completed 1,834 apartments and 1,620 villas during the first half of 2026, representing 18.8 percent of the expected residential pipeline for the full year. An estimated 37,700 new residential units are scheduled for delivery by 2030, with 18,339 homes projected to enter supply in 2026 alone—51 percent apartments and 49 percent villas and townhouses.

    Major project announcements during the quarter included Sobha Realty’s AED40 billion Sobha City in Al Bahia, spanning 38 million square feet with 4,000 apartments, 2,500 villas and 80 mansions, with first-phase completion targeted for Q4 2029. Object 1 launched A1LA Residence, a 171-unit development on Al Reem Island due for completion in Q4 2028, while Aldar unveiled Yas Point, a AED6 billion waterfront project on Yas Island comprising 1,600 branded residences, a five-star resort, and retail facilities across 600,000 square metres.

    Commercial and industrial sectors sustain momentum

    Beyond residential property, Abu Dhabi’s commercial and industrial markets continued to demonstrate resilience. The office market remained supported by sustained business activity and limited availability of high-quality space, allowing both capital values and rents to maintain their upward trajectory.

    The industrial sector performed strongly, underpinned by robust demand from logistics operators, manufacturing businesses and trade-related occupiers, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, economic diversification and supply chain development.

    Ras Al Khaimah growth slows to 5.4%

    In a separate report, ValuStrat revealed that capital values in Ras Al Khaimah’s freehold residential market eased to 123.5 points in Q2 2026. While the index recorded a marginal quarterly decline, it remained 5.4 percent higher year-on-year, representing the slowest annual rate of growth in two years based on a Q1 2024 baseline of 100 points.

    Villa capital value growth moderated from 7.4 percent annually in Q1 2026 to 4.6 percent in Q2 2026, with the freehold villa index stable quarter-on-quarter at 124.1 points. Apartment values eased to 123.1 points, reflecting 5.8 percent annual growth alongside a 0.8 percent quarterly decline. Average gross rental yield for both apartments and villas in Ras Al Khaimah stood at 5.3 percent.

  • Abu Dhabi Home Values Rise 17.8% as Apartments Gain 24.1%

    Abu Dhabi Home Values Rise 17.8% as Apartments Gain 24.1%

    The ValuStrat Price Index for Abu Dhabi’s freehold residential market reached 151.1 points in Q2 2026, marking a 2.1 percent increase from the previous quarter. The quarterly gain was the slowest in two years, signaling a more measured pace of growth after several quarters of strong appreciation.

    Apartment values rose 2.9 percent quarter-on-quarter, while villa prices increased 1.3 percent quarterly and 12 percent annually. ValuStrat noted that Abu Dhabi remains at an earlier stage of its property cycle compared to Dubai, with comparatively accessible prices continuing to support demand from end-users.

    Al Reef Leads Price Growth

    Al Reef recorded the strongest annual appreciation among apartment communities tracked by ValuStrat, with values rising 41.6 percent year-on-year. It was followed by Al Muneera Island at 24.7 percent, Al Reem Island at 22 percent and Al Bandar at 21.8 percent. Apartment values on Saadiyat Island increased 18.3 percent.

    Al Reef also led villa price growth, with annual appreciation of 27.9 percent, followed by Saadiyat Island at 12 percent and Al Raha at 4.6 percent.

    Residential rents increased 4.7 percent annually but remained broadly stable during the quarter. Average asking rents across Abu Dhabi stood at approximately Dh163,700 per year. Apartment asking rents averaged Dh122,500 annually, while villa rents averaged Dh260,000.

    Studios recorded the strongest annual apartment rental growth at 13.8 percent, followed by one-bedroom homes at 7.7 percent. Four-bedroom villas led the villa segment, with rents rising 7.2 percent.

    Off-Plan Sales Dominate Transactions

    Abu Dhabi recorded 6,061 off-plan transactions during the second quarter, representing 84 percent of total residential sales and marking a 156 percent increase from a year earlier. Off-plan prices averaged Dh2,104 per square foot, up 21.2 percent annually, although they declined 4 percent from the previous quarter.

    The average off-plan transaction value reached Dh4.4 million, rising 25.9 percent year-on-year as developers continued to focus on premium residential projects.

    Ready-home transaction volumes fell 28.3 percent annually to 1,145 sales. However, average prices for completed homes increased 10.9 percent to Dh1,442 per square foot. The average ready-home transaction value reached Dh2.8 million, up 18.8 percent annually.

    Across all residential sales, transaction volume stood at 7,206, down 8 percent from the previous quarter, while the average transaction value was Dh4.14 million.

    Office Rents Jump 27.3%

    Abu Dhabi’s commercial property market maintained strong momentum, supported by sustained business activity and limited availability of high-quality offices. Office asking rents in the capital’s main commercial districts increased 27.3 percent annually and 11.4 percent quarterly. Average occupancy in central business district buildings reached 90 percent.

    Office asking prices rose 16.3 percent year-on-year to an average of Dh2.7 million, while the median asking price stood at Dh1,666 per square foot.

    Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar Properties have announced a Dh60 billion expansion of Al Maryah Island, which is expected to add more than 16 million square feet of mixed-use space and expand Abu Dhabi Global Market’s commercial capacity.

    The industrial and logistics market also remained well supported, with occupancy at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi reaching approximately 98 percent. ValuStrat said demand for modern warehouses and logistics facilities continued to exceed the availability of Grade A stock, supported by manufacturing, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and food companies.

    The residential rental market showed signs of stabilization following the mid-year rent freeze, with landlords increasingly focused on tenant retention and occupancy rather than short-term price increases, according to ValuStrat’s Q2 2026 market report released on August 4, 2026.

  • Modon H1 Net Profit Reaches Dh2.2 Billion After Property Sales Hit Dh26 Billion

    Modon H1 Net Profit Reaches Dh2.2 Billion After Property Sales Hit Dh26 Billion

    Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding has cemented its position as the emirate’s largest developer by sales value after recording Dh26 billion in property transactions during the first half of 2026, with Abu Dhabi accounting for Dh23 billion of the total.

    The group posted net profit of Dh2.2 billion for the six-month period, while revenue climbed 40 percent year-on-year to Dh9.2 billion, marking a new half-year record. Strong demand for new residential developments drove the performance and significantly expanded the company’s future income pipeline.

    Revenue backlog doubled from the same period in 2025 to reach Dh65.4 billion and increased 42 percent from the end of 2025, with developments in the UAE and Egypt representing 95 percent of the total.

    An exceptional performance from real estate positioned Modon as the largest developer in Abu Dhabi in terms of sales value during H1. This included the UAE’s highest-ever single-project sales value for the launch of Hudayriyat Golf Estates, with Dh13 billion achieved within days.

    Abdulla Al Sahi, Group Managing Director of Modon Holding, attributed the results to robust real estate performance.

    Record-Breaking Launch at Hudayriyat Golf Estates

    The launch of Hudayriyat Golf Estates generated Dh13 billion in sales within days, representing the highest sales value ever recorded for a single residential project launch in the UAE, according to Modon.

    Tara Park on Reem Island sold out across two phases launched in March and April, while additional phases were released at Wadi Yemm in Egypt. Real estate sales increased 2.6 times compared to the first half of 2025, driven by developments across Abu Dhabi, Egypt and Spain.

    Real estate revenue rose 56 percent to Dh5.7 billion, making the segment Modon’s main earnings contributor. The group awarded Dh14.1 billion in construction and consultancy contracts during the period.

    Strong Financial Position and Diversified Income

    Adjusted EBITDA reached Dh3 billion for the half-year, while recurring revenue increased 22 percent to Dh3.5 billion and represented 38 percent of group revenue.

    Excluding one-off gains and dividend income recorded during the previous year, adjusted EBITDA increased 18 percent and net profit rose 23 percent.

    Revenue from events, catering and tourism climbed 25 percent to Dh2.8 billion, including a Dh1 billion contribution from Arena Group. Modon hosted 484 events that attracted more than 2.7 million visitors across venues in the UAE and UK, while its catering operations served 24.9 million meals, up 5 percent year-on-year.

    Asset and investment management revenue rose 13 percent to Dh361 million, supported by higher rental income and occupancy of 96 percent across owned properties.

    Revenue from owned and operated hotels increased 8 percent to Dh388 million. Modon said higher domestic and staycation demand helped offset softer international tourism during regional travel disruption in March and April.

    Liquidity and Balance Sheet Strength

    Modon held Dh8.6 billion in unrestricted cash and Dh1.5 billion in undrawn committed facilities at the end of June. Net debt stood at Dh912 million, with net debt to EBITDA at 0.18 times.

    Our Group revenue backlog of Dh65.4 billion, alongside additional income-generating assets coming online, ensure a positive outlook for future growth. As we move into the second half of the year and beyond into 2027, Modon will expand on its objectives, maintaining forward progress with a disciplined and relentless focus on delivery.

    Bill O’Regan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Modon Holding, outlined plans for continued expansion.

    The group entered the second half with total assets of Dh92 billion and equity of Dh57 billion, representing increases of 6 percent and 5 percent respectively since the end of 2025.

    Modon’s performance reflects the broader momentum across Abu Dhabi’s property market, which recorded Dh117 billion in total real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, a 112 percent year-on-year increase driven by surging foreign investment and strong demand across residential and commercial segments.

  • Jumeirah Golf Estates Villa Sells for Record Dh110 Million

    Jumeirah Golf Estates Villa Sells for Record Dh110 Million

    The transaction, completed by BXB Estates through a private off-market process, marks the highest residential sale ever recorded in Jumeirah Golf Estates and reflects continued strength in Dubai’s ultra-prime property market despite global economic uncertainty.

    The property features a built-up area of 21,714 square feet on a 15,873-square-foot plot, with six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, four lounges, a home office, private cinema, rooftop terrace and dedicated wellness facilities including a gym, sauna and treatment suite.

    According to BXB Estates, Managing Partner Alfie Tabrez negotiated the sale through private channels after the property had already been committed to another party. The buyer, initially viewing the residence for its design quality, subsequently expressed interest in acquiring the home, triggering negotiations that resulted in the record transaction.

    “At the very top end of the market, the best opportunities are rarely advertised. They’re created through trusted relationships built over many years, a clear understanding of what the client is looking for, and the ability to navigate highly sensitive negotiations with discretion,” Tabrez said.

    He added that the property’s design and quality were key factors behind the buyer’s interest, despite the home not being formally available for sale when discussions began.

    The deal is the latest sign of strength in Dubai’s luxury residential sector, which has continued to attract wealthy international investors despite geopolitical and economic volatility in several global markets. Industry analysts note that limited supply of trophy homes, coupled with strong inbound migration of high-net-worth individuals, has supported values in the emirate’s top communities.

    Dubai’s ultra-prime segment has demonstrated robust activity in 2026, with 24,800 residential units completed in the first half of the year as transaction values reached Dh221.4 billion across 79,300 deals. International investors continue to favor Dubai, with 84 percent considering the emirate more attractive than rival global markets.

    The property’s transformation was completed by BCI Fitout, whose bespoke renovation and design work helped position the residence among the most distinctive homes in the community.

    The transaction highlights the rising profile of Jumeirah Golf Estates within Dubai’s ultra-prime residential market. Known for its golf courses, low-density environment and large villa stock, the community has increasingly attracted buyers seeking long-term value and privacy as the emirate reinforces its position as a global wealth hub.

  • Dubai Adds 24,800 Homes in First Half of 2026

    Dubai Adds 24,800 Homes in First Half of 2026

    The surge in completions marked Dubai’s strongest half-year delivery period in several years, reflecting projects launched during the recent market expansion reaching handover stage. New supply increased 12 percent from the second half of 2025, according to data released by Cavendish Maxwell on July 30, 2026.

    Despite quarterly declines, residential prices remained 1.9 percent above year-earlier levels, with rents up 7.8 percent annually, signaling a shift toward more sustainable growth after two years of elevated activity.

    “Dubai’s residential market is showing clear signs of transitioning to a new cycle following exceptional levels of activity over the last two years. The fundamentals that drive real estate demand in the emirate remain intact, but the near-term outlook is being shaped by a combination of factors – including the impact of fewer launches, regional uncertainty and a broader normalisation in buyer activity – that are likely to influence transaction levels and price performance,” said Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuations at Cavendish Maxwell.

    Transaction volumes declined almost 14 percent year-on-year and 27 percent from the record levels recorded during the second half of 2025. Sales values fell almost 16 percent annually and 20 percent from the previous six-month period.

    Off-plan homes accounted for nearly 75 percent of transactions, with developer sales representing more than 92 percent of activity in the segment. Initial off-plan sales reached 54,700 transactions, a modest 1.5 percent decline from last year, while off-plan resales fell 51 percent to 4,600.

    New launch activity moderated significantly, with 28,000 units released across 124 projects during the first half, compared with 102,000 units across 410 launches a year earlier. The slowdown began during the first quarter after record launch volumes in 2024 and 2025, while regional uncertainty led some developers to delay projects during the second quarter.

    “Buyers aren’t stepping away, they’re simply targeting higher value inventory. Flexible payment plans and Golden Visa incentives continue to draw serious international attention. Looking into H2, we anticipate steady, moderate price growth as the market continues to mature,” said Ajay Rajendran, Founder and Chairman of Meraki Developers.

    Around 47,000 units are scheduled for completion during the second half of 2026, although Cavendish Maxwell expects actual handovers to range between 14,000 and 23,500 homes based on historical delivery rates. Apartments are likely to account for more than 82 percent of deliveries, with Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, Dubai Science Park, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Healthcare City representing nearly 37 percent of scheduled completions.

    The longer-term pipeline includes 162,500 units scheduled for 2027 and 128,200 homes in 2028, adding to the emirate’s robust construction activity across multiple high-rise developments.

    Apartments accounted for around 84 percent of transactions across the off-plan and ready segments. Dubai South led off-plan apartment sales with 7,306 transactions, followed by Dubai Residence Complex with 3,408 and Jumeirah Village Circle with 3,055. Jumeirah Village Circle retained the top position for ready apartment sales with 1,812 transactions, while DAMAC Islands 2 led off-plan villa and townhouse activity with 3,192 deals.

    Gross rental yields averaged nearly 7 percent for apartments and 5 percent for villas and townhouses during the first half. Mortgage transactions increased 7.2 percent to 22,500, while sales of homes priced above Dh50 million rose 13 percent to 160 transactions.

    The increase in handovers follows a period of sustained rental market strength, with Dubai recording record rental contract volumes in June 2026. The supply boost coincides with quarterly rent declines that have begun easing pressure on tenants after several years of double-digit growth.

  • Dubai Dominates UAE with All 10 Tallest Skyscrapers Under Construction

    Dubai Dominates UAE with All 10 Tallest Skyscrapers Under Construction

    Dubai continues to dominate the global skyscraper race with an unprecedented pipeline of supertall towers that will reshape the emirate’s skyline by the end of the decade. According to data from Skyscraper Center released on July 29, 2026, six of the world’s 20 tallest buildings under construction are in Dubai, underscoring the city’s leadership in vertical development.

    The 725-metre Burj Azizi, developed by Azizi Developments on Sheikh Zayed Road, tops the list and is set to become the world’s second-tallest building after the Burj Khalifa when completed in 2028. The mixed-use tower will combine luxury residences, a hotel, offices, retail and observation facilities.

    Binghatti Developers leads the private sector push with multiple entries, including the 595-metre Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co. Residences in Business Bay, expected in 2027, and the 341-metre Mercedes-Benz Places in Meydan, scheduled for 2028. The developer’s partnership strategy with luxury brands reflects Dubai’s focus on attracting ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

    Tiger Properties’ 532-metre Tiger Sky Tower in Business Bay, due in 2029, will feature a unique indoor rainforest attraction alongside luxury residences and a hotel. Select Group’s 517-metre Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, expected in 2028, will offer wellness-focused living across more than 120 storeys.

    London Gate’s 450-metre Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower in Dubai Marina, targeting 2027 completion, will become the world’s tallest branded residential clock tower, created in partnership with the Swiss luxury watchmaker.

    The remaining towers in the top ten include Binghatti’s 357-metre Skyblade in Downtown Dubai (2029), the 350-metre Trump International Hotel & Tower developed by Dar Global (2031), East & West Properties’ 348-metre Rixos Financial Center Road Dubai Residences (2028), Al Habtoor Group’s 345-metre Al Habtoor Tower overlooking Dubai Water Canal (2027), and the Mercedes-Benz branded tower in Meydan.

    The concentration of luxury-branded developments—featuring partnerships with Jacob & Co., Mercedes-Benz, Franck Muller, Rixos, Six Senses, and the Trump Organization—illustrates Dubai’s strategy of combining real estate with international prestige brands to maximize appeal to global investors.

    Most projects integrate multiple uses including residences, five-star hotels, observation decks, restaurants and retail to maximize land value and tourism appeal. This vertical expansion comes as Dubai residential rents declined 6.2 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026 following substantial new supply delivery.

    The development pipeline reinforces Dubai’s position as the city with the world’s largest concentration of ultra-tall buildings outside China, with all top ten towers concentrated in prime locations including Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road and Meydan.

    The completion timeline spans from 2027 to 2031, with the majority of towers scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029, adding significant luxury residential and hospitality inventory to a market that recorded 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion in the first half of 2026.

  • Dubai Rents Fall 6.2% in Q2 as Offices Hold Strong

    Dubai Rents Fall 6.2% in Q2 as Offices Hold Strong

    Tenants in Dubai experienced measurable relief during the second quarter of 2026, with average residential rents falling 6.2 percent from the previous three months and 2.6 percent year-on-year, according to CBRE Middle East’s UAE Real Estate Market Review released on July 29, 2026.

    Home sales prices remained 1.9 percent higher year-on-year, indicating market stabilization rather than correction following several years of sustained growth.

    Around 18,000 residential units were completed across Dubai during the first half of the year, adding inventory and creating more options for tenants and buyers.

    Home Sales Slow from Last Year

    Fewer than 37,000 residential transactions were recorded in Dubai during the second quarter, a 29 percent decline from more than 51,000 sales in the same period of 2025.

    The total value of transactions reached Dh88 billion, compared with nearly Dh154 billion a year earlier.

    CBRE linked the slowdown to softer demand, fewer new project launches and increased housing supply during the first six months of the year.

    Office Rents Continue to Rise

    Dubai’s office market continued to record strong demand, particularly for high-quality space in major commercial districts and free zones.

    Average office rents increased 13 percent in the year to the end of the second quarter, while prime office rents rose 16 percent, consistent with broader trends across the UAE where office rents surged 13 percent year-on-year.

    Occupancy remained at approximately 94 percent, reflecting the limited availability of Grade A offices across the city.

    Demand remained concentrated in DIFC, TECOM and DMCC, where companies continued to lease space in future developments before construction was completed.

    Abu Dhabi recorded similar conditions, with average office rents rising nearly 16 percent and occupancy reaching approximately 96 percent.

    Demand was strongest in Abu Dhabi Global Market, supported by growth among financial services companies, hedge funds and investment firms.

    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.

    Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE MENA

    Abu Dhabi Homes Record Strong Growth

    Abu Dhabi’s residential market continued to attract buyers during the second quarter, with property values rising 21.6 percent from a year earlier.

    Apartment prices increased 24.4 percent, while average rents remained 3.6 percent higher year-on-year despite some moderation during the quarter.

    Residential sales reached Dh32 billion, marking a 150 percent increase from the same period of 2025, while the number of transactions rose by around 80 percent, reflecting sustained momentum in the emirate’s real estate market.

    Off-plan homes accounted for approximately 83 percent of transactions and 85 percent of total sales value.

    Retail and Industrial Sectors Maintain Momentum

    Retail properties continued to record high occupancy despite softer tourist spending, with occupancy remaining at approximately 98 percent in Dubai and 95 percent in Abu Dhabi.

    Dubai retail rents increased by around 3 percent, while rates in Abu Dhabi remained largely stable.

    Industrial and logistics property remained one of the strongest segments of the UAE real estate market, supported by manufacturing investment, supply chain localization and foreign direct investment.

    Industrial exports reached Dh262 billion in 2025, while government programmes including Operation 300bn continued to support manufacturing and logistics activity.

    CBRE expects the UAE economy to record a marginal contraction of 0.04 percent in 2026 following disruption to trade, tourism, aviation and other consumer-facing sectors.

    “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,” Green said.

    “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.”