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  • Abu Dhabi Records Dh117 Billion in Real Estate Transactions in H1 2026

    Abu Dhabi Records Dh117 Billion in Real Estate Transactions in H1 2026

    The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) reported that transaction volumes rose 61.7% during the period, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global destination for real estate investment and mirroring momentum seen across UAE property markets.

    Sales transactions led activity in the first half, with values climbing 163.7% to Dh86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions compared with the same period in 2025. Mortgage transactions increased 33.5% to Dh26.7 billion through 8,876 deals, while musataha and long-term lease transactions totaled approximately Dh4 billion. Gift transactions reached Dh311.5 million.

    Foreign Investment Hits All-Time High

    Foreign direct investment into Abu Dhabi real estate reached Dh13.8 billion in H1 2026, a 309% surge compared with the same period in 2025. This six-month total exceeded the entire 2025 annual figure, marking the highest level of foreign investment ever recorded in a half-year period.

    The number of nationalities represented by non-resident foreign investors expanded to 116, up from 82 during the same period last year. The United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, Germany, and France ranked among the leading sources of capital inflow.

    Investment zones open to foreign ownership attracted Dh75 billion during the first half of 2026, a 181% increase compared with Dh26.7 billion in H1 2025.

    “Investment decisions begin long before any transaction is completed. They start with a clear understanding of the market, its trends and the regulatory frameworks governing it,” said Rashed Al Omaira, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

    Al Omaira emphasized that the Centre’s focus remains on providing investors with transparency and credibility through a clear regulatory framework and continuously updated market data.

    Expansion of Investment Zones and New Projects

    ADREC approved eight new investment zones during the first half of the year, bringing the total number of such zones in the emirate to 50. The Centre also registered 28 new real estate projects, a 16% increase compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting sustained development activity.

    The number of licensed real estate brokers in Abu Dhabi reached 3,302, with the Centre issuing 2,040 licenses for real estate professions during H1 2026, representing 34% annual growth.

    Since its launch, the Madhmoun platform has issued more than 41,200 permits for real estate advertisements, enhancing transparency and the credibility of property listings across the emirate.

    Market Context

    Abu Dhabi’s performance in the first half of 2026 builds on strong quarterly results and reflects growing investor confidence in the capital’s long-term real estate fundamentals. The emirate continues to diversify its property offerings through new financing solutions and an expanding portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

    The surge in foreign investment and transaction volumes positions Abu Dhabi as a key beneficiary of the UAE’s projected real estate growth through 2031, as international buyers increasingly view the emirate as a stable, high-growth market within the region.

  • Modon Sells Dh1.25 Billion Bashayer Homes in One Day

    Modon Sells Dh1.25 Billion Bashayer Homes in One Day

    The sellout marks another milestone for Abu Dhabi’s residential market, with 71% of buyers reported as new customers, signaling expanding demand beyond the emirate’s existing investor base.

    The final phase of Bashayer includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom penthouses, and newly introduced two- and four-bedroom townhouses, adding to the development’s residential diversity.

    Located on Hudayriyat Island, the waterfront community is designed around outdoor living and shared amenities. Its centerpiece is a 3.5-kilometre waterfront promenade with walkable piers extending over the water, providing residents with walking paths and recreation areas along the coast.

    Additional facilities include landscaped parks, a fully equipped gym, hydrotherapy facilities, children’s play areas, and retail outlets integrated into the community layout.

    Modon stated that the strong response highlights continued demand for high-quality residential developments in Abu Dhabi and growing interest in waterfront communities that offer modern homes combined with lifestyle amenities.

    Bashayer forms part of the wider development of Hudayriyat Island, which continues to expand its residential, leisure and tourism offerings as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader infrastructure strategy.

    The rapid sellout follows a pattern of strong absorption rates in Abu Dhabi’s waterfront and island developments, where limited coastal inventory and lifestyle-focused design have driven premium pricing and investor confidence.

    In June 2026, Modon and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank introduced the emirate’s first off-plan home financing solution, enabling eligible buyers to access up to 75% financing during the construction phase — a move that may have contributed to increased purchasing power among end-users and investors alike.

    The company has invited prospective buyers and investors interested in future projects to register their interest through its official channels as it continues to expand its Abu Dhabi portfolio.

  • Dubai Rental Market Records Highest Monthly Activity with 40,022 Contracts in June

    Dubai Rental Market Records Highest Monthly Activity with 40,022 Contracts in June

    Dubai’s rental market reached a historic milestone in June 2026, recording 40,022 rental contracts—the highest monthly figure ever registered in the emirate—driven by sustained population growth, business expansion, and the continued arrival of international companies and skilled professionals.

    According to W Capital Real Estate Brokerage, the June performance reflects a more mature and structurally stronger rental market supported by genuine housing demand rather than speculative investment activity, underscoring Dubai’s evolution as a global hub for living, working, and long-term residency.

    New rental contracts surged 48.6% year-on-year to 19,245, while renewal contracts rose 28.5% to 20,777, demonstrating both the continued influx of new residents and strong tenant retention across the emirate.

    “Crossing the milestone of 40,000 rental contracts in a single month is far more than a record-breaking achievement. It is a clear indication that Dubai has evolved into a fully integrated destination for living, working and investing, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of its real estate market,” said Walid Al Zarooni, Chairman of W Capital Real Estate Brokerage.

    The record rental activity coincided with robust sales performance, as Dubai registered 13,933 property transactions worth AED33.2 billion ($9.04 billion) in June, bringing total first-half sales to AED286.2 billion ($77.88 billion).

    Al Zarooni noted that the simultaneous strength in both rental and sales markets reflects a healthier market structure where investment demand is increasingly supported by real housing needs, stronger demographics, and business growth rather than short-term speculation.

    The company highlighted the positive impact of the Dubai Land Department’s “Easy Rental” initiative, which introduced flexible monthly payment solutions through partnerships with 11 real estate companies, making rental payments more accessible while improving market efficiency and the landlord-tenant relationship.

    Market data for the first half of 2026 showed 118,385 new rental contracts signed, compared with 135,607 renewals, while canceled contracts declined by 25%, reflecting stronger confidence between landlords and tenants and a more stable leasing environment overall.

    Al Zarooni also pointed to Dubai South’s position as the city’s most active real estate district for the fourth consecutive month, describing it as clear evidence of the government’s long-term urban development strategy and the growing importance of emerging communities supported by world-class infrastructure and logistics.

    He added that Dubai is now home to more than 10,000 licensed real estate offices, illustrating the scale, maturity, and professionalism of the sector under a transparent regulatory framework that protects all market participants.

    “The rental market has become one of the strongest indicators of Dubai’s economic health. Investors may purchase properties, but sustained rental demand reflects genuine end-user activity that supports market stability and reduces reliance on short-term speculation, creating a more balanced and resilient growth model,” Al Zarooni concluded.

    The June milestone comes as the broader UAE property market shows signs of maturation, with ready-home transactions surging 46.8% month-on-month in June despite continued price moderation, pointing to a rebalancing toward occupancy-driven demand across the region.

  • Dubai Ready-Home Transactions Surge 46.8% in Strongest Monthly Rise Since 2023

    Dubai Ready-Home Transactions Surge 46.8% in Strongest Monthly Rise Since 2023

    The emirate’s residential market recorded robust transaction activity in June even as the ValuStrat Price Index edged down to 220 points from 222.1 in May, bringing the cumulative decline in values since February 28 to 10%.

    Annual price growth remained broadly stable at 0.1%, with villa values easing to 293.7 points and apartment values slipping to 169.1 points against a January 2021 base of 100.

    Off-Plan Dominates Market Activity

    Registration for Oqood, Dubai Land Department’s official system for off-plan properties, rose 32% month-on-month and accounted for 75% of all residential sales in June, though registrations were 16% lower on an annual basis.

    The top property developers by transaction volume were Azizi (28.6%), Damac (7%), Binghatti (6.8%), Emaar (6.6%), Nakheel (3.8%), and Ellington (3.6%). Leading off-plan locations included Azizi Venice (26.1%), Dubailand Residence Complex (4.3%), Jumeirah Village Circle (4.1%), Jumeirah Islands (3.2%), and Majan (2.9%).

    Ultra-Prime Segment Remains Active

    A total of 19 ready-property transactions exceeded Dh30 million in June, including five deals priced above Dh50 million. These ultra-prime sales were concentrated across Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills, Al Barari, Jumeirah Islands, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC.

    Villas and Apartments Show Mixed Performance

    Villa capital values declined 1.2% month-on-month, while apartment values dropped 0.6%. On an annual basis, the strongest villa gains were recorded in Jumeirah Islands (17.9%), Emirates Hills (10.7%), The Meadows (10%), The Villa (7.8%), and Mira (5.7%).

    However, declines were seen in Mudon (-5%), Victory Heights (-4%), International City (-3.2%), and Dubai Hills Estate (-2.8%). None of the villa communities tracked by the VPI posted monthly gains in June.

    Dubai’s older freehold villa communities are now valued 188% above post-pandemic levels and 76% above the 2014 market peak.

    The apartment VPI was down 3% year-on-year. DIFC led annual gains at 8.1%, followed by Dubai Sports City (6.6%), Dubai Silicon Oasis (6.4%), and Al Quoz Fourth (6%). By contrast, Burj Khalifa (-16.7%), Jumeirah Beach Residence (-13%), and Town Square (-5.7%) posted the sharpest annual declines.

    International City Phase 2 (0.1%) was the only community to register a marginal monthly gain. Overall, older freehold apartment prices remain 70% above post-pandemic levels but 8% below the 2014 market peak.

    The June performance comes as the UAE property market enters a mature phase, with investor sentiment remaining broadly positive despite continued appetite for premium assets and waterfront developments.

  • Wynn Al Marjan Island Enters Final Construction Phase Ahead of 2027 Opening

    Wynn Al Marjan Island Enters Final Construction Phase Ahead of 2027 Opening

    The landmark resort on Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago extending 4.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, is being developed through a joint venture between Wynn Resorts (40% ownership), Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. As of March 31, 2026, Wynn Resorts had invested approximately $1.01 billion (Dh3.7 billion) in equity toward the development.

    By early 2026, construction had reached significant milestones. The tower structure was topped out in November 2025, structural work has been completed across all 1,530 rooms and residences, more than 83% of the exterior façade has been installed, and over 482,000 cubic metres of concrete have been poured alongside more than 15,000 tonnes of structural steel erected. Construction has generated more than 18,000 jobs to date.

    When completed, Wynn Al Marjan Island will include 1,530 luxury accommodations comprising 1,217 resort guestrooms, 297 Enclave suites, 2 Royal Apartments, 4 Garden Townhomes, and 10 Marina Estates. The resort will feature 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, 12 swimming pools, a 900-seat theatre, a luxury spa, a beach club, a 15,000-square-metre retail promenade, a 145,000-square-foot meetings and convention centre, and 420 metres of private white-sand beach with a deep-water marina designed for superyachts.

    The resort’s signature feature will be Enclave, a luxury hotel-within-a-hotel occupying the tower’s upper floors, offering private arrival, exclusive dining and dedicated leisure facilities.

    Supporting infrastructure is also advancing. Wynn Bridge, a 548-metre access bridge directly connecting the resort to the E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road) and E611 (Emirates Road), is expected to open in late 2026. Meanwhile, Oasis, a 26-acre employee community scheduled for completion during summer 2026, will house more than 7,000 employees before the resort opens. Recruitment is already underway, with more than 3,500 food-and-beverage positions planned across the resort’s 22 dining venues.

    The project became a landmark in UAE history after receiving the country’s first commercial gaming facility licence on October 4, 2024, from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The licence authorizes Island 3 AMI FZ LLC, operating as Wynn Al Marjan Island, to offer regulated land-based gaming under the UAE’s new federal regulatory framework. While gaming will be a major attraction, Wynn says it represents only one component of a much broader luxury destination focused on hospitality, entertainment, dining, meetings, wellness and tourism.

    The development reflects the UAE’s broader push to diversify its economy beyond oil, positioning itself as a global leisure destination. Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate located around 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, is betting on a mix of beachfront serenity, adventure offerings in its mountainous hinterland, and now regulated gaming, to carve out its own identity in the region’s competitive tourism landscape.

    Beyond introducing the country’s first regulated commercial gaming destination, the project is expected to diversify Ras Al Khaimah’s economy, attract millions of international visitors, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global luxury tourism destination when it opens in spring 2027.

  • UAE Property Markets Moderate as Growth Cycle Matures Across Emirates

    UAE Property Markets Moderate as Growth Cycle Matures Across Emirates

    After several years of exceptional growth, the UAE residential property market is showing signs of entering a more mature phase of the cycle. While demand remains broadly resilient and annual price growth continues across most markets, recent data suggests that the rapid pace of capital appreciation witnessed since the pandemic is beginning to moderate.

    The first quarter of 2026 has highlighted an increasingly divergent landscape across the country’s major residential markets. Dubai appears to be transitioning from expansion to stabilization; Abu Dhabi continues to benefit from a delayed recovery cycle; and Ras Al Khaimah is experiencing a gradual easing of growth after two years of strong gains.

    Dubai: From Rapid Expansion to Market Stabilization

    Dubai’s residential market entered 2026 with considerable momentum. January and much of February continued the growth trajectory established over recent years, supported by strong population growth, investor confidence, and a persistent imbalance between housing demand and available supply.

    However, conditions shifted noticeably during March. A combination of geopolitical tensions in the region, the holy month of Ramadan, Eid holidays, increased remote working and homeschooling, and periods of adverse weather contributed to softer market activity.

    According to the ValuStrat Price Index (VPI), Dubai’s freehold residential market recorded annual growth of 8.9 percent during the first quarter of 2026. Despite this positive yearly performance, the index declined by 3.8 percent during the quarter, falling to 229.2 points and marking the first quarterly contraction since 2020.

    The moderation became more evident during the second quarter. In April, the VPI fell to 224.9 points, representing a monthly decline of 1.9 percent, significantly less severe than March’s 5.9 percent contraction. Annual growth remained positive at 5.3 percent, indicating that the market correction was occurring from a position of strength rather than weakness.

    By May, further signs of stabilization emerged. The VPI declined by a more modest 1.2 percent to reach 222.1 points, while annual growth slowed to 2.5 percent. Villa values eased to 297.3 points and apartment values to 170 points, both benchmarked against a base of 100 in January 2021.

    Importantly, rental market performance tells a different story. Residential rents have largely stabilized over the past six months, with apartments and villas recording only modest annual growth. Rather than signaling weaker demand, this trend appears to reflect growing affordability constraints as housing costs have risen substantially over recent years.

    Supply remains a critical factor supporting the market. Despite ambitious development pipelines, supply chain disruptions and rising construction costs continue to constrain delivery timelines. Approximately 7,400 homes were completed during the first quarter of 2026, representing only 6 percent of the preliminary annual completion target.

    Abu Dhabi: Growth Cycle Still Has Room to Run

    In contrast to Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s residential market continued to accelerate during the first quarter of 2026.

    The capital city’s property recovery started later than Dubai’s, placing it at a different point in the cycle. More accessible price points, combined with improving economic fundamentals and growing end-user demand, have continued to support capital value growth.

    The ValuStrat Price Index for Abu Dhabi’s freehold residential market rose to 148 points during Q1 2026, recording quarterly growth of 6.4 percent and annual growth of 17.8 percent. This represented a clear acceleration compared with previous quarters.

    Demand has been particularly strong for strategically located communities offering ready apartments at relatively affordable price points. Consequently, apartment values outperformed villas by a considerable margin.

    Apartment values surged by 10.4 percent during the quarter and 22.7 percent annually, pushing the apartment VPI to 143.4 points. Villa values increased by 2.7 percent quarterly and 13.4 percent annually to reach 152.7 points.

    Supply additions remain relatively limited compared to demand growth. During the first quarter, Abu Dhabi recorded the completion of 2,018 apartments and 392 villas, representing just 13.1 percent of the year’s anticipated residential pipeline.

    Ras Al Khaimah: Growth Slows but Remains Positive

    Ras Al Khaimah’s residential market remains one of the UAE’s most closely watched emerging property sectors, particularly following increased investor interest driven by tourism, infrastructure investment, and major development announcements.

    The ValuStrat Price Index for Ras Al Khaimah’s freehold residential market reached 124.1 points in Q1 2026, remaining stable every quarter while recording annual growth of 9.3 percent. Although healthy by most standards, this marked the slowest annual growth rate recorded over the past two years.

    Villa capital growth continued its gradual deceleration, slowing from 10.4 percent annually in Q4 2025 to 7.4 percent in Q1 2026. Apartment values also experienced softer growth, increasing by 10.3 percent annually while remaining stable during the quarter.

    These figures suggest that certain communities may be approaching pricing ceilings after a period of rapid appreciation. Nevertheless, the emirate continues to offer comparatively attractive entry points relative to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, preserving its appeal among investors and owner-occupiers seeking affordability.

    Outlook: Flattening Rather Than Falling

    Looking ahead, the most likely scenario for the UAE residential market appears to be one of stabilization rather than correction.

    Dubai’s market cycle was already approaching a potential peak before regional geopolitical tensions introduced a temporary shock to sentiment. Since then, the pace of value declines has eased significantly, suggesting that the market is absorbing the disruption. Given continued supply constraints and strong demographic fundamentals, widespread price declines appear unlikely.

    Abu Dhabi’s trajectory differs somewhat. Having entered its recovery phase later, the market retains greater potential for additional growth. Nevertheless, the exceptionally strong gains recorded over the past 18 months are unlikely to continue indefinitely, and signs of moderation are already becoming visible.

    Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah and the northern emirates are expected to continue benefiting from their affordability advantage. However, after several years of rapid appreciation, selected communities may increasingly transition towards stability as prices approach local affordability limits.

    The broader picture remains encouraging. While the era of extraordinary post-pandemic growth may be drawing to a close, the UAE residential market appears to be entering a more sustainable phase characterized by balanced growth, constrained supply, and resilient long-term demand fundamentals.

    “The UAE residential market appears to be entering a more sustainable phase characterized by balanced growth, constrained supply, and resilient long-term demand fundamentals.” — Haider Tuaima, Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Research at ValuStrat

  • Dammam Leads Saudi Real Estate with 71% Sales Surge

    Dammam Leads Saudi Real Estate with 71% Sales Surge

    Dammam has emerged as the standout performer in Saudi Arabia’s residential real estate sector during the first quarter of 2026, with quarterly sales values surging 71 percent to SAR3.6 billion ($957 million), according to new data from Cavendish Maxwell.

    Around 2,900 homes changed hands in Dammam from January to March this year, marking a 41 percent increase on the previous quarter, when sales values stood at SAR2.1 billion. Compared to the same period in 2025, sales volumes in the Eastern Province city rose 25 percent, with transaction values up 48 percent.

    March 2026 delivered the strongest monthly performance, with 1,265 transactions recorded despite ongoing regional tensions—a sign of the housing sector’s resilience in Dammam.

    “While the potential implications of the regional geopolitical situation remain closely monitored by market participants, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions,” said Kevin Duffield, Director of Built Asset Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell. “Saudi Arabia’s residential market remains supported by strong domestic demand, with a predominantly local buyer base providing a degree of resilience against short-term external shocks.”

    Riyadh and Jeddah show mixed performance

    Riyadh posted a quarterly rise in transaction volumes and values, with 8,800 sales worth SAR13.4 billion in Q1 2026—an increase of nearly 12 percent in volume and more than 4 percent in value against the final quarter of 2025.

    However, the capital’s year-on-year figures tell a different story. Sales volumes dropped 64 percent compared to Q1 2025, with values down 72 percent, reflecting a normalization following elevated activity in late 2024 and early 2025. Higher financing costs, affordability constraints, Ramadan, Eid, and regional uncertainty also weighed on Riyadh’s Q1 performance.

    Jeddah saw activity moderate further, with sales declining 25 percent compared to Q4 2025 and around 30 percent year-on-year. Investors spent SAR7.2 billion across 5,800 transactions in the first three months of the year.

    Prices and rents stabilizing across major cities

    While real estate sales prices and rental rates across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam increased year-on-year, the pace of growth is beginning to moderate, with little or no change compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.

    In Riyadh, apartment sales prices averaged SAR6,200 per square meter in Q1, up 3.7 percent year-on-year, while villas climbed nearly 7 percent to SAR5,700 per square meter. Prices for both property types remained broadly flat quarter-on-quarter.

    In Jeddah, the cost of apartments rose nearly 2 percent year-on-year and 1.3 percent quarter-on-quarter to SAR4,400 per square meter, with villa prices reaching SAR5,200 per square meter. In Dammam, apartment prices increased 4 percent annually, with villas up more than 2 percent, though both remained stable compared to Q4 2025.

    Rental rates also rose compared to a year ago but moderated in Q1 relative to the previous quarter. In Riyadh, apartment rents increased nearly 6 percent and villas more than 5 percent year-on-year, but declined 2.8 percent and 1.2 percent respectively quarter-on-quarter—partly due to the rent freeze introduced in September and new residential supply entering the market.

    In Jeddah, apartment rents were up 2.7 percent and villas nearly 1 percent compared to Q1 2025, with a softening against the previous quarter. In Dammam, rents rose 3.2 percent year-on-year for apartments and 2.1 percent for villas.

    Major supply pipeline ahead for Riyadh

    Riyadh delivered almost 3,000 new residential units in Q1 this year, bringing the capital’s residential stock to around 1.94 million. Another 31,000 units are due to come to market by the end of the year, with an additional 61,500 by the end of 2028, by which time Riyadh’s total residential inventory will reach 2.03 million.

    Jeddah now has around 1.1 million units following the delivery of 1,500 new homes in Q1. With 17,500 more in the pipeline this year and nearly 46,000 over the next two years, Jeddah’s residential stock is set to exceed 1.16 million by 2028.

    In Dammam, 4,800 new homes are expected to be delivered in 2026, bringing the city’s inventory to 435,000. Handovers will accelerate in 2027, when 10,600 units are scheduled for completion, with another 3,500 slated for 2028.

    “Development pipelines are evolving across each city, with Riyadh seeing the most new supply in the medium term, and growth in Jeddah and Dammam more modest and measured,” said Duffield. “Collectively, this expanding pipeline is expected to play an increasing role in shaping market dynamics and gradually improving the balance between supply and demand.”

    Foreign ownership framework brings new opportunities

    Saudi Arabia’s new foreign ownership law, introduced in January 2026, now allows non-Saudi individuals and companies to invest in the country’s real estate market.

    “Recently approved geographical zones in which the new rules apply bring greater clarity on where investors can buy,” Duffield noted. “The long-term impact on sales numbers and pricing will depend on the level of non-Saudi demand, the types of projects located within the designated areas, and how quickly the supporting regulatory framework is implemented over the next few years.”

    In Riyadh, designated locations for foreign ownership include new urban developments such as Qiddiya, New Murabba, and King Abdullah Financial District, while Jeddah has more than 55 zones open to non-Saudi investors. Several other giga-projects and Special Economic Zones, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Amaala, AlUla, and King Abdullah Economic City, also fall within the approved framework.

    “Overall, while short-term market activity is expected to remain influenced by affordability constraints, financing conditions, and external uncertainty, the medium-term outlook for Saudi Arabia’s residential sector remains supported by population growth, sustained government investment, and ongoing economic diversification,” Duffield added.

  • 69% of Investors Expect Dubai Property Prices to Rise in 2026

    69% of Investors Expect Dubai Property Prices to Rise in 2026

    Dubai’s real estate market shows no signs of slowing down as investor confidence remains strong following a record-breaking first quarter, according to insights from real estate investment platform Stake released on July 13, 2026.

    The inaugural prediction market results from Stake’s StakePredict platform surveyed 5,000 participants and found that 69% expect property prices to rise throughout the year, despite broader global uncertainty and regional challenges.

    Almost half of respondents—49%—believe transaction volumes will increase compared to the first quarter of 2026, which set one of the highest benchmarks for market performance in the emirate’s history.

    Rami Tabbara, co-founder and co-CEO of Stake, commented on the timing of the results:

    Dubai real estate entered 2026 with an exceptionally strong first quarter, setting a high benchmark for the rest of the year. Despite this, and despite broader global uncertainty, investors continue to show confidence in the strength and resilience of the market.

    According to Dubai Land Department data, investments in luxury real estate jumped by 26% in the first quarter, rising to Dh87.71 billion. Investor sentiment suggests Dubai’s luxury property sector will remain at or above Q1 levels for the remainder of 2026.

    Overall, Dubai’s real estate transactions surged by 31% to Dh252 billion in Q1 despite regional conflict disruptions, underscoring the market’s resilience and appeal to international investors.

    ValuStat data further confirm the market’s momentum, showing that ready-home transactions increased by 46.8% month-on-month, marking the strongest monthly rise in three years, although volumes remained 23% lower year-on-year. Off-plan properties rose 32% month-on-month but fell 16% annually, accounting for 75% of all residential sales.

    Tabbara explained that StakePredict was created to capture real-time investor sentiment and forecast future trends in Dubai’s ever-evolving property market. The platform, launched in mid-June, will return in mid-August to allow investors to submit new predictions and compare them against verified market data.

    The positive outlook aligns with broader market trends, as Dubai recorded its second-highest half-year sales exceeding $77.88 billion through more than 86,000 transactions in H1 2026. Additionally, new project launches surpassed $75 billion during the same period, positioning the emirate for its largest annual launch cycle on record.

    With strong investor sentiment, sustained transaction growth, and a robust pipeline of new developments, Dubai’s property market appears positioned to maintain its upward trajectory throughout 2026, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a leading global real estate destination.

  • Dammam Outpaces Riyadh with 71% Home Sales Surge in Q1 2026

    Dammam Outpaces Riyadh with 71% Home Sales Surge in Q1 2026

    Around 2,900 homes were sold in Dammam between January and March 2026, representing a 41% increase from the final quarter of 2025, when transactions were valued at SAR2.1 billion, according to Cavendish Maxwell. Sales volumes were 25% higher than a year earlier, while the total value of transactions increased 48%.

    March was the busiest month of the quarter, with 1,265 residential sales completed despite regional tensions.

    The rise in Dammam contrasted with more measured activity in Riyadh and Jeddah, where affordability pressures, financing costs and a period that included Ramadan and Eid affected transactions.

    Riyadh Rents Decline as Supply Increases

    Tenants in Riyadh saw some relief during the first three months of the year, with apartment rents falling 2.8% compared with the previous quarter and villa rents declining 1.2%.

    The reductions were partly linked to the rent freeze introduced in September and the delivery of new residential supply in the capital. Rental costs remained higher than a year earlier, with apartment rents up nearly 6% and villa rents rising more than 5%, although quarterly declines indicated that the pace of growth had begun to ease.

    Riyadh recorded 8,800 home sales worth SAR13.4 billion during the quarter. Transaction volumes increased nearly 12% from the final three months of 2025, while sales values rose more than 4%. Activity remained considerably below the elevated levels recorded a year earlier, with sales volumes down 64% and values falling 72% compared with the first quarter of 2025.

    Home Prices Show Limited Movement

    Residential sales prices continued to rise annually across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, although there was little movement from the previous quarter in most areas.

    Apartment prices in Riyadh averaged SAR6,200 per square metre, up 3.7% from a year earlier. Villa prices rose nearly 7% to SAR5,700 per square metre, with both categories broadly unchanged from the fourth quarter.

    Jeddah apartment prices increased nearly 2% annually and 1.3% during the quarter to SAR4,400 per square metre. Villa prices reached SAR5,200 per square metre, representing annual growth of 3.3% and a quarterly increase of 1%.

    Dammam apartment prices rose 4% from a year earlier, while villa rents increased 3.2% annually.

    Jeddah Transactions Decline 25%

    Residential sales in Jeddah fell 25% from the previous quarter and around 30% from a year earlier. Investors and buyers completed 5,800 transactions worth SAR7.2 billion during the first three months of 2026.

    While the potential implications of the regional geopolitical situation remain closely monitored by market participants, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions. Saudi Arabia’s residential market remains supported by strong domestic demand, with a predominantly local buyer base providing a degree of resilience against short-term external shocks.

    Kevin Duffield, Director of Built Asset Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell, said in a statement released on July 13, 2026.

    New Supply Enters Market

    Riyadh added almost 3,000 homes during the first quarter, taking its residential inventory to around 1.94 million units. Another 31,000 units are due before the end of 2026, followed by 61,500 units through the end of 2028.

    Jeddah delivered 1,500 homes during the quarter, lifting its inventory to around 1.1 million units. A further 17,500 homes are scheduled for this year, with nearly 46,000 more expected over the following two years.

    Dammam is expected to receive 4,800 new homes during 2026, taking its inventory to 435,000 units. Deliveries are scheduled to rise to 10,600 homes in 2027, followed by another 3,500 in 2028.

    Duffield noted that development pipelines are evolving across each city, with Riyadh seeing the most new supply in the medium term, and growth in Jeddah and Dammam more modest and measured.

    Foreign Buyers Gain Access

    Saudi Arabia’s foreign property ownership law, introduced in January 2026, allows non-Saudi individuals and companies to invest in real estate within approved areas.

    Designated locations in Riyadh include Qiddiya, New Murabba and King Abdullah Financial District, while more than 55 zones in Jeddah have been opened to foreign ownership. NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Amaala, AlUla and King Abdullah Economic City are also covered by the framework.

    Separate rules apply in Makkah and Madinah, where ownership in designated zones is restricted to Muslim buyers.

    Dammam’s strong performance in Q1 2026 reflects the city’s growing appeal as affordability and supply dynamics shift across Saudi Arabia’s main urban markets. With regional real estate markets expanding rapidly, investor attention is increasingly diversifying beyond traditional capitals.

  • Aldar Unveils Dh6 Billion Yas Point Waterfront Destination

    Aldar Unveils Dh6 Billion Yas Point Waterfront Destination

    The development spans approximately 600,000 square meters and marks a significant expansion of one of the world’s leading entertainment and lifestyle destinations, positioning Yas Island for continued growth as a residential and tourism hub.

    Yas Point will combine luxury living, hospitality, retail and entertainment in a single waterfront location on the northern side of Yas Island, connected to the island’s existing attractions including theme parks, sports venues, and cultural facilities.

    “The world’s greatest destinations never stand still; they continue to evolve to remain globally relevant and create new reasons for people to visit, live, and connect. Yas Point reflects that ambition, introducing a vibrant waterfront destination that expands how people experience Yas Island and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for lifestyle, tourism, and investment,” said Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Development.

    The masterplan features a walkable layout designed to encourage movement and discovery, with park connections, waterfront pathways, and public spaces intended to serve both residents and visitors year-round.

    The project includes a five-star resort hotel, branded residences, an international school, and a mix of retail, dining, and leisure amenities, all positioned along a beachfront community setting. The development is designed as a destination for daily living as well as short-term visits, with lively waterfront zones and gathering spaces integrated throughout.

    Once complete, Yas Point will house 5,000 residents across 1,600 residential units, adding substantial supply to Abu Dhabi’s growing residential market. The announcement comes as Abu Dhabi’s property market rebounds with buyer activity recovering to 95% of baseline levels in the first half of 2026.

    The project is part of Abu Dhabi’s Dh200 billion infrastructure portfolio, which includes over 600 ongoing projects across housing, transport, healthcare, education, and tourism sectors. Aldar’s latest launch reinforces the emirate’s focus on integrated communities that blend residential, commercial, and hospitality functions in strategic coastal locations.

    Yas Point is located on one of Yas Island’s most prominent coastal sites, offering direct access to beaches and waterfront experiences. The development is expected to attract both local and international buyers seeking lifestyle-oriented properties in close proximity to globally recognized attractions.

    The announcement follows a series of major waterfront developments across the UAE, where coastal properties have appreciated by more than 140 percent over the past five years, significantly outperforming the wider residential market as scarce land and wellness-focused demand drive premiums to record levels.