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Category: Dubai

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

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

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

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

    Average Transaction Value Nearly Doubles

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Office Properties Dominate Market Activity

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Business Bay Leads Investment Destinations

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

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

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

    Strong Momentum Expected to Continue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Drives Southern Dubai Real Estate Growth

    Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Drives Southern Dubai Real Estate Growth

    The future airport is designed to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, alongside 12 million tonnes of cargo, five parallel runways and more than 400 aircraft stands. Its first major phase is expected to provide capacity for approximately 150 million passengers a year, making the development one of the largest aviation infrastructure projects globally.

    An AED128 billion airport designed for 260 million passengers is not simply an aviation project. It is the foundation of a new economic center that will influence where companies operate, where employment is created and where future residents choose to live. The most important number for property investors is not passenger capacity alone. It is the scale of business activity, job creation and population growth expected around the airport. As infrastructure and employment move south, residential and commercial demand are likely to follow.

    Loai Al Fakir, CEO of Provident Estate

    New Investment Zones Emerge as Expansion Progresses

    The impact of this expansion on Dubai’s real estate market is expected to extend well beyond the airport boundary. An aviation economic-impact study estimated that construction related to the expansion could contribute approximately AED6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030 and support around 132,000 jobs, creating demand for housing, offices, hospitality, retail and community services across nearby locations.

    According to Provident Estate, the emerging investment zone includes Dubai South, Emaar South, Expo City Dubai and Jebel Ali, linking the future passenger and cargo hub with established port infrastructure, free-zone activity, residential communities and global trade routes.

    Dubai South is already recording measurable business growth. The master development attracted 653 new companies in 2025, taking the total number of operating businesses to more than 4,200. New business licenses increased by 65 percent, while the area retained 90 percent of its existing companies.

    Residential real estate demand is also beginning to move alongside commercial activity. Dubai South reported more than AED19 billion in residential sales in 2024, while its South Square development sold out its first tower within three hours, indicating growing demand for early-stage property opportunities close to the future airport.

    Emaar South Becomes Principal Residential Community

    Emaar South is emerging as one of the corridor’s principal residential communities, offering apartments, townhouses and villas alongside an 18-hole championship golf course. Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai positions it to attract both long-term investors and end users seeking family-oriented housing within a master-planned environment.

    Expo City Dubai contributes a mixed-use business and residential component, with commercial districts, free-zone operations and new residential neighborhoods helping transform the former Expo site into a permanent urban center.

    Meanwhile, Jebel Ali provides the established trade and logistics base. In the first half of 2025, Jebel Ali Port handled 545,000 vehicles, an increase of 28 percent year on year, while its wider port, free-zone and industrial ecosystem strengthens the connection between sea freight, aviation and logistics activity across southern Dubai.

    Corridor Attracts Multiple Investor Profiles

    The corridor is expected to attract several investor profiles. Wealthy British investors have increased their exposure to Dubai, with U.K. investment in Dubai real estate rising 62 percent year-on-year during Q2 2025. British buyers became the emirate’s largest foreign buyer group during the period, moving ahead of Indian investors, who have historically remained among Dubai’s most active real estate purchasers.

    Indian investors continue to target Dubai for rental income, capital preservation, business access and family relocation, while British and European buyers are increasingly seeking international diversification and long-term exposure to the UAE.

    High-net-worth individuals and family offices may also view Dubai South as an earlier-stage alternative to established prime areas, particularly when building portfolios with longer holding periods.

    Investors are becoming more analytical. They are no longer assessing Dubai South only according to current occupancy or today’s rental returns. They are studying where infrastructure, jobs and population will be concentrated over the next five to ten years. British and Indian buyers remain important, but their investment objectives vary. International investors may be seeking early positioning and capital appreciation, while UAE-based buyers are often considering mortgage affordability, family use and future rental demand. Dubai South and Emaar South can appeal to both groups.

    Mohammad Jaafari, Off-Plan and Operations Director at Provident Estate

    He added that the airport will be a major catalyst, but proximity alone does not guarantee investment performance. Developer strength, project delivery, future supply, property type and community maturity will determine which assets convert infrastructure growth into sustainable value.

    The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is therefore creating more than a new aviation hub. Combined with Dubai South, Emaar South, Expo City Dubai and Jebel Ali, it is establishing a connected economic and residential zone that could shape Dubai’s next decade of real estate demand.

    The strategic alignment of aviation capacity, logistics infrastructure, employment growth and residential supply across southern Dubai marks a significant shift in the emirate’s spatial development. As this corridor matures, its influence on property values, urban planning and investor strategy is expected to intensify through 2030 and beyond.

  • Yas Island and Al Reem Apartment Prices Rise 18% Annually

    Yas Island and Al Reem Apartment Prices Rise 18% Annually

    Abu Dhabi’s prime waterfront communities maintained strong momentum through mid-2026, with average apartment prices on Yas Island and Al Reem Island rising around 18 percent compared to the same period a year earlier, property consultancy Knight Frank reported on July 22, 2026.

    Al Saadiyat Island retained its position as the emirate’s most expensive apartment market, with average transaction prices reaching Dh43,100 per square metre, marking a 21 percent year-on-year increase. The continued price appreciation reflects sustained demand for waterfront living and lifestyle-oriented developments across the capital.

    In the villa segment, Al Jubail Island recorded the strongest annual price growth of approximately 40 percent, while Al Saadiyat Island remained Abu Dhabi’s most expensive villa location with average transaction values of Dh26,500 per square metre.

    Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research, MENA at Knight Frank, said:

    Despite the geopolitical challenges posed by the ongoing regional conflict, Abu Dhabi’s residential market continues to be supported by robust domestic demand, with prime waterfront communities such as Al Saadiyat and Yas Island leading the emirate’s price growth.

    Knight Frank estimates that around 36,900 homes are under construction between 2026 and 2030, with apartments accounting for two-thirds of the pipeline. Approximately 70 percent of new apartment supply is expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, although construction cost pressures and higher shipping insurance costs could lead to delays.

    Yas Island accounts for the largest share of upcoming residential supply with around 7,700 units under construction, followed by Fahid Island with 3,550 units and Saadiyat Island with 3,250 units.

    Shehzad Jamal, Partner, Real Estate Consultancy, MENA, noted:

    With close to 37,000 homes in the pipeline through to 2030, supply is beginning to catch up with several years of sustained demand. Even so, the concentration of new stock in a handful of master-planned communities means well-located, ready properties in areas like Al Saadiyat and Yas Island are likely to retain their premium.

    While the residential market remained resilient, the office sector showed early signs of cooling. Office leasing transactions totalled approximately 23,616 in the first half of 2026, down 13 percent from the same period a year earlier, marking the first annual contraction in the current market cycle.

    The decline was recorded across most districts, although Al Reem Island stood out with leasing activity surging by more than 148 percent. Knight Frank expects about 428,000 square metres of new office space to be delivered between 2026 and 2028, with most of the supply entering the market over the next two years.

    James Hodgets, Partner, Occupier Strategy and Solutions, MEA, said:

    The outlook for Abu Dhabi’s office market is firmly positive. Occupancy stands at around 98 percent with rental rates up year-on-year, and with only around 166,000 square metres of new supply due in 2026, Grade A space will remain scarce.

    The consultancy warned that additional office supply, combined with softer leasing demand, could put upward pressure on vacancy rates as the market absorbs new stock through 2028.

    Abu Dhabi’s residential market performance contrasts with Dubai’s stabilization trend, where monthly price declines eased significantly in the second quarter of 2026. The capital’s waterfront premium aligns with broader regional interest in coastal developments, as evidenced by the recent launch of the Dh100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat waterfront project, which marks the final phase of Saadiyat Island’s masterplan.

  • Abu Dhabi Launches Dh100 Billion Marsa Al Saadiyat Waterfront Development

    Abu Dhabi Launches Dh100 Billion Marsa Al Saadiyat Waterfront Development

    The waterfront district will extend across eight kilometres of waterfront, including 5.6 kilometres of beaches, and is designed to accommodate more than 58,000 residents through a mix of homes, hotels, schools, cultural facilities, parks and commercial areas.

    Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, visited the project site to review its masterplan, infrastructure and community amenities. He directed that the development be renamed from Saadiyat Marina District to Marsa Al Saadiyat, reflecting the UAE’s maritime heritage.

    The development’s centrepiece will be Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, with capacity for up to 350 sailing boats and luxury yachts. Aldar has been appointed as the project’s master developer, responsible for its overall design and primary infrastructure.

    Sales of the first homes will begin in the second half of 2026, with site enabling and infrastructure works scheduled to start in the third quarter.

    “Marsa Al Saadiyat marks the activation of the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, and with it, the beginning of the most ambitious chapter yet in the island’s evolution,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Aldar.

    The residential mix will include private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments and branded residences. A hillside community of standalone villas rising 22.5 metres will be positioned to make use of the surrounding landscape.

    Community Infrastructure and Amenities

    A landscaped central park will extend towards the waterfront and connect with a network of linear green spaces. The community will feature children’s play areas, clubhouses with outdoor swimming pools, sports courts, healthcare facilities and three schools.

    The masterplan includes approximately 140 kilometres of interconnected walking paths and a 46-kilometre cycling track. Its layout will place everyday services within walking, cycling or short driving distance of homes.

    A one-kilometre promenade will form the development’s main retail and dining district. Marsa Al Saadiyat will also contain a yacht club and two luxury hotels, creating a commercial and leisure centre around the marina.

    Cultural and Performing Arts Hub

    A theatre district will be anchored by Dar al Funoon, a performing arts venue with capacity for more than 6,000 guests. It is planned to host musicals, live productions and international performances throughout the year.

    A scenic walkway will connect Marsa Al Saadiyat directly with the Saadiyat Cultural District, giving residents access to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, Zayed National Museum and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is also planned for the island.

    Saadiyat Island’s wider education network includes NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, American Community School of Abu Dhabi and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi.

    Transport and Connectivity

    Marsa Al Saadiyat will connect with Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island through a new network of roads and tunnels designed to cut travel time between the development and central Abu Dhabi.

    The district will feature an underground station for Etihad Rail’s high-speed passenger service, strengthening links between Abu Dhabi and the other emirates. A new bridge will provide a further connection between Marsa Al Saadiyat and another island being developed off Saadiyat Island’s coast.

    Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Aldar, said the masterplan would add scale and character to Saadiyat Island, which has developed into one of Abu Dhabi’s main cultural and lifestyle districts.

    Sheikh Khaled emphasized that the project reflected the UAE leadership’s commitment to developing integrated infrastructure that meets future needs and strengthens the country’s competitiveness as a place to live, supporting the UAE’s development model by bringing together quality of life, economic competitiveness and sustainability.

    The Dh100 billion development adds to Abu Dhabi’s record real estate momentum in 2026, as the emirate continues to expand its waterfront portfolio alongside major projects on Yas Island and other strategic locations across the capital.

  • Dubai Off-Plan Luxury Apartment Sells for Dh166 Million

    Dubai Off-Plan Luxury Apartment Sells for Dh166 Million

    The 10,021.39-square-foot apartment achieved an average price exceeding Dh16,572 per square foot, according to data from the Dubai Land Department’s Dubai REST application released on July 22, 2026.

    The transaction highlights continued buyer appetite for branded residential developments in established locations, even as Dubai’s broader residential market stabilizes following years of rapid growth.

    Dubai’s ultra-luxury segment, comprising properties valued above Dh36.7 million (approximately $10 million), recorded 269 transactions worth Dh16.57 billion during the first six months of 2026, representing year-on-year increases of 11.2 percent in transaction volumes and 11.5 percent in total value compared with the same period in 2025.

    While villas continued to lead growth in both transaction volumes and values during the first half of 2026, luxury apartments maintained strong pricing in premium addresses and branded residential developments, reflecting the market’s divergence within the ultra-prime segment.

    The emirate’s luxury property market posted robust annual growth in 2025, recording 6,668 luxury property sales worth approximately Dh143.8 billion, up from 4,735 transactions valued at Dh99.3 billion in 2024—representing annual growth of 41 percent in transaction volumes and 45 percent in total value.

    On July 22, Dubai recorded Dh2.05 billion in total real estate transactions across 803 deals, including property sales exceeding Dh1.44 billion through 611 transactions, according to Dubai REST data.

    Off-plan sales reached Dh857.41 million through 431 transactions, including 405 residential units and 26 building sales, highlighting the continued strength of Dubai’s development pipeline and investor appetite for new projects despite growing calls for market transparency.

    Ready property sales totalled Dh587.06 million across 180 transactions, comprising 134 residential units, 18 buildings and 28 land plots.

    The Aman Residences Dubai sale reflects a broader pattern of high-value transactions in branded developments, where global hospitality operators and luxury brands continue to attract buyers seeking premium addresses and full-service amenities in the emirate’s most established neighborhoods.

  • Abu Dhabi Landlords Prioritize Flexibility Over Rent Hikes Amid Freeze

    Abu Dhabi Landlords Prioritize Flexibility Over Rent Hikes Amid Freeze

    Property owners in Abu Dhabi have fundamentally shifted their leasing strategies in response to the emirate’s rent freeze, focusing on tenant retention and added-value services rather than annual price increases, according to Khaled Almahri, a senior property executive.

    “Rather than relying on rent increases, many landlords are focusing on attracting and retaining tenants by offering greater flexibility and added value,” Almahri said in a statement released on July 21, 2026.

    Landlords continue to offer incentives despite restrictions on rent increases, though these have become more targeted and focused on improving the overall leasing experience rather than reducing headline rents, he explained.

    The strategic shift comes as Abu Dhabi recorded Dh117 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, marking a 112 percent year-on-year increase as foreign direct investment in the sector surged 309 percent to Dh13.8 billion, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

    From Price to Service Competition

    Almahri noted that leasing strategies have evolved significantly since rent increases became more restricted under the temporary market stabilization measure.

    “The focus has shifted from maximising annual rent increases to maintaining high occupancy rates, reducing vacancies and building longer-term relationships with tenants.”

    Instead of offering direct rent discounts, landlords are increasingly negotiating payment schedules, lease conditions and renewal packages to make their properties more attractive to prospective and existing tenants.

    Large institutional landlords are placing greater emphasis on professional property management, service quality and smoother lease renewals, while private landlords remain more flexible in negotiating individual lease terms, according to Almahri.

    Competitive Landscape Intensifies

    With annual rental growth moderated by policy restrictions, landlords have become more competitive in non-price dimensions of the rental offering.

    “With rental increases temporarily restricted, landlords are placing greater emphasis on attracting and retaining tenants through competitive pricing, flexible lease terms and well-maintained properties rather than relying on annual rent increases,” Almahri said.

    Although it remains too early to assess the full impact of the rent freeze on lease renewals, Almahri believes greater pricing certainty could encourage more tenants to renew their leases over time rather than relocate in search of better terms.

    Long-Term Fundamentals Remain Strong

    Despite moderating short-term rental growth, the policy is unlikely to affect long-term investment decisions in Abu Dhabi’s property sector, according to Almahri.

    “Abu Dhabi continues to benefit from strong economic growth, population expansion and ongoing government investment, which remain the key drivers of real estate demand,” he stated.

    Government initiatives designed to improve market stability strengthen confidence among both tenants and investors, he added, noting that tenants gain greater certainty when planning housing costs while investors benefit from Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a transparent, well-regulated and stable real estate market.

    The rent freeze policy is intended as a temporary market stabilization measure to ease pressure on tenants and businesses following a period of strong rental growth. Analysts have said such measures are most effective when accompanied by continued housing supply and a clear exit strategy to minimize longer-term market distortions.

    Outlook and Tenant Advice

    Looking ahead, Almahri expects landlords to continue offering flexible leasing arrangements rather than significant rent reductions as the primary tool for attracting and retaining tenants.

    He advised tenants negotiating new leases or renewals to focus on the overall lease package, including payment flexibility, maintenance responsibilities and contract terms, rather than concentrating solely on the rental price.

    The strategic shift in Abu Dhabi’s rental market contrasts with conditions in Dubai, where high-supply communities are seeing increased negotiating power for tenants as new handovers increase competition among landlords in select areas.

  • Dubai Property Market Stabilizes as Price Declines Ease in Q2 2026

    Dubai Property Market Stabilizes as Price Declines Ease in Q2 2026

    The Dubai real estate market has entered a crucial phase of post-conflict stabilization, marked by an easing of residential price corrections alongside sustained expansion across the commercial and industrial sectors.

    The ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) recorded a monthly decline of just 2 percent in April, a marked improvement from March’s 6 percent contraction, followed by more modest declines of 1 percent in both May and June. The trend suggests that the pace of house price declines eased considerably during the second quarter, pointing toward gradual market stabilization.

    Residential Values Adjust Amid Market Rebalancing

    Dubai’s freehold residential ValuStrat Price Index fell 4 percent quarter-on-quarter and 10 percent since the start of the conflict, reaching 220 points, broadly unchanged from 219.8 points a year earlier. All values are benchmarked to a Q1 2021 base of 100.

    The weighted average capital value of a typical Dubai villa reached AED13 million, up 2 percent from AED12.78 million a year earlier, while apartment values averaged AED1.79 million, down 3 percent annually from AED1.85 million.

    The villa index declined 4.2 percent quarter-on-quarter to 293.7 points, with most villa communities remaining stable and none recording growth. Selected communities saw downward value adjustments, including quarterly declines of up to 11 percent on Palm Jumeirah.

    Apartment values declined 3.7 percent quarter-on-quarter, bringing the index to 169.1 points. Quarterly gains were recorded in International City (2.4 percent), Dubai Sports City (1.4 percent) and Al Quoz Fourth (1.1 percent), while other apartment communities posted declines of up to 13.2 percent over the quarter.

    Meanwhile, office capital values resumed their growth trajectory in Q2 2026, supported by improving market sentiment and a limited pipeline of new supply. Dubai’s industrial property sector maintained its upward momentum, underpinned by resilient demand for logistics space and the continued expansion of e-commerce activity.

    Prime Properties Record Mixed Performance

    Dubai’s prime and high-end residential real estate segment recorded slightly stronger annual capital growth in Q2, driven primarily by continued villa price appreciation over the past year. However, prime residential prices declined for a second consecutive quarter, suggesting that the upper end of the market is beginning to stabilize after an extended period of strong growth.

    The segment’s ValuStrat Price Index reached 234 points in Q2 2026. Prime property values rose 1.1 percent year-on-year but fell 4.5 percent quarter-on-quarter. The prime villa sub-index reached 325.3 points, up 7.1 percent annually, though down 2.7 percent over the quarter.

    Premium apartments recorded more subdued performance, with values declining 4.9 percent year-on-year and 6.4 percent quarter-on-quarter, bringing the index down to 178.3 points.

    Record Supply Pipeline Expected to Reach 129,066 Units

    The residential supply pipeline for 2026 is estimated at a record 129,066 units, comprising approximately 82 percent apartments and 18 percent villas and townhouses. However, given persistent construction delays, these projections remain subject to downward revisions, consistent with trends observed in previous years.

    Total estimated completions as of the second quarter stood at 15,039 apartments and 5,218 villas, equivalent to 15 percent of preliminary estimates for the whole of 2026.

    In Q2 2026, villa completions were led by 2,179 homes in DAMAC Lagoons and 614 homes in Jebel Ali Village. Apartment deliveries were concentrated in Jumeirah Village Circle with 1,273 units, Sobha Hartland with 965 units, and Dubai Creek Harbour with 794 units.

    Key building completions during the quarter included Samana Santorini with 157 apartments, Ellington House II in Dubai Hills with 166 properties and Regalia in Business Bay with 913 units.

    The stabilization comes as rental contract activity hit record levels and UAE property markets mature across the Emirates. The residential market’s recovery trajectory aligns with broader indicators suggesting Dubai’s property sector is transitioning from correction to consolidation, supported by sustained demand across commercial and industrial segments.

  • Saudi Real Estate Prices Rise 1.3% in Q2 2026

    Saudi Real Estate Prices Rise 1.3% in Q2 2026

    The Real Estate Price Index rose 1.3 percent in the second quarter compared with the corresponding period of 2025, reversing the 1.6 percent decline recorded during the first quarter. The quarterly increase was driven primarily by a 2.6 percent rise in residential property prices and an 11.3 percent increase in agricultural real estate prices, while commercial property prices declined 3.2 percent.

    Residential land prices increased 6.3 percent year-on-year during the second quarter, providing the strongest contribution to the overall index. Apartment prices rose 1.1 percent and residential floor prices edged 0.4 percent higher, while villa prices declined 9.7 percent.

    On a quarterly basis, the Real Estate Price Index increased 3 percent from the first three months of 2026. Residential property prices rose 3.7 percent quarter-on-quarter, supported by a 6.1 percent increase in residential land prices.

    Regional Performance Shows Wide Variation

    Real estate price movements varied considerably among Saudi Arabia’s administrative regions during the second quarter. Al-Jouf registered the highest increase at 10.4 percent, followed by the Northern Borders region with growth of 4.6 percent. Riyadh recorded a 4.2 percent annual increase, while prices in Makkah rose 0.4 percent.

    Hail recorded the steepest annual decline at 10.1 percent, followed by Qassim with a 5.4 percent decrease. Prices also declined 4.5 percent in Madinah and 2.8 percent in Al-Baha.

    Business Revenues Surge 11.4%

    Saudi Arabia’s Operating Revenues Index increased 11.4 percent year-on-year in May 2026, according to preliminary short-term business statistics released alongside the property data. Mining and quarrying recorded the largest increase among main economic activities, with operating revenues surging 38.7 percent.

    Manufacturing revenues rose 9.6 percent, while wholesale and retail trade revenues increased 3.6 percent. Financial and insurance activities recorded growth of 12.9 percent, and transportation and storage revenues increased 9.5 percent.

    Construction operating revenues advanced 2.5 percent, while real estate activities recorded growth of 5.8 percent. Accommodation and food services rose 8.2 percent, and information and communication revenues increased 4.8 percent.

    Employee Compensation Rises

    The Employee Compensation Index increased 9.8 percent year-on-year in May 2026. Accommodation and food services recorded the highest increase at 17.7 percent, followed by other service activities at 14.8 percent. Manufacturing employee compensation rose 11.4 percent, while financial and insurance activities increased 12.8 percent.

    Transportation and storage compensation rose 13.6 percent, while construction recorded an increase of 7.6 percent. Compensation in wholesale and retail trade increased 9.4 percent.

    Building Permits Decline Sharply

    The number of building permits issued in Saudi Arabia fell 33.3 percent year-on-year in May, with 5,056 permits issued during the month compared with 7,584 permits in May 2025. The number also declined 25.7 percent month-on-month from April 2026.

    The permit data contrasted with the quarterly rise in real estate prices and the annual increase in construction operating revenues, presenting a mixed picture of the market.

    Vision 2030 Housing Targets Advance

    Saudi Arabia’s real estate market continues to develop alongside the Housing Program under Vision 2030, which aims to increase homeownership among Saudi families to 70 percent by the end of the decade. The homeownership rate reached 66.24 percent at the end of 2025, exceeding the annual target of 65 percent and rising from 47 percent before the launch of the national housing transformation.

    GASTAT calculates the Real Estate Price Index quarterly using data from completed real estate transactions across Saudi Arabia. The system employs a geospatial artificial intelligence model to process different types of real estate transactions and connect them with multiple data sources and satellite imagery.

    The second-quarter data indicates that while Dammam’s property market surged earlier this year, the national picture now shows broader residential strength concentrated in land and apartment segments, while villa prices continue to face headwinds and commercial properties remain under pressure.

  • AVENEW and Marriott to Launch Ritz-Carlton Residences on World Islands

    AVENEW and Marriott to Launch Ritz-Carlton Residences on World Islands

    The project marks AVENEW’s second collaboration with Marriott International and its debut on The World Islands, an archipelago of approximately 260 man-made islands located four kilometres off the Jumeirah coastline.

    The Ritz-Carlton Residences will be situated within the Hawaii Islands cluster and will feature a curated collection of villas and two- and three-bedroom low-rise residences designed as a private retreat combining exceptional design with world-renowned service.

    “The World Islands present a real estate opportunity that is genuinely rare. Limited by design, recognised around the world and continuing to evolve with every passing year,” said Rasha Hassan, managing partner of AVENEW Development. “We chose to make our debut on the island because we believe in the long-term potential and because it gives us the canvas to create the kind of destination AVENEW was founded to deliver.”

    The collaboration will bring The Ritz-Carlton’s service philosophy and refined hospitality to every residence, creating a living experience that combines design excellence with personalised service standards.

    Jaidev Menezes, regional vice president for mixed-use development at Marriott International’s EMEA division, emphasized the strategic importance of the location. “These exclusive branded waterfront homes set the standard for a rare and luxury island lifestyle which will reinforce the archipelago as a truly unparalleled destination in Dubai’s evolving luxury property market,” he said.

    The World Islands has recently attracted renewed developer confidence and significant hospitality commitments, positioning the destination among the region’s most compelling long-term real estate opportunities due to its fixed supply unlike any other development in Dubai.

    More details about the project will be revealed ahead of the sales launch scheduled for 2027. The development reflects AVENEW’s founding principles of thoughtful design, distinctive location selection and timeless quality, marking another addition to the company’s portfolio of distinguished Dubai addresses.

    The announcement comes as Dubai’s waterfront properties continue to attract premium valuations, with investors increasingly focused on exclusive island and coastal developments. The World Islands project aligns with broader market trends showing strong demand for limited-supply waterfront residential opportunities across the emirate.

  • Indians and Britons Lead Dubai Property Market with Dh225.7 Billion in H1 Deals

    Indians and Britons Lead Dubai Property Market with Dh225.7 Billion in H1 Deals

    Buyers from more than 150 countries invested in Dubai’s housing market during 2025, with Indian nationals accounting for 22% of all purchases, followed by British buyers at 17% and Chinese investors at 14%, marking the continuation of a long-standing trend of expatriate-led investment in the emirate.

    The consultancy found that Dubai’s residential market remained resilient during the US-Iran regional conflict, with buyer confidence returning quickly after a brief slowdown in March and April 2026.

    Overall residential prices averaged about Dh1,900 per square foot in the first half of 2026, up from Dh1,800 per square foot during the same period last year, representing a 6% annual increase despite broader market uncertainty.

    “While geopolitical tensions briefly affected buyer sentiment during March and April 2026, the correction was largely sentiment-driven – not structural,” said Aayush Puri, CEO of Residential, Middle East & CEO at Anarock Channel Partners, India.

    Puri noted that residential prices softened by just 4–7% in the February to April period, significantly outperforming the Dubai Financial Market Real Estate stock index, which dropped 34% at its peak, marking “the widest sentiment-to-asset gap of any Dubai crisis on record.”

    The recovery was supported by strong market fundamentals, with off-plan properties accounting for 70–77% of residential transactions during the period, reflecting sustained buyer confidence despite short-term uncertainty.

    Weekly residential sales rebounded to as much as Dh10 billion after ceasefire efforts progressed, suggesting investors viewed the slowdown as temporary rather than a sign of weakening fundamentals.

    Dubai’s growing population continued to support demand. The emirate added around 470 new residents a day in 2025, taking its population above 4.03 million by year-end.

    More than 129,600 new investors entered Dubai’s property market in 2025, up 23% year-on-year. Around 80% of transactions were cash purchases, reducing the market’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

    Among buyers, 38% purchased homes for their own use, while 28% bought properties for rental income. Another 21% invested to qualify for the UAE’s Golden Visa programme, while 13% cited capital preservation as their main motivation.

    The data reflects broader trends across the region, with Abu Dhabi recording Dh117 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, marking a 112% year-on-year increase driven by foreign direct investment.

    Looking ahead, Anarock expects Dubai’s residential prices to rise by 4–7% in 2026, supported by continued population growth, expanding international buyer demand and government initiatives. However, it warned that renewed regional conflict in the second half of 2026 remains the main downside risk to the market.

    The report underscores Dubai’s position as a safe-haven destination for global capital, particularly among Indian and British investors seeking wealth preservation, residency options, and stable returns in an uncertain geopolitical environment.