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Tag: Emaar Properties

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Emaar Books Dh26.6 Billion in H1 Property Sales

    Emaar Books Dh26.6 Billion in H1 Property Sales

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

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

    UAE Development Business Drives Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar

    Large Development Land Bank Supports Pipeline

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

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

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

    Malls Maintain 98 Percent Occupancy

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

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

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

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

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

    Recurring Revenue Portfolio Stable

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

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

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

  • Dubai Real Estate Launches Hit Record $75 Billion in First Half of 2026

    Dubai Real Estate Launches Hit Record $75 Billion in First Half of 2026

    The value of new real estate projects in Dubai has exceeded AED275 billion ($74.88 billion) since the beginning of 2026, reflecting continued exceptional momentum in the sector and reinforcing the emirate’s entry into the largest half-year cycle of new real estate project launches in its history.

    A recent report by W Capital Real Estate Brokerage stated that the total value of new and announced real estate projects in the first half of this year exceeded AED275 billion. This includes 250 new real estate projects launched and registered with the Dubai Land Department by the end of May, valued at nearly AED75 billion, as well as the mega-project announced by Emaar Properties in June, valued at up to AED200 billion.

    The projects launched during the first five months of the year comprise approximately 59,400 residential units and 10,800 villas, reflecting the continued focus on the residential sector as the primary driver of real estate growth in Dubai, supported by strong demand from local and international buyers and investors.

    Historical comparisons indicate that Dubai witnessed the launch of 648 new real estate projects by 258 developers in 2025, encompassing over 167,000 residential units with an estimated value of approximately AED463 billion. This compares to 145,000 units valued at AED360.1 billion in 2024, representing a 15.2 percent increase in the number of units and a 28.4 percent increase in the total project value.

    Apartments continued to dominate the new supply last year, accounting for approximately 88.8 percent of all units offered. Meanwhile, villas and townhouses saw significant growth in total value, driven by increased demand for integrated residential communities and low-density projects.

    Confidence remains strong among developers and investors

    In a statement, Al Zarooni, W Capital CEO, said that the figures recorded in the first half of the year reflect strong confidence in Dubai’s real estate sector among both developers and investors. He emphasized that the emirate has successfully established itself as one of the most active and attractive global real estate markets.

    “The fact that the value of new and announced projects has reached nearly AED300 billion in less than six months is an exceptional indicator reflecting the strength of genuine demand for real estate in Dubai, rather than mere development activity driven by expectations,” said Al Zarooni.

    He also noted that Dubai’s real estate market has become more mature and better able to absorb new projects compared to previous years, thanks to the development of the regulatory environment, enhanced transparency and an advanced legislative framework that protects the rights of both investors and developers.

    Dubai on track to post new record high

    Al Zarooni explained that the current pace of launches puts Dubai on track to record one of its biggest years in history in terms of the value of new real estate projects. He predicted that the value of projects launched this year will surpass last year’s levels if the pace of major project announcements continues into the second half of 2026.

    He emphasized that current indicators reflect Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for attracting real estate capital, at a time when many international markets are experiencing a slowdown or a state of anticipation. He noted that the emirate continues to benefit from its position as a safe destination for investment, living and working, which is directly reflected in the strength of demand and the continued launch of new projects.

    The surge in project launches comes alongside other market developments, including Dubai’s Flexi Rents initiative introduced in June 2026 to ease financial pressure on tenants, and follows projections that Dubai’s real estate market will attract over AED1 trillion ($272.3 billion) in new projects over the next five years.

    “What we are witnessing today is not just cyclical growth, but a new phase of real estate development based on sustainable demand and long-term growth. This gives the market strong momentum and promising opportunities for developers and investors in the coming years,” Al Zarooni concluded.

  • Dubai Real Estate to Attract $272 Billion Over Next Five Years

    Dubai Real Estate to Attract $272 Billion Over Next Five Years

    W Capital Real Estate has projected that the total value of new projects launched or developed in Dubai will surpass AED1 trillion ($272.3 billion) over the next five years, reflecting sustained momentum across the emirate’s property sector.

    The outlook is underpinned by strong population growth, continued inflows of foreign investment, and a steady pipeline of mega-project announcements from leading developers, reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic property investment hubs.

    New Phase of Urban and Investment Expansion

    Walid Al Zarooni, CEO of W Capital Real Estate, affirmed that Emaar’s AED200 billion development announcement clearly indicates that the market is moving toward a new phase of urban and investment expansion, reinforcing expectations of continued mega-project launches in the future.

    Al Zarooni said that the company’s estimates are based on projects announced by major real estate developers, project launch rates over the past years, and development plans linked to Dubai’s economic agenda and the emirate’s D33 population and urban growth targets, which support continued demand for various types of real estate assets.

    He noted that Dubai’s real estate market is witnessing a qualitative shift in the nature of projects offered. It is no longer limited to traditional residential complexes but now includes integrated cities, mixed-use projects, business centers, and community projects that rely on the latest sustainability concepts and smart infrastructure, reflecting the evolving needs of both investors and residents.

    Population Growth and Infrastructure Drive Demand

    The rapid population growth, along with Dubai’s ability to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, and investors, is a key driver of real estate demand across residential, commercial, and hospitality segments. This trend is giving developers greater clarity and confidence to expand and pursue long-term project development.

    Al Zarooni further highlighted that Dubai’s advanced regulatory framework, modern infrastructure, economic stability, and overall resilience have strengthened its status as one of the world’s most attractive real estate destinations, allowing it to continue drawing capital and long-term investment despite broader global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

    Dubai is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in regional real estate growth, noting that the wave of recently announced mega-projects underscores strong confidence from both developers and investors in the emirate’s long-term outlook.

    He also pointed out that ongoing large-scale infrastructure developments, including enhancements to transport and service networks, are expected to further boost the real estate sector. These initiatives are set to unlock new urban districts and generate a wider range of investment opportunities in the years ahead.

    Al Zarooni concluded that these developments mark the start of a new phase of urban expansion, with expected projects set to exceed AED1 trillion in total value over the next five years.

    The projection comes as Dubai continues to demonstrate market resilience, with neighboring Sharjah recording strong property performance and Abu Dhabi approving major developments across the UAE.

  • Emaar to Unveil Dh200 Billion Dubai Masterplan for 150,000 Residents

    Emaar to Unveil Dh200 Billion Dubai Masterplan for 150,000 Residents

    The project will feature a total built-up area exceeding 4.5 million square metres, incorporating a comprehensive mix of residential towers, villas, mansions, offices, retail, hospitality, cultural spaces and civic amenities.

    The company has not yet disclosed the name or precise location of the development, but confirmed the full unveiling is imminent.

    A City Within the City

    The project is being described as a self-sustaining urban district, combining homes, workplaces, schools, healthcare, mosques, retail and cultural venues within a walkable community.

    Emaar said the development will be structured around the principles of the 20-minute city, with proposed metro connectivity, smart mobility infrastructure, EV-friendly pathways, cycling routes and app-integrated community services.

    The masterplan will include landmark residential towers with views oriented towards Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, alongside an exclusive gated villa enclave with five and six-bedroom residences and mansions.

    At the centre of the district, a high street and grand boulevard will bring together shops, restaurants, cafes and cultural experiences, giving the development a retail and lifestyle spine similar to the integrated communities that have shaped Dubai’s real estate market over the past two decades.

    Villas, Towers and Green Space

    The new district will combine high-density urban living with resort-style residential pockets, including private gardens, water features, parks, community lagoons, lakes, shaded promenades and dedicated cycling paths.

    A central district park is planned as one of the main public spaces, with sports courts, event lawns, splash parks, beach areas and outdoor wellness zones.

    The masterplan will be divided into five character zones: a Business Hub, an Urban District, a Young Families Cluster, a Family Living Zone and an exclusive villa enclave.

    We have always believed that the greatest cities are not built, they are dreamed. What we are about to reveal is our most extraordinary dream yet: a place where the finest architecture, the most immersive landscapes and the most advanced thinking about how people live come together in one magnificent vision.

    Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar Properties, emphasized the project’s scale and ambition.

    “This development reflects our deep confidence in the future of the UAE and our belief in the visionary leadership that continues to create an environment where ambition, innovation and bold ideas can thrive,” he added.

    The announcement follows Emaar’s record Dh22.4 billion in Q1 sales, demonstrating sustained investor appetite for the developer’s projects. Dubai Holding recently became Emaar’s largest shareholder with a 29.73% stake, reinforcing institutional confidence in the company’s long-term strategy.

    The project reflects broader momentum in Dubai’s property sector, where transactions climbed 31% year-on-year in Q1 2026 despite regional challenges.

  • Dubai Property Market Shifts to Long-Term Investment Destination

    Dubai Property Market Shifts to Long-Term Investment Destination

    The average time for a renter in the UAE to become a homeowner has dropped to just 4.8 years, highlighting a growing shift toward long-term residency and ownership rather than short-term property trading, according to Nagham Hassan, market analyst at eToro, a trading and investing platform.

    The trend reflects changing buyer behaviour across the UAE property market. In 2025, data showed that the investor base expanded to more than 193,000 active participants, with resident investors accounting for over half of total investments by value — a trend analysts say reflects increasing market maturity and stronger long-term confidence in the UAE economy.

    Dubai has also launched the First Time Home Buyer Programme to support individuals seeking to purchase their first home in the emirate by offering a range of exclusive benefits that make it easier to enter the property ownership market.

    Industry experts noted that strong demand, fast-moving launches and limited supply in key communities are encouraging buyers to make quicker long-term purchasing decisions rather than waiting on the sidelines.

    Dubai recorded Dh252 billion in real estate transactions during the first quarter of 2026, up 31 per cent year-on-year, following a record-breaking Dh917 billion in transactions during 2025. Meanwhile, property prices rose 9.81 per cent last year, moderating from the double-digit gains seen in previous years.

    Despite heightened regional tensions earlier this year, Dubai’s property sector showed resilience. February transactions reached Dh84 billion before slowing to Dh56 billion in March as buyers briefly paused amid geopolitical uncertainty. However, sales rebounded 23 per cent in April to Dh69 billion, signalling renewed confidence in the market.

    The resilience has also extended to listed real estate developers, although share prices have lagged behind physical market performance.

    Emaar Properties entered 2026 with a revenue backlog of Dh163.4 billion, up 29 per cent year-on-year, while Aldar Properties reported a 12 per cent increase in revenue and a 22 per cent rise in EBITDA, alongside total liquidity of Dh38.2 billion.

    A resolution in the regional conflict would act as a catalyst, unlocking the pent-up demand that has already proven itself in the physical market and accelerating the repricing of both stocks toward their fundamental value.

    Analysts say the sector’s long-term outlook remains supported by escrow-protected sales structures, recurring income streams and strong project pipelines, making major UAE developers relatively insulated from short-term market volatility.

    The structural shift toward homeownership is further reinforced by Dubai homeowners now holding properties for periods comparable to mature markets like London and New York, reflecting the emirate’s maturation as a global residential hub.

  • Dubai Holding Becomes Emaar Properties’ Largest Shareholder with 29.73% Stake

    Dubai Holding Becomes Emaar Properties’ Largest Shareholder with 29.73% Stake

    The transaction reinforces a long-standing strategic partnership between Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties, one of the Middle East’s largest real estate developers with a diversified portfolio spanning residential, commercial, hospitality and retail assets across multiple continents.

    “The transaction builds on a long-standing strategic partnership and reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation and long-term value creation,” Dubai Holding stated in an announcement on Tuesday.

    Emaar Properties is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and maintains a well-established footprint across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe, supported by a robust development pipeline and high-quality recurring income-generating assets.

    Strategic confidence in Dubai’s property sector

    The acquisition represents a strategic investment reflecting Dubai Holding’s confidence in Emaar’s market position, asset quality and long-term growth prospects, as well as in the enduring fundamentals of Dubai’s economy and real estate sector.

    Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with investments in more than 30 countries and an extensive portfolio of over AED500 billion worth of assets across key sectors, including real estate, hospitality, entertainment, retail, media and investments.

    The transaction also strengthens the strategic partnership between the two entities, building on multiple existing partnerships and continued collaboration across key joint ventures.

    The move comes as Emaar Properties recorded Dh22.4 billion in property sales during Q1 2026, marking a 16% year-on-year increase driven by sustained demand across both established and newly launched projects in the UAE.

    The consolidation of ownership reflects broader confidence in Dubai’s property market, which has demonstrated exceptional resilience in 2026 despite regional challenges. The emirate’s real estate sector rebounded quickly following recent geopolitical tensions, with digital platform activity recovering to 99% of normal levels within 51 days.

    Dubai Holding’s increased stake in Emaar underscores the strategic importance of the developer to the emirate’s long-term economic vision and the continued attractiveness of Dubai’s property sector to major institutional investors.

  • Emaar Properties Records Dh22.4 Billion in Q1 2026 Sales

    Emaar Properties Records Dh22.4 Billion in Q1 2026 Sales

    Dubai’s leading real estate developer demonstrated robust performance in Q1 2026, with total revenue reaching Dh12.4 billion—a 23% jump compared to the same period in 2025. The growth was supported by strong contributions from both UAE and international operations.

    Emaar’s subsidiary, Emaar Development, recorded property sales of Dh20.1 billion during the quarter, representing a 22% increase year-on-year. The company’s net profit climbed to just under Dh3.5 billion, a 36% surge from Q1 2025.

    As of March 31, 2026, Emaar’s revenue backlog stood at approximately Dh163.4 billion, reflecting a 29% annual increase and providing strong revenue visibility for the coming years. Emaar Development’s backlog reached Dh134.6 billion, up 35% from the prior year.

    “Our performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the strength and resilience of the UAE economy, which continues to provide a stable foundation despite broader regional volatility,” said Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar.

    Alabbar emphasized that recent geopolitical developments have reinforced the UAE’s position as a market defined by safety, institutional continuity, and long-term vision. “The UAE’s stability is the result of decades of wise leadership, sustained investment in world-class infrastructure, and a clear, business-friendly policy environment,” he added.

    Despite regional tensions affecting the quarter’s final weeks, Emaar Development maintained construction schedules across all ongoing projects. The company launched 10 new residential projects across its master-planned communities in response to evolving market demand.

    The developer recently distributed a dividend equivalent to 100% of its share capital to shareholders, amounting to Dh8.9 billion—marking the second consecutive year of such a payout.

    Emaar’s Q1 performance aligns with broader market trends showing Dubai’s property sector resilience, as the emirate’s real estate market continues to attract sustained investor interest. The company’s strong backlog and project pipeline position it well to capitalize on Dubai’s robust Q1 market activity, which saw total transactions exceed Dh180 billion across the emirate.

  • Dubai Property Market Has Nothing to Fear, Says Emaar Founder

    Dubai Property Market Has Nothing to Fear, Says Emaar Founder

    The UAE’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate exceptional confidence amid geopolitical uncertainty, according to one of its most prominent figures. Mohamed Alabbar, CEO and founder of Emaar Properties, one of the world’s largest real estate developers, expressed absolute certainty that Dubai’s property market will weather both regional tensions and the wave of new supply expected in 2026 and 2027.

    “We are not here for the short run. We are here for a long, long time to do business,” Alabbar said in a recent interview with CNBC. He characterized the incoming supply as a natural feature of a market built on decade-long ambitions rather than short-term speculation. While acknowledging that a brief cooling-off period is possible, he dismissed concerns about structural problems ahead.

    Market Sentiment Remains Firm

    To illustrate current confidence levels, Alabbar shared a telling anecdote from his personal property search. Currently looking for a seafront apartment for his own use, he noted that after two days of viewing, not a single seller was willing to negotiate on price.

    “Nobody wants to budge. Nobody wants to give a discount. That’s a true situation.”

    The observation serves as a quiet but powerful signal of where sentiment stands on the ground, reflecting sustained demand despite external pressures.

    Structural Resilience Built on Prudent Lending

    Alabbar highlighted a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes Dubai from other global property markets: its real estate sector is not built on bank borrowing. Lending to buyers remains tightly restricted, insulating the market from credit-driven collapses seen elsewhere during financial crises.

    “Our real estate business is not built on bank borrowing. Bank borrowing is very restricted in this market,” he explained, adding that while consumer confidence may experience temporary dips, the UAE’s policy environment has a proven track record of restoring it quickly.

    This assessment aligns with recent market performance. Dubai real estate continues processing deals exceeding $100 million, with developers reporting uninterrupted operations despite some buyers adopting a cautious stance.

    Long-Term Capital Recognizes Stability

    On the broader question of geopolitical uncertainty and Dubai’s reputation as a refuge for global wealth, Alabbar expressed unwavering confidence. He argued that investors who study the trajectory of UAE policy over years and decades will consistently find the same qualities: consistency, sustainability, wisdom, and stability.

    “A country like this, with all these principles and stable leadership and the safety, it has shown that it can deliver,” he stated.

    Alabbar reserved particular admiration for the UAE’s leadership and its capacity for long-range strategic planning. While acknowledging he is not versed in military affairs, he said he was genuinely moved by the country’s demonstrated capabilities during recent tensions.

    “People with true capital understand this, they appreciate this, and they will double down on investing.”

    The sentiment echoes statements made earlier this week, when Alabbar noted that recent attacks have ultimately reinforced confidence in the country’s stability, pointing to decades of consistent policy and institutional strength.

    Market Context and Performance

    Alabbar’s confidence comes as Dubai’s property sector maintains strong fundamentals. The emirate’s real estate market recorded 874 transactions worth AED2.46 billion on March 2, 2026, demonstrating sustained investor confidence as economic fundamentals continue to outweigh short-term geopolitical sentiment.

    The debt-free structure of Dubai’s real estate market, combined with prudent lending restrictions and long-term government planning, positions the emirate to absorb new supply without the leverage-driven volatility that has characterized property cycles in other global cities. As regional tensions persist, Dubai’s market continues to attract capital seeking stability, transparency, and proven governance frameworks.

  • Alabbar: UAE Proves Safety Credentials Amid Regional Tensions

    Alabbar: UAE Proves Safety Credentials Amid Regional Tensions

    Speaking in a CNBC interview that aired on Friday, Alabbar said the UAE’s ability to intercept incoming threats has underscored its reputation as a global safe haven.

    The past days have proven that we are really a safe country.

    The developer emphasized that the UAE’s long-term policy consistency and stability have been built over decades and cannot easily be undermined.

    “If you were to look and study the trajectory of UAE policies, you will see consistency, you will see sustainability, you will see wisdom, you will see stability — all for one purpose: to create an incredible life for the people who live here,” he said. “You don’t build this over one year, two years: it took us over 40 years for the leadership to establish this.”

    Alabbar added that recent developments are unlikely to weaken investor confidence in the UAE, noting that Dubai’s property market continues to attract strong interest.

    “Success does not happen by luck,” he said. “Because of years of great policies, stability, competence and fairness that exist in this country, that really have pushed tremendous belief in this country and what the future holds.”

    Alabbar also dismissed concerns about a major correction in Dubai’s property market, despite regional tensions. “I know my business well. I know the banking system. I know the business environment,” he said. “I have no concerns.”

    He pushed back against predictions made by global ratings agency Fitch in 2025 about a 15% property price correction, calling the forecast “very unrealistic” based on his analysis of business data.

    High Interception Rate Demonstrates Defense Capability

    Alabbar’s comments come as figures released by the UAE Ministry of Defence on March 5 show that the country’s air defence systems have intercepted the vast majority of missiles and drones launched toward the UAE since the escalation began.

    According to the ministry:

    • 1,072 drones were detected, with 1,001 intercepted
    • 196 ballistic missiles were detected, with 181 intercepted
    • Eight cruise missiles were detected, with all eight intercepted

    A total of 71 drones impacted on land, while two ballistic missiles struck inside the country and 13 fell into the sea, according to the ministry’s latest update. The figures highlight the scale of the attacks but also the effectiveness of the UAE’s layered air defence systems.

    Meanwhile, the intensity of strikes across the region appears to be declining. Iranian ballistic missile launches were down 90% from the first day of fighting, while drone attacks have fallen 83%, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal on Friday.

    Institutional Strength Reinforces Investor Confidence

    Analysts say the UAE’s response to the crisis may ultimately reinforce investor confidence. Simon Wolfe, co-founder and managing partner of Marlow Global, said the country’s institutions and communications have remained strong despite the scale of the attacks.

    “In the short term, there is a physical reality here that optimism cannot shortcut. Airports, ports and energy infrastructure will take weeks to come back online, and the disruption to trade flows and aviation connectivity is real and immediate,” Wolfe told Gulf Business this week.

    However, Wolfe said the UAE’s response demonstrates the strategic qualities that attracted global investors to the country in the first place.

    “Look at what the UAE has actually done in the face of an extraordinary assault: its institutions have held, its government has communicated with clarity, and it has called for negotiated resolution within days of being targeted,” he said. “And perhaps most importantly, the air defences have, in large part, held. This demonstrates exactly the kind of strategic maturity that made it attractive to global capital in the first place.”

    The UAE real estate sector has demonstrated operational resilience in early March 2026, with Dubai recording sustained transaction activity despite heightened regional tensions.