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Tag: UAE property market

  • Dubai Commercial Property Prices Jump 28% Despite Regional Conflict

    Dubai Commercial Property Prices Jump 28% Despite Regional Conflict

    Dubai’s commercial property prices climbed 28% year-on-year during the period from February 28 to March 19, 2026, according to data released by Property Finder on April 2, 2026, demonstrating resilience in the emirate’s commercial real estate segment despite the start of regional conflict.

    Several communities recorded exceptional growth in per-square-meter prices, with Dubai Investment Park Second witnessing a 323% increase compared to the same period last year, while Al Safouh saw prices rise by 286%.

    Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, attributed the price growth to transactions concentrating at higher values.

    The primary segment continues to show relative strength compared to the overall market, with transactions up to 1.9% year-on-year across the same period (Feb 28 – March 19).

    Total real estate transactions between February 28 and March 19 stood at 8,549 compared to 10,404 in the same period last year, amounting to Dh28 billion ($7.62 billion) compared to Dh32.7 billion ($8.9 billion) the previous year. However, the commercial segment saw a 44.2% decline in transaction volumes year-on-year during this period.

    In the off-plan segment, primary transactions increased by 1.9% year-on-year despite lower overall volumes, with year-on-year transaction values up 15.9% during the same period. Prices in this segment saw a temporary adjustment of 5.2% compared to the previous two weeks.

    “Importantly, year-on-year transaction values from the same period are up 15.9%, despite lower volumes, indicating demand for premium properties. This points to buyers continuing to transact, but at higher-values, which indicates sustained market confidence,” Sleiman explained.

    The commercial segment’s performance aligns with broader market dynamics. Off-plan apartment sales climbed 12.9% in March 2026, while the market continues to demonstrate what industry leaders describe as structural resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty.

    Dubai’s commercial real estate sector recorded an impressive 77.9% growth in sales value and 35.1% increase in transaction volume in 2025, with office sales more than doubling to Dh131.1 billion, the strongest performance in more than a decade according to Cavendish Maxwell.

    Property Finder noted that buyer inquiries have remained fairly stable in recent weeks, with only a slight dip as purchasers adopt a more measured approach rather than withdrawing from the market entirely. The data suggests that confidence in Dubai’s commercial property fundamentals remains intact, with investors continuing to commit capital at premium pricing levels despite the regional security situation.

  • Sharjah Property Market Hits Dh2.3 Billion in First Half of March

    Sharjah Property Market Hits Dh2.3 Billion in First Half of March

    Abdulaziz Rashid Al Saleh, Director of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, confirmed on March 17, 2026, that the emirate’s property market recorded Dh2.3 billion ($626.3 million) in total transactions across 3,556 deals during the first half of March.

    Al Saleh emphasized that the figures demonstrate the robustness and resilience of Sharjah’s real estate sector, driven by rising interest from capital allocators. He noted that the department continues to deliver services through digital platforms and an extensive network of branches across the emirate.

    “The data demonstrates the robustness and steadfastness of the property sector in Sharjah, propelled by rising interest from capital allocators,” Al Saleh stated.

    The director attributed the sustained market activity to the consistent legal framework established by the emirate under the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the oversight of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

    Sharjah’s real estate performance in early March reflects broader momentum across the UAE property sector. While Dubai recorded Dh3.8 billion in transactions on a single day earlier this week, neighboring emirates continue to demonstrate sustained investor confidence despite regional dynamics.

    The emirate’s property market has consistently posted strong growth over recent quarters, with institutional and retail investors maintaining active participation in both off-plan and secondary market segments. The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department has facilitated this activity through ongoing digitalization of registration processes and enhanced service accessibility.

    Market analysts note that Sharjah’s relative affordability compared to Dubai, combined with expanding infrastructure and strengthened regulatory frameworks across the UAE, continues to support sustained transaction volumes as investors seek diversified exposure within the Gulf’s property markets.

  • Abu Dhabi Approves 75 Million Sqm of Development in 2025

    Abu Dhabi Approves 75 Million Sqm of Development in 2025

    The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced on March 12, 2026, that it approved nearly 75 million square meters of gross floor area for development across Abu Dhabi in 2025, representing a 137% year-on-year increase that signals the emirate’s rapid urban expansion.

    The scale of this expansion is equivalent to the entire developed capacity of Yas Island being built out seven times over, according to DMT officials.

    “This milestone reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing momentum as a world destination for investment and development. Through forward-looking approaches and streamlined regulatory processes, we are enabling diverse mixed-use districts that strengthen economic diversification, attract international talent and enhance quality of life across the emirate,” said His Excellency Eng Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning & Permits Centre at DMT.

    Nearly 190,000 Residential Units Approved

    Housing initiatives represented the largest share of development approvals, with nearly 190,000 residential units planned across new and existing neighborhoods. These include more than 158,000 market units and approximately 30,000 homes dedicated to UAE Nationals, supported by an extensive network of community amenities, including schools, healthcare facilities, community majlis and retail destinations.

    Industry and technology sectors also emerged as major drivers of activity, with new approved projects spanning industrial zones, data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities expected to support the emirate’s digital economy, logistics sector and technology-driven industries.

    In the hospitality and tourism sector, projects delivering nearly 5,000 new hotel keys were added across multiple destinations, alongside new waterfront attractions, beaches and cultural experiences that reinforce Abu Dhabi’s tourism appeal.

    Approval Cycle Reduced by 60 Days

    To facilitate this unprecedented scale of development, DMT reduced the approval cycle for master developers by 60 days, accelerating the delivery of major projects across the emirate while maintaining rigorous compliance standards.

    “The reduction in evaluation timelines demonstrates our commitment to enabling rapid and high-quality construction across Abu Dhabi. By balancing efficiency with strong regulatory oversight, we are ensuring that the emirate’s urban landscape evolves to meet market demand while maintaining the highest standards,” said Mansour Saleh Al Harbi, Acting Executive Director for Activation and Development Control Sector at DMT.

    The surge in planning approvals has been supported by the launch of BINAA, the region’s first AI-driven permits platform. Since its introduction in June 2025, the platform has shortened the average time required to issue a residential villa building permit by 57% and decreased resubmissions by 53% by automating complex technical reviews.

    In total, over 11,000 building permits were issued in 2025, representing a 15% increase compared with the previous year. DMT also conducted upskilling workshops for more than 7,000 consultants and contractors to support their adaptation to evolving regulatory and market requirements.

    The development surge comes as Abu Dhabi leads UAE real estate growth and as expatriate residents drive 62% of home sales in the emirate. DMT will continue to expand BINAA’s capabilities while promoting the adoption of digital and AI-enabled submissions to further streamline processes and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.

  • Abu Dhabi Residential Market Enters 2026 with Strong Fundamentals

    The market is expected to remain resilient throughout 2026, with sales prices and rental rates likely to record further increases in the near term, although the pace of growth will vary across communities as new supply gradually enters the market.

    Record-Breaking 2025 Performance

    In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s residential real estate market delivered a record-breaking performance, with total transaction volumes reaching approximately 22,400 deals—up 55% year-on-year—while total sales value climbed to AED73.2 billion. This performance was driven by robust end-user demand, sustained investor activity, and a wave of new project launches that kept the off-plan segment at the center of market activity.

    Apartments dominated the market, accounting for 66.1% of transactions, while villas and townhouses also recorded strong growth, supported by demand from families and high-net-worth individuals seeking larger living spaces.

    Off-Plan Segment Leads Market Activity

    The off-plan segment continued to lead market activity, accounting for 71% of total transactions, supported by flexible payment plans, competitive developer incentives, and strategic launches across key districts. Meanwhile, ready market activity also remained resilient, supported by population growth, rising rental costs, and a growing shift among tenants toward homeownership.

    On the supply side, residential stock continued to expand steadily, with approximately 7,400 units completed in 2025, bringing total supply to around 315,000 units. While approximately 15,900 units are projected for completion in 2026, recent handover trends suggest actual deliveries are likely to be lower, in the range of 6,500-9,000 units. This measured pace of supply delivery is expected to support pricing momentum and help prevent near-term market imbalances.

    Sustained Price Growth Across All Segments

    Apartment sales prices in Abu Dhabi continued their upward trajectory in 2025, rising 15.1% year-on-year, accelerating from the 10.9% growth recorded in 2024. This strong price performance was driven by a broadening buyer base, as owner-occupiers sought affordable homeownership amid rising rental costs and investors were attracted by strong rental yields and capital appreciation potential.

    Villa sales prices grew 12.2% year-on-year in 2025, slightly accelerating from 11.6% in 2024, driven by a combination of end-user and investor demand. This trend has been shaped largely by the post-pandemic shift in lifestyle priorities, with buyers increasingly seeking larger living spaces, community-focused environments, and access to outdoor areas.

    Rental growth also remained robust, with apartment rents rising 12.5% and villa rents increasing 5.5%. Elevated rental levels have further reinforced sales demand, as tenants increasingly viewed homeownership as a more cost-effective long-term option.

    Structural Demand Drivers Remain in Place

    Looking forward, transaction activity is expected to remain elevated in 2026, with the off-plan segment continuing to lead the market. Several structural factors are expected to support robust housing demand beyond 2026, including population growth, continued talent inflows, business-friendly visa policies, and expanding employment across various sectors.

    Long-term residency initiatives, including the Golden Visa program, are also expected to broaden the buyer base by attracting high-net-worth individuals and professionals seeking stable, long-term ties to the emirate.

    Taking these factors into account, Abu Dhabi’s residential market is expected to enter 2026 from a position of strength. Supply discipline, strong investor confidence, and a supportive macroeconomic backdrop support market resilience and help mitigate external shocks. While potential risks should continue to be monitored, the likelihood of a broad market correction remains relatively low, supporting the outlook for sustainable growth throughout the year.

    The Abu Dhabi market’s performance mirrors broader trends across the UAE, where expatriates now drive 62% of home sales and the UAE real estate sector concluded 2025 with exceptional growth led by Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking performance.

  • Dubai Real Estate Defies Regional Tensions with $100M Deals

    Dubai Real Estate Defies Regional Tensions with $100M Deals

    The UAE property market is operating normally despite heightened geopolitical tensions, with real estate activity continuing across the country and developers maintaining scheduled project launches.

    A $100 million-plus property transaction was recorded in Dubai this week, demonstrating sustained investor appetite even as some international buyers pause purchase decisions to monitor regional developments.

    Broker Ben Crompton confirmed that transactions already underway are progressing as planned.

    Buyers who already signed MOUs are proceeding as normal, and some deals are still being negotiated. Most buyers are in a ‘wait-and-see’ mode as you can imagine.

    He noted that property prices typically decline only during periods of forced selling triggered by widespread job losses or sharp interest rate increases—conditions that have not materialized in the UAE.

    International Investors Monitor Closely

    International investors, who represent a significant share of UAE property buyers, are watching the situation more closely than long-term residents, according to market participants.

    A second broker, speaking anonymously, said a major project scheduled to launch next week is proceeding as planned.

    They are not postponing launches because of the current situation.

    The broker emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s market is anchored by families with deep roots in the emirate.

    A large proportion of residents here are families who have been in the UAE for many years. They consider this their home and they are planning long-term—with schools, jobs and their families here—so they still want to buy property.

    However, some foreign buyers from the UK, US, and Germany have become more cautious, the broker noted.

    Opportunity for Strategic Investors

    Market professionals indicated that short-term uncertainty can create opportunities for cash investors. When sellers exit quickly and reduce prices, those units tend to be acquired rapidly by investors with available liquidity.

    The broker cited examples of properties valued at Dh1.3 million being negotiated at Dh1 million for quick transactions, with investors planning to hold until market conditions stabilize.

    Real estate is a slow and stable market. It doesn’t react like the stock market where prices can suddenly fall by 10 per cent in a day. For significant price changes to happen, a large number of people would need to move in the same direction. Right now, the majority still believe in the UAE and its government, so the market remains stable.

    Developers Emphasize Continuity

    On March 6, 2026, Emaar Properties confirmed normal operations across all assets. Earlier, Aldar Properties stated that all its residential communities, retail destinations, commercial offices, hotels, schools, and development sites continue to operate without interruption.

    Aldar highlighted its strong financial position with more than Dh30 billion in available liquidity, including Dh14.2 billion in free cash and Dh16.4 billion in undrawn bank facilities.

    Developers have not adjusted launch pricing, but some are offering more flexible payment plans—such as 35-65 or 40-60 structures instead of 50-50—to reduce upfront costs and maintain investor confidence.

    Economic Fundamentals Remain Robust

    Crompton emphasized that broader economic conditions supporting the property market remain strong.

    The economic fundamentals are very strong. Capital hates uncertainty more than anything. The sooner there is long-term clarity, the sooner investors will feel comfortable committing again.

    The UAE real estate sector has been supported by strong population growth, international investment, and economic expansion. Dubai’s population has surpassed four million, driving unprecedented housing demand as the emirate’s property market recorded nearly Dh900 billion in transactions during 2025.

    Industry professionals point to continued long-term demand across key residential hubs including Reem Island, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island, where new infrastructure and lifestyle developments are expected to support property values over time.

    The broker concluded:

    There is still strong belief in the long-term prospects of the market. Real estate in the UAE has historically moved upward over the long term, even if there are short-term fluctuations.

  • Dubai Real Estate Maintains Momentum Amid Regional Uncertainty

    Dubai Real Estate Maintains Momentum Amid Regional Uncertainty

    The Dubai Land Department confirmed 874 property transactions valued at AED2.46 billion ($670 million) on March 2, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as one of the world’s most resilient investment destinations despite periodic regional tensions.

    Market analysts note that regional escalations have historically been short-lived and strategically contained, with limited long-term economic impact. In contrast, the UAE’s framework is built on diversified industries, institutional strength, and long-term planning.

    “Regional tensions may create headlines and short-term sentiment shifts, but the UAE’s long-term economic fundamentals remain extremely solid,” said Loai Al Fakir, CEO of Provident Estate. “Investors understand that the country’s stability, governance and strategic global positioning make it one of the safest places to allocate capital.”

    Al Fakir noted that Dubai has consistently demonstrated resilience through global financial crises, regional conflicts, and the pandemic. “Each time, the market not only recovered quickly but attracted even greater international investment,” he added.

    The March 2 figures highlight continued market liquidity and sustained investor confidence. Across the sector, operations remain fully active, with holiday homes operating at high occupancy levels, hotel bookings staying strong, and property handovers, contract renewals, and secondary market activity continuing consistently across key communities.

    “Experienced investors understand that geopolitical cycles come and go, but the UAE’s economic trajectory remains consistently upward. Dubai offers a rare combination of safety, transparency, strong regulation and tax efficiency.” — Mohamad Jaafari, Operations and Primary Director at Provident Estate

    Dubai’s real estate market is driven by long-term structural factors including sustained population growth—with the emirate’s population now exceeding four million—rising global migration, strong foreign direct investment, and ambitious government development strategies.

    Industry experts note that periods of uncertainty typically follow a familiar pattern: a brief pause in investor decision-making, followed by renewed confidence and increased demand. The slowdown observed over the recent weekend was sentiment-driven rather than indicative of any structural market shift.

    The UAE plays a central role as a global hub for aviation, finance, international trade, tourism, and real estate. With advanced security systems, strong diplomatic positioning, and a globally integrated economy, the country remains insulated from prolonged instability affecting conflict zones.

    The emirate’s property market recorded nearly Dh900 billion in transactions during 2025, reinforcing its position as a leading global real estate investment destination. As international investors continue to prioritize stability and long-term economic growth, the UAE remains positioned as one of the most attractive property markets globally.

  • Emaar Confirms Normal Operations as Sales Double in Early 2026

    Emaar Confirms Normal Operations as Sales Double in Early 2026

    Emaar Properties issued a statement to the Dubai Financial Market on Wednesday confirming business continuity across its entire portfolio as the master developer recorded exceptional sales growth in early 2026.

    “All Emaar communities, malls, hospitality assets, and development projects continue to operate normally, supported by comprehensive business continuity planning and close coordination with relevant authorities,” the company stated.

    The announcement comes as regional military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has affected the Gulf since Saturday, with Iran targeting the region with missiles and drones.

    Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, emphasized Dubai’s stability:

    “The city continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by effective leadership, sound regulation, and a dynamic business environment. Our focus remains on disciplined execution, operational excellence, and delivering sustainable value for our shareholders and customers.”

    Emaar owns and operates landmark assets including Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Creek Harbour.

    Record Sales Momentum Continues

    The UAE’s largest developer reported Dh17.2 billion in property sales during January and February 2026, compared to Dh7.9 billion in the same period of 2025—representing a 118% year-on-year increase.

    This performance follows Emaar’s record-breaking 2025 results, which included property sales of Dh80.4 billion, revenue of Dh49.6 billion, and net profit before tax of Dh25.7 billion—the strongest results in company history.

    The company’s revenue backlog stood at Dh155 billion as of December 31, 2025. Recurring income streams from malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and commercial leasing accounted for 32% of total EBITDA.

    “Emaar’s performance reflects the strength of Dubai’s economic vision and the confidence investors place in its stability and long-term prospects,” Alabbar added.

    Market Context

    Emaar’s performance aligns with broader momentum across Dubai’s property sector, which recorded Dh60.60 billion in transactions during February 2026—an 18.14% increase year-on-year.

    The developer reaffirmed its commitment to disciplined growth: “With diversified income streams, strong liquidity, and disciplined cost management, Emaar remains well-positioned to sustain growth and contribute to the continued strength and resilience of Dubai’s capital markets.”

    The statement underscores investor confidence in Dubai’s regulatory framework and economic stability, even as geopolitical developments affect the wider region.

  • Sharjah Property Deals Hit Record Dh9.3 Billion in January 2026

    Sharjah Property Deals Hit Record Dh9.3 Billion in January 2026

    Sharjah recorded 10,333 property transactions in January 2026, with total trading area reaching approximately 23.8 million square feet, reflecting continued rapid growth and solidified confidence in the emirate’s real estate market at the outset of the year.

    The emirate’s real estate landscape continues to evolve, demonstrating increasing market maturity and diversification of its investor base. Government policies, progressive legislation, and strategic urban planning initiatives have reinforced Sharjah’s position as a premier long-term investment destination. Large-scale development projects and infrastructure expansion have further stimulated both local and international capital inflows.

    A total of 4,868 sales transactions took place across 129 areas distributed throughout the cities and regions of Sharjah, encompassing residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land. By property type, 2,101 transactions involved units in towers, 1,672 transactions were for land, and 1,095 transactions for built-in land.

    Al-Khan area recorded the highest real estate transaction for built-in land, valued at Dh90 million, while Al-Tay West area recorded the highest mortgage transaction for land valued at Dh240 million.

    Within Sharjah City, 4,061 sales transactions were recorded in January. Muwaileh Commercial led with 787 transactions, followed by Al-Khan with 442, Al-Mamzar with 334, and Al-Hamriyah West with 293 transactions.

    In terms of trading value, Muwaileh Commercial topped the list with Dh1.1 billion, followed by Al-Khan with Dh718 million, Al-Hamriyah West with Dh714.6 million, and Rawdat Al-Sidr with Dh567.5 million.

    In the Central Region, a total of 753 sales transactions were recorded, with the majority concentrated in Al-Belaida area, which recorded 433 transactions and the highest trading volume valued at Dh649.8 million.

    In the Eastern Region, 54 sales transactions took place, with Hay Al-Gharb area leading with 11 deals and accounting for the highest share of trading volume at Dh24.9 million.

    Sharjah’s performance mirrors broader UAE real estate market strength across emirates. The emirate’s strategic positioning and investment-friendly policies continue to attract both regional and international buyers seeking value-driven property opportunities amid ongoing residential expansion across the UAE.

  • Ajman Real Estate Transactions Reach $288.6 Million in January 2026

    Ajman Real Estate Transactions Reach $288.6 Million in January 2026

    The emirate’s commercial real estate sector demonstrated exceptional strength in January 2026, capturing the largest share of valuation activity at AED626.5 million, significantly outpacing residential properties which recorded a combined value of AED329 million.

    Eng. Omar bin Omair Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Ajman Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation, noted that the 242 valuation transactions spanned a diverse range of assets including commercial, residential, and industrial properties.

    “These valuation activities encompassed a variety of transaction types, such as personal valuations, those tied to court proceedings and institutional needs, and others connected to long-term Golden Residence permits for investors,” Al Muhairi stated.

    The report revealed that specific transaction categories — including personal valuations, court-related proceedings, and Golden Residence applications — accounted for 167 transactions surpassing AED303 million in value.

    Beyond property valuations, Ajman’s broader real estate market recorded highly active January performance with 1,520 transactions valued at AED2.07 billion. This surge continues the upward trajectory from December 2025, which saw a 22% year-on-year increase in transaction volumes.

    The Al Helio 2 area emerged as a standout performer, recording the highest individual sales value at AED34 million and leading as the most-traded neighborhood. Among major developments, Emirates City maintained its position as the most active project, followed by City Towers and Ajman One.

    Mortgage activity demonstrated significant strength with 174 operations totaling over AED484 million, led by the Liwara 1 area. The robust figures underscore Ajman’s growing appeal as a value-oriented investment destination, driven by flexible payment structures and residency incentives.

    The emirate’s performance aligns with broader GCC real estate market momentum, as regional property sectors benefit from easing monetary conditions and infrastructure investment. Industry observers note that Ajman continues to attract first-time homebuyers and long-term investors seeking opportunities beyond saturated markets like Dubai, where prices rose 12.1% in 2025.

    The combination of competitive pricing, investor-friendly policies including the Golden Residence program, and strong transaction volumes positions Ajman for sustained growth through 2026.

  • GCC Real Estate Markets to Sustain Growth Momentum in H1 2026

    GCC Real Estate Markets to Sustain Growth Momentum in H1 2026

    Kuwait-based investment firm Markaz has released its Real Estate Outlook for H1 2026, forecasting sustained growth across GCC property markets despite evolving macroeconomic dynamics. The report identifies higher oil production, non-oil sector expansion, continued government infrastructure spending, and policy rate cuts as key drivers supporting borrowing and investment activity across residential, commercial, and industrial segments.

    UAE Market Expected to Peak in First Half

    The UAE real estate sector demonstrated exceptional performance through the first three quarters of 2025. In Dubai, transaction values surged 28.3 percent year-on-year to AED554.1 billion, while Abu Dhabi recorded AED58 billion in total sales—a remarkable 75.8 percent annual increase. Transaction volumes in the capital also climbed 42.3 percent to 15,800 deals.

    Dubai continues to offer compelling investment returns, with rental yields standing at 7.47 percent as of June 2025, significantly outperforming major global markets including Singapore, New York, and London. This aligns with recent data showing that long-term UAE renters are turning homeowners amid competitive pricing and flexible payment plans.

    While acknowledging concerns about market sustainability given three consecutive years of exceptional performance, Markaz emphasized that strong fundamentals reduce the likelihood of a sharp correction. The firm forecasts the UAE market could peak in H1 2026, characterized by steady growth in both prices and rental rates across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    The outlook reflects broader shifts in buyer behavior across the Gulf, with investors increasingly prioritizing developer credibility, rental yields, and long-term stability over speculative gains.

    Saudi Arabia Maintains Accelerating Phase

    Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector remained in an accelerating phase through H2 2025, propelled by robust residential activity and constrained office market conditions. Residential transactions increased 17.9 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025, with Riyadh and Jeddah leading price appreciation.

    The Kingdom’s office segment faces extreme supply constraints, with Riyadh vacancy rates near zero, supporting prime rent growth of 7.3 percent year-on-year. Demand stems from the Regional Headquarters Program and expanding healthcare and technology sectors.

    Despite a fiscal deficit projected at 3.7 percent of GDP for both 2025 and 2026, increased capital expenditure under Vision 2030 continues supporting construction activity. Saudi Arabia’s population reached 35.3 million by mid-2024, up 4.7 percent annually, with non-Saudis comprising 44.4 percent—a demographic dynamic that underpins sustained housing demand.

    Kuwait Shows Stable Growth Trajectory

    Kuwait’s real estate sector maintained steady growth through the first nine months of 2025, supported by rising land prices and rental rates. Total real estate sales increased 26.9 percent year-on-year to KWD3.043 billion, with transaction volumes up 27.8 percent to 4,247 deals.

    The investment segment led growth with a 60 percent annual increase in sales, while residential and commercial segments rose 8 percent and 17.4 percent respectively.

    Kuwait’s real GDP is projected to expand 3.9 percent in 2026, driven by higher oil production, improved non-oil activity, stronger project awards, and anticipated interest rate reductions. Based on a Markaz Real Estate Macro Index score of 3.45 out of 5.0, the firm expects Kuwait’s market to remain stable in H1 2026, with prospects for further increases in land prices and rental rates.

    The regional outlook comes as governments continue enhancing investor protection frameworks. Abu Dhabi recently launched mandatory digital registration for off-plan property interests through its Madhmoun platform, with funds secured in government-managed escrow accounts.

    Markaz emphasized that real estate will remain a key contributor to the GCC’s economic development in 2026, offering attractive opportunities for investors across all major property segments as the region’s markets continue to mature and evolve.