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Tag: UAE property market

  • Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Residential Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Residential Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    The planned master development is currently navigating the approval and permitting process and forms part of Union Properties’ broader Dh4 billion project pipeline, which includes ongoing construction at its Takaya and Mirdaf developments.

    Revenue for the first six months of 2026 reached Dh529.3 million, compared with Dh316 million during the same period in 2025. Gross profit rose 41% to Dh107 million from Dh75.6 million, supported by higher revenue, operating efficiencies and continued project execution.

    Second-quarter revenue increased 69% year-on-year to Dh257.8 million, compared with Dh152.4 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Gross profit reached Dh48.6 million during the quarter.

    Through disciplined execution, we have strengthened our balance sheet, enhanced operational efficiency and built a high-quality development pipeline that is now translating into tangible financial results.

    Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties, said the company now has clear visibility over future earnings and significant capacity to pursue further growth.

    The developer recognised Dh101.6 million in development revenue during the first half, leaving the bulk of its current project pipeline to flow through financial results over the next two and a half years as construction continues and unit handovers accelerate.

    Union Properties expects development revenue to account for a greater share of its financial performance as work progresses across its portfolio. Its in-house contracting business, Tetra Edge, is being used to manage execution and project margins.

    Union Properties maintained average cash balances exceeding Dh400 million during the first half, providing funds for construction, project launches and further expansion while retaining a prudent capital structure.

    The results mark the developer’s transition from financial restructuring towards a growth phase supported by its development pipeline, improved liquidity and higher project activity. Management confirmed it will continue to focus on accelerating project delivery, expanding the company’s portfolio and increasing revenue and profitability over the coming years.

    Union Properties’ expansion comes as Dubai’s property market shows strength across multiple price segments, with developers recording robust sales volumes through diverse project portfolios in 2026.

  • 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 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.

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

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

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

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

    Foreign Investment Hits All-Time High

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

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

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

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

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

    Expansion of Investment Zones and New Projects

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

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

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

    Market Context

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

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

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

    Modon Sells Dh1.25 Billion Bashayer Homes in One Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Off-Plan Dominates Market Activity

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

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

    Ultra-Prime Segment Remains Active

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

    Villas and Apartments Show Mixed Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • UAE Property Markets Moderate as Growth Cycle Matures Across Emirates

    UAE Property Markets Moderate as Growth Cycle Matures Across Emirates

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

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

    Dubai: From Rapid Expansion to Market Stabilization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Abu Dhabi: Growth Cycle Still Has Room to Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ras Al Khaimah: Growth Slows but Remains Positive

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

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

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

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

    Outlook: Flattening Rather Than Falling

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Dubai Waterfront Property Values Surge 140% in Five Years

    Dubai Waterfront Property Values Surge 140% in Five Years

    Waterfront homes in Dubai commanded a 90 percent premium over inland properties in 2021, a figure that rose to 128 percent by the first quarter of 2026 as buyers competed for a finite supply of coastal homes, according to The Future of Seafront Being report produced by White Paper Media Consulting for Shamal Holding.

    The premium is being driven by a classic supply-demand imbalance. As developable seafront land becomes increasingly scarce, the number of premium waterfront homes under construction is expected to decline sharply from 4,261 units in 2026 to just 848 by 2031, according to the study. Demand, meanwhile, continues to strengthen on the back of population growth, inflows of high-net-worth individuals and Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for wealth and investment.

    The strength of the market was evident in 2025 when a record 68 homes valued at more than $25 million changed hands in Dubai. Total transaction value in the luxury residential segment reached $9.05 billion, up 27.7 percent from 2024. Four of the city’s five best-performing neighbourhoods during the fourth quarter of 2025 were waterfront communities, accounting for 79 transactions, while 55.6 percent of all Dubai homes sold above $10 million during the period were located in seafront communities.

    A YouGov survey found that 82 percent of UAE residents are considering moving to a seafront or marina-front home within the next two to three years, while 93 percent said they would pay a premium for waterfront living. Nearly all respondents — 99 percent — believe proximity to water enhances a property’s long-term value.

    “We believe that Seafront Being is the evolution of seafront living, from simply residing by the water to experiencing the waterfront as an integrated part of daily life, work, leisure, wellbeing and belonging. At Shamal, we see this as a responsibility of design, not a benefit of position,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer of Shamal Holding.

    Among those surveyed, 96 percent said proximity to water influences their daily decisions, from how they exercise to where they spend their leisure time, while 88 percent believe living near the sea improves both mental and physical wellbeing.

    Shehzad Jamal, Partner for Strategy and Consultancy at Knight Frank Mena, noted that demand for coastline property has surged as buyers increasingly seek complete lifestyle ecosystems rather than standalone residences.

    “UHNW buyers are no longer just buying a home by the water, they are buying into a lifestyle. The next phase of growth will be defined less by volume and more by quality, differentiation, and experience,” Jamal said.

    Dubai’s prime waterfront market continues to command significant premiums, with prime seafront properties attracting an average premium of around 68 percent. Buyers are increasingly prioritising privacy, direct beach access, wellness offerings and low-density developments over sheer scale.

    The wellness dimension is becoming an equally important driver of the sector’s growth. The YouGov study found that 91 percent of UAE residents feel noticeably more relaxed near water, while one-third described the emotional impact as profound. Sunset walks, marina visits and seaside dining ranked among the most valued experiences associated with coastal living.

    The study found that 48 percent of respondents now regard proximity to the seafront as the most important marker of modern luxury, ahead of prestige and design trends. As Dubai continues to expand its beaches, marinas, parks and public waterfronts, access to the sea is increasingly being viewed not merely as a premium amenity, but as a cornerstone of quality of life and long-term value.

    The convergence of scarcity, wellness and community is reshaping how luxury is defined in the UAE, positioning waterfront property as one of Dubai’s most enduring assets for investors and residents alike.

  • Modon and ADIB Launch Abu Dhabi’s First Off-Plan Home Financing

    Modon and ADIB Launch Abu Dhabi’s First Off-Plan Home Financing

    For the first time in Abu Dhabi, homebuyers can secure financing for properties before construction is complete. The partnership between Modon Holding and ADIB creates a structured framework where customers pay 15 percent during construction and 5 to 10 percent upon handover, while the bank finances up to 75 percent of the property’s value for eligible buyers.

    “Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment and long-term growth, creating high demand for new real estate launches,” said Bill O’Regan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Modon Holding. “Modon’s off-plan financing solution with ADIB will give more buyers access to these opportunities, reflecting the market’s ongoing transformation and supporting broader efforts to enhance global competitiveness.”

    The financing solution applies exclusively to future Modon developments and provides funding throughout the property development journey, from off-plan purchase through construction to handover. This approach addresses a gap in Abu Dhabi’s market that has traditionally required buyers to arrange financing closer to completion.

    Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, emphasized the innovation: “Through our partnership with Modon, ADIB is introducing a first-of-its-kind offering in Abu Dhabi that transforms the home-buying experience by providing financing throughout the property development journey.”

    The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader real estate expansion, which has seen significant infrastructure investment and development activity. Abu Dhabi’s Dh55 billion PPP pipeline and Dh200 billion infrastructure portfolio underscore the emirate’s commitment to long-term growth and urban development.

    Ibrahim Al Maghribi, CEO of Modon Real Estate, described the partnership as “a significant step forward in redefining off-plan home financing” that “unlocks easier access to Modon’s future developments” and “expands opportunities for eligible buyers.”

    The move comes as Abu Dhabi emerges as an off-plan hotspot, with the capital accounting for nearly 70 percent of off-plan transactions in some developer portfolios during 2026, signaling growing investor confidence in the emirate’s property market.

    The financing structure mirrors models that have proven successful in Dubai’s mature off-plan market, where developers and banks have collaborated on payment plans that reduce upfront capital requirements for buyers while maintaining project funding security for developers.

    By introducing institutional financing at the off-plan stage, the partnership is expected to attract a broader range of buyers, including families and professionals who meet ADIB’s eligibility criteria but may not have had sufficient liquidity to participate in traditional off-plan payment structures.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Market Rebounds as Buyer Activity Recovers 95%

    Abu Dhabi Property Market Rebounds as Buyer Activity Recovers 95%

    Based on in-house analysis of Abu Dhabi property activity between January and June 2026, Bayut and dubizzle recorded clear performance metrics across key demand indicators by Week 14. Property views recovered to 95% of the 2026 baseline, while impressions recovered to 83%, active users to 80%, and unique buyers to 87%, pointing to a gradual but consistent return to normalcy in search and inquiry behavior.

    “Abu Dhabi’s property market has continued to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong fundamentals, improving user activity and a clear appetite for quality residential communities,” said Haider Khan, CEO of Bayut and dubizzle and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA.

    Agent Activity Remains Highly Resilient

    The latest data shows that agent activity across Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has remained highly resilient. Daily agent responses across Bayut and dubizzle in Abu Dhabi now stand at 102% of the 2026 baseline, suggesting that real estate professionals across the emirate have continued to actively engage with property seekers to match market momentum.

    Bayut and dubizzle’s AI-led analysis of more than 7,000 property inquiry calls recorded through their platforms in Abu Dhabi further highlights the strength of underlying demand. The analysis showed that the split between sales and rental inquiries remained stable, with sales accounting for 54% of calls and rentals 46%.

    “The market is benefiting from a more structured and transparent regulatory environment. ADREC’s continued focus on strengthening the sector, along with measures such as the recent rent freeze announcement, gives tenants, landlords and real estate professionals greater clarity when making decisions,” added Khan.

    Emerging Residential Hubs Attract Strong Tenant Interest

    Bayut and dubizzle’s area-level analysis points to notable recovery in several popular rental communities across Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, with several apartment areas moving above baseline levels of user activity.

    For rental apartments, communities such as Masdar City, Al Reef, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Al Khalidiyah and Al Reem Island have recorded a strong recovery in views, with many of these areas now returning to pre-conflict levels of demand. This suggests that established apartment communities, waterfront destinations and emerging residential hubs continue to attract strong interest from tenants.

    Villa rental communities also recorded significant recovery in user activity, with several areas moving well above baseline levels. Al Shamkha saw particularly strong traction, while Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Al Reef, Khalifa City and Yas Island also remained among the most active villa rental communities.

    Sales Activity Reflects Demand Across Ready and Off-Plan Segments

    Within the ready sales segment of Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, apartment communities such as Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island continued to show steady user interest. These communities remain relevant for buyers exploring established waterfront, island and urban residential options in Abu Dhabi.

    For ready-sale villas, Al Shamkha recorded particularly strong recovery across both impressions and views, moving above baseline levels. Al Reef and Khalifa City also remained key areas of interest, with recovery broadly ranging from the 80% to 130% band across user activity indicators.

    Off-plan activity also showed continued interest in Abu Dhabi’s emerging and lifestyle-led communities. For off-plan apartments, Masdar City recorded a strong recovery, while Zayed City, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Hudayriat Island continued to attract attention from users exploring future-ready residential options.

    In the off-plan villa segment, Ramhan Island, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island remained among the notable areas for user interest. These figures indicate that premium island communities and master-planned destinations continue to remain relevant for buyers considering long-term residential and investment opportunities.

    The emirate’s property rebound follows Abu Dhabi’s temporary rent freeze announced earlier this month, a move aimed at stabilizing housing costs amid double-digit rent growth in some segments. The recovery also aligns with broader market momentum across the UAE, where Dubai’s real estate launches hit a record $75 billion in the first half of 2026.