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Tag: UAE real estate

  • Sheikh Khaled Inaugurates $201 Million Al Samha Housing Project in Abu Dhabi

    Sheikh Khaled Inaugurates $201 Million Al Samha Housing Project in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi has unveiled another milestone in its mission to deliver sustainable, fully serviced residential communities that enhance quality of life for Emirati families. The Al Samha Housing Project, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, represents a comprehensive approach to urban planning that goes beyond housing to create integrated neighborhoods.

    During the visit, His Highness was briefed on the project’s design specifications and key features, including its comprehensive infrastructure and public service facilities. The development covers 50 hectares and includes 242 villas, each built on a 1,080-square-meter plot with a total built-up area of 505 square meters.

    The project incorporates 33 public parks and green spaces, a mosque spanning 1,228 square meters with capacity for 644 worshippers, two commercial complexes containing 38 retail outlets, and a 3-kilometer cycling track. The development was delivered by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), in line with the highest quality standards and international best practices.

    “The project reflects a commitment to providing world-class housing options aligned with the leadership’s vision for stable and well-served communities,” stated Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of ADHA.

    Officials highlighted that the Al Samha Housing Project reflects the leadership’s commitment to developing fully integrated and sustainable residential communities that support family wellbeing, prosperity and a high quality of life. Abu Dhabi’s housing approach focuses on building comprehensive communities that integrate housing, services and modern infrastructure to enhance social wellbeing and empower Emirati families.

    The project is part of the Emirati Neighbourhood Initiative led by ADHA, which aims to deliver modern housing within well-planned communities that promote social stability and support urban development across the emirate. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s sustained housing support, which has exceeded AED5.76 billion in 2026.

    Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of ADHA, noted that the project marks an important milestone in meeting citizens’ housing needs, with careful planning to ensure it aligns with Emirati family requirements in terms of space, design and community facilities.

    The Al Samha development demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to creating liveable, sustainable urban environments as the emirate’s population heads toward six million by 2040. The project contributes to the broader vision of transforming Abu Dhabi into a destination that balances strategic growth with quality of life, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional leader in planned urban development.

  • Sharjah Rents Surge Amid Dubai Spillover and Housing Demand

    Sharjah Rents Surge Amid Dubai Spillover and Housing Demand

    Sharjah’s residential rental market is experiencing one of its strongest growth phases in recent years, fueled by population growth, an influx of Dubai residents seeking lower housing costs, and a robust infrastructure and development pipeline reshaping the emirate’s residential landscape.

    Overall rental activity, including both residential and commercial leases, exceeded 368,500 contracts in 2025, representing annual growth of 4.4%, the Cavendish Maxwell report shows.

    Families accounted for 86% of all residential rental contracts, underlining Sharjah’s position as the preferred destination for long-term family living. Single tenants represented 10% of contracts, while staff and worker accommodation accounted for the remaining 4%.

    “Foreign ownership reforms, infrastructure investments and Sharjah’s comparatively lower living costs are driving unprecedented demand for real estate across the emirate,” said Ali Siddiqui, research manager at Cavendish Maxwell.

    Affordability Driving Migration from Dubai

    Residential rents in Sharjah are typically 20% to 30% lower than comparable properties in Dubai, encouraging a growing number of professionals and families to relocate while continuing to work in Dubai, the report estimates.

    Industry executives say this migration trend has intensified over the past two years as rental costs in Dubai have climbed sharply amid strong population growth and record residential demand.

    The resulting pressure on Sharjah’s housing stock has pushed rents significantly higher in several popular districts. Market data shows that some residential neighbourhoods have recorded annual rental increases ranging from 33% to 56%, particularly in high-demand areas such as Muwaileh, Aljada and emerging mixed-use communities offering modern amenities and improved transport connectivity.

    Tenant Protection Framework

    To protect residents from excessive rent hikes, Sharjah maintains one of the UAE’s most tenant-friendly rental frameworks. Under the emirate’s regulations, rents are frozen for the first three years from the commencement of a tenancy agreement. Landlords are prohibited from increasing rents or refusing lease renewals during this period unless tenants violate contractual obligations.

    Following the initial three-year period, landlords may raise rents only once every two years and any increase must reflect fair market value. The regulations also prohibit renewal fees and require tenancy contracts to be registered with the municipality, creating greater transparency and protection for both landlords and tenants.

    Real estate consultants say these rules have helped Sharjah maintain market stability even as rental values continue to rise.

    Supply Pipeline and Infrastructure

    Around 2,600 residential units were delivered in 2025, with apartments accounting for more than 80% of new supply. Another 1,100 apartments entered the market during the first quarter of 2026.

    Approximately 33,700 additional homes are scheduled for delivery by 2030, including 24,800 apartments and 9,900 villas and townhouses. Major developments by leading developers including Arada, Alef Group, Beeah Group and Eagle Hills are expected to expand housing choices and moderate rental pressures over the medium term.

    Infrastructure investment will further strengthen residential demand. Projects such as the Etihad Rail network, major road upgrades and the expansion of Sharjah International Airport are improving connectivity and reducing commuting times, making Sharjah increasingly attractive for residents employed across the UAE.

    Sharjah’s population is projected to rise from about 1.98 million today to more than 2.1 million by 2030, while expatriates account for over 85% of residents.

    Sharjah’s rental market closely mirrors broader regional trends, with property sales reaching a record Dh65.6 billion in 2025 as the emirate capitalizes on affordability advantages over Dubai. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has frozen all rent increases to stabilize its housing market amid rising costs.

    With strong demand fundamentals, a growing population, tenant-friendly regulations and thousands of new homes in the development pipeline, analysts expect Sharjah’s rental market to remain resilient. While fresh supply could ease some pressure on rents over time, the emirate’s affordability advantage and family-oriented appeal are likely to keep demand elevated for the foreseeable future.

  • Sharjah Property Sales Hit Record Dh65.6 Billion in 2025

    Sharjah Property Sales Hit Record Dh65.6 Billion in 2025

    Sharjah’s property market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with transaction values reaching a historic Dh65.6 billion in 2025 as the emirate positions itself as a compelling alternative to Dubai’s more expensive real estate landscape.

    The momentum carried into 2026, with first-quarter transaction values surging 41 percent year-on-year to Dh18.5 billion, according to a new report by Cavendish Maxwell released on June 11, 2026. Nearly 9,980 properties changed hands during Q1 2026, up 23 percent from the same period in 2025.

    “Sharjah is entering a new phase of economic ambition,” said Ali Siddiqui, research manager at Cavendish Maxwell. “Foreign direct investment reached Dh7.7 billion last year, with the first half alone recording a 361 percent surge to Dh5.5 billion. GDP grew 4.4 percent, business licences climbed nearly 9 percent to more than 77,500, and annual real estate transactions reached a record Dh65.6 billion.”

    The emirate’s transformation accelerated following the introduction of freehold ownership reforms in 2022, which opened the market to international investors. Buyers from nearly 130 nationalities acquired property in Sharjah during 2025, reflecting growing diversity in the investor base.

    33,700 Homes in the Pipeline

    Around 33,700 residential units are scheduled for delivery by 2030, including 24,800 apartments and 9,900 villas and townhouses. The pipeline represents one of the most significant residential expansion programmes in Sharjah’s history, with major projects being developed by Arada, Alef Group, BEEAH Group, Shurooq, and Eagle Hills.

    Approximately 2,600 residential units were delivered during 2025, while another 1,100 apartments entered the market during the first quarter of 2026.

    Affordability Drives Demand

    Residential rents in Sharjah are typically between 20 percent and 30 percent lower than in Dubai, reinforcing demand among both end-users and investors. Many professionals working in Dubai are relocating to Sharjah in search of larger homes and lower housing costs while maintaining access to employment opportunities in the neighbouring emirate.

    The expatriate population, which accounts for more than 85 percent of Sharjah’s residents, continues to support residential demand. UAE nationals remain the largest buyer group, but foreign investors are increasingly attracted by the emirate’s affordability and integrated master-planned communities.

    Infrastructure Investment Strengthens Appeal

    The Dh40 billion Etihad Rail network is expected to enhance connectivity between Sharjah and other emirates, creating new demand drivers for residential and mixed-use developments. Meanwhile, the widening of Emirates Road (E611) is projected to reduce peak-hour travel times to Dubai by up to 45 percent.

    A Dh2.4 billion expansion of Sharjah International Airport aims to raise annual passenger capacity to 20 million by 2027. The airport handled 19.5 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 14 percent year-on-year. Hotel guest arrivals climbed 22 percent to 2.1 million, while hospitality revenues rose 20 percent to Dh780 million, with occupancy reaching 78 percent.

    With Sharjah’s population projected to increase from 1.98 million today to around 2.1 million by 2030, housing demand is expected to remain robust. While the substantial new supply will test absorption capacity, analysts believe the emirate’s combination of affordability, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reforms will sustain strong real estate growth through the remainder of the decade.

    Sharjah’s performance mirrors broader trends across the UAE property sector, where property prices in select Dubai communities have more than doubled in recent years. Meanwhile, Sharjah’s commercial property market also posted robust momentum in Q1 2026, with Grade A office occupancy reaching 85 percent.

  • 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.

  • UAE Families to Save Dh25,000 Per Claim Under Expanded VAT Refund Scheme

    UAE Families to Save Dh25,000 Per Claim Under Expanded VAT Refund Scheme

    The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) launched a new initiative on June 9, 2026, that significantly broadens the range of construction expenses eligible for value-added tax refunds for UAE nationals building new homes, as the government reinforces support for family wellbeing during the Year of Family.

    The expanded scheme is expected to generate approximately Dh200 million in VAT savings for Emirati citizens, with the average refund estimated at about Dh25,000 per claim. The authority projects total approved refund claims will exceed Dh1 billion in 2026, compared to around Dh754 million recorded in 2025.

    Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director-General of the FTA, said the initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to supporting citizens and providing services that improve their quality of life. He added that the expanded refund programme aims to make the process more transparent and easier for UAE nationals constructing new homes.

    Newly Eligible Construction Costs

    Under the updated rules, which apply to all VAT refund applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, UAE nationals can now claim refunds on a significantly wider range of construction-related expenses that form part of the residence and are intended for personal or family use.

    Newly eligible items include:

    • Staff accommodation for watchmen, drivers and domestic workers
    • Home gyms and game rooms
    • Integrated smart home systems and security systems
    • Electronic and smart doors for homes and garages
    • Swimming pools and fountains
    • Decorative indoor water features
    • Landscaping works
    • Complete home reconstruction projects, including demolition and rebuilding costs

    The FTA specified that these features must be part of the residential property, built on the same plot of land and directly connected to the main residence in order to qualify for a refund.

    Digital Platform and Awareness Campaign

    The authority confirmed that its digital VAT refund platform has been updated to include the newly approved categories, making it easier for applicants to identify eligible expenses and submit their claims.

    The FTA will organise awareness sessions across the UAE to help citizens understand the new initiative and how to benefit from it. These sessions will be held at local district councils and will also provide an opportunity for residents to share feedback and suggestions on FTA services.

    Officials said the initiative is expected to provide meaningful financial support to families while encouraging home ownership and helping reduce the overall cost of building a new residence.

    The move comes as the UAE continues to strengthen policies supporting citizen welfare and property market growth, with the country recently securing its position as the world’s most attractive real estate investment destination.

  • Bayut Launches Property Search App on ChatGPT in UAE First

    Bayut Launches Property Search App on ChatGPT in UAE First

    The Bayut App on ChatGPT allows users to discover listings by simply describing what they are looking for, including location, budget, size, bedroom count or property type. This creates a more intuitive search experience for buyers, tenants and casual browsers, allowing them to begin their property journey in the same conversational environments where they are already asking questions, comparing options and exploring decisions.

    “At Bayut, we have always viewed innovation as a way to solve real user problems and create more efficient property journeys. Search behavior is evolving, and people are increasingly using AI-powered platforms to ask questions, explore options and make decisions. With the Bayut App on ChatGPT, we are making it easier for users to search for properties in a way that feels natural, intuitive and aligned with how they discover information today,” said Haider Khan, CEO of Bayut and dubizzle.

    AI-Led Experiences Meet Global Standards

    The milestone is significant given that apps on ChatGPT are subject to OpenAI’s app submission and approval process, with a strong emphasis on real-world utility, intuitive conversational experiences and clear user value. Bayut’s availability as an app on ChatGPT reflects the relevance of property search as a natural use case for conversational AI, and also points to Bayut’s advanced credibility within the global tech ecosystem.

    For Bayut, this marks more than a product launch. It demonstrates how a UAE-born platform is building technology that meets global standards for AI-led discovery, while bringing meaningful innovation to one of the country’s most important sectors.

    “As a UAE-born platform, we are also proud to contribute to the country’s forward-looking AI agenda. The UAE has created an environment where technology, innovation and ambition can thrive, and this launch is another step in bringing practical AI-led experiences into everyday sectors such as real estate,” added Khan.

    New Discovery Pathway for Properties

    For real estate professionals and clients, the launch also creates another discovery pathway for listings on Bayut, helping properties reach users in emerging AI-led search environments. This reinforces Bayut’s commitment to supporting its partners through technology, visibility and user-first innovation.

    The Bayut App on ChatGPT is available globally across desktop web, mobile browsers and the ChatGPT app, with support for both light and dark modes.

    As the UAE continues to accelerate its artificial intelligence capabilities, Bayut is bringing this vision into the real estate sector through practical, user-focused technology that makes property search more accessible, intelligent and seamless.

    The launch comes as Dubai’s property market evolves into a mature investment destination, with technology playing an increasingly central role in how buyers and tenants discover and evaluate properties. The integration with ChatGPT positions Bayut at the forefront of AI-driven property search, complementing broader market trends that include sustained demand across residential and commercial segments.

  • Dubai Property Buyers Show Strong Intent Despite Price Correction Expectations

    Dubai’s property market is witnessing a paradox of strategic confidence: buyers are not retreating as prices soften — they are positioning themselves to act. Property Finder’s March-April 2026 Market Pulse survey of 4,735 respondents shows that 68% of active property seekers intend to purchase within the next six months, even as expectations of price corrections reach their highest level this year.

    The findings reflect a market where demand remains robust, but buyers have become acutely aware of shifting valuations. Buying intent held steady across both months — 68% in March and 67% in April — continuing a pattern of sustained engagement across every Market Pulse edition to date. This consistency underscores long-term confidence in the emirate’s real estate fundamentals, even during periods of price recalibration.

    The more striking shift lies in price expectations. In January-February 2026, sentiment was almost evenly split: 36% expected prices to decrease, 35% anticipated increases, and 29% saw stability ahead. By March-April, that uncertainty had crystallized into a clear consensus. In March, 73% of respondents expected prices to decrease, with only 16% expecting an increase and 11% expecting stability. In April, 70% anticipated a decline, 17% an increase, and 12% stability.

    “Around two thirds of people planning to buy is not a number you see in a market that has lost confidence,” said Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder. “What our findings tell us is that Dubai’s property market continues to command genuine, forward-looking conviction. Buyers are not on the fence, they are actively tracking conditions, waiting for the right moment, and ready to move.”

    The alignment between buyer expectations and observed market behavior suggests heightened market literacy among investors. The shift in sentiment coincides with measured pricing adjustments tracked across multiple platforms, indicating that prospective buyers are monitoring data closely and preparing to capitalize on improved affordability.

    This proactive outlook positions the broader sector for a robust period of deal-making as expectations align with real-world price corrections. Rather than signaling retreat, the data reveals a market where purchase demand is holding strong, supported by buyers who see price moderation not as a deterrent, but as an entry point. The trend reflects sustained belief in Dubai’s property infrastructure and long-term appeal, particularly as the emirate continues to attract global capital despite regional geopolitical uncertainty.

    As Dubai’s real estate market enters the summer period, the combination of strategic buyer intent and disciplined price expectations suggests a sector transitioning from peak momentum to calibrated growth — a development that may ultimately reinforce the market’s resilience and maturity as a global investment destination.

  • 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.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Prices Jump 6.4% in Q1 2026

    The capital’s residential sector sustained its positive momentum through the first quarter of 2026, with capital values showing faster growth compared to the prior quarter, according to ValuStrat’s latest market report published on May 8, 2026.

    The ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) for Abu Dhabi’s freehold residential properties climbed to 148 points in Q1 2026, reflecting a 6.4% quarter-on-quarter increase and a robust 17.8% year-on-year rise—clear signs of acceleration from the previous period.

    Apartments drove the surge, with values up 10.4% quarter-on-quarter and 22.7% year-on-year, while villas saw steadier advances of 2.7% quarterly and 13.4% annually. Strongest results appeared in mature communities offering immediate inventory availability.

    The analysis attributes this momentum partly to Abu Dhabi’s more advanced stage in the real estate cycle relative to Dubai, combined with relatively affordable pricing that keeps attracting end-user buyers. This resilience holds firm even amid a regionally uncertain environment.

    “While geopolitical tensions have sparked some caution across the UAE, no substantial effects on Abu Dhabi’s property market have emerged so far,” ValuStrat noted in the report.

    Supply dynamics further bolstered prices, with controlled delivery rates keeping conditions favorable. Transaction activity during the quarter likely faced headwinds from seasonal elements like Ramadan and Eid celebrations, plus remote work trends, homeschooling, and unfavorable weather.

    Rental trends stayed even-keeled, with the residential rental VPI holding steady quarter-on-quarter at 128.1 points but advancing 5.9% annually. Consistent rents paired with 88.1% occupancy underscore a balanced leasing landscape.

    The report describes Abu Dhabi’s office sector as solid, with listing sales prices and rents posting both quarterly and yearly gains, fueled by high occupancy. The industrial market also held steady, showing flat quarterly prices alongside double-digit annual growth, while rents kept rising in most areas.

    Given the UAE’s real estate dynamics, Abu Dhabi and Dubai don’t always sync perfectly, but they typically align on overarching trends over longer periods. Consequently, any lasting changes in market dynamics could take time to fully reach the capital, according to the ValuStrat analysis.

    The capital’s performance mirrors broader regional strength, with transaction volumes rebounding in April and the emirate posting its second-strongest quarter on record earlier this year.

  • Abu Dhabi Residential Market Posts Second-Strongest Quarter on Record

    Abu Dhabi Residential Market Posts Second-Strongest Quarter on Record

    The capital’s property sector maintained robust momentum through January and February before moderating in March as regional geopolitical tensions, Ramadan observance, and school holidays influenced activity levels.

    Off-plan sales continued to dominate the market in Q1 2026, accounting for 81 percent of all transactions, up from 80 percent in Q4 2025. Demand was supported by major launches, including Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana Development, which generated AED6 billion in sales within 72 hours.

    Apartment activity reached unprecedented levels, with a record 5,200 apartment transactions in the quarter, representing 73 percent of all sales, up from 67 percent in 2025. This marked the third consecutive quarter with apartment volumes above 4,000.

    Average sales rates across Abu Dhabi increased sharply during the period. Off-plan rates rose 39 percent quarter-on-quarter, from AED16,540 per square meter at the end of 2025 to AED23,067 per square meter in Q1 2026. The ready market also improved, with average rates rising 2.66 percent to AED15,480 from AED15,087 in Q4 2025.

    “The market showed remarkable resilience, delivering near-record transaction volumes in Q1 despite regional geopolitical developments and seasonal factors,” said Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency Abu Dhabi at Savills Middle East.

    March showed a shift in off-plan market composition, with resale off-plan transactions rising from 4 percent to 15 percent of total activity, indicating growing investor-led activity and reassignment transactions. Monthly transaction volumes in March declined 16 percent month-on-month, though reporting lags may not fully capture underlying trends.

    Developer confidence remained strong in Q1, with approximately 20 projects launching around 4,000 units, 80 percent of which were apartments, compared with 3,400 units launched in Q4 2025. Modon Properties launched Tara Park on Al Reem Island in March, demonstrating resilience despite the uncertain backdrop.

    Key completions during the quarter included Fay Al Reeman Phase 2 and The Gate Residence in Masdar City. Q1 2026 accounted for 35 percent of full-year 2025 transaction volumes, underlining the sustained depth of demand across the market.

    Ishaq noted that underlying demand fundamentals remain intact, with supply constraints, limited near-term handovers, and continued investment in major infrastructure and cultural assets supporting a strong medium-term market case.

    The emirate’s broader growth story, supported by ADGM’s expansion, new cultural attractions on Saadiyat Island, and the opening of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, is expected to keep driving wealth migration and prime market demand over the medium term. The UAE’s ultra-wealthy population growth continues to underpin luxury residential demand across the capital.

    Savills cautioned that headline figures should be read with consideration, as transaction data, especially in March, may reflect deals initiated in January and February and may not yet fully capture current market conditions shaped by regional developments.