The UAE’s real estate sector maintained its strong momentum in the first half of 2026, supported by robust investor demand, population growth, economic diversification, and government policies aimed at attracting global capital.
The market’s performance suggests a transition toward a more mature phase of growth following years of rapid expansion, with industry experts expecting momentum to continue through the second half of the year, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Reports by global real estate consultancies have also highlighted the economic fundamentals underpinning the sector. CBRE cited the UAE’s financial reserves and sovereign credit profile as key drivers of economic resilience, while Knight Frank highlighted Dubai’s growing appeal as a destination for global wealth and property investment.
Property transactions continued to gain pace during the first half of the year. The combined value of apartment and villa sales rose 173.9% to more than AED84.4 billion ($23 billion), while transaction volumes increased 103% to 16,585 deals compared with the same period last year, according to an ADXinteract analysis cited by WAM.
Dubai also recorded more than $77.8 billion in property sales during the first half of 2026, marking the second-highest half-year sales volume in the emirate’s history, according to research by W Capital Real Estate Broker based on Dubai Land Department data.
Meanwhile, the value of new real estate projects announced in Dubai since the start of 2026 exceeded $74.8 billion, representing the largest half-year cycle of project launches ever recorded in the emirate, according to W Capital.
Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments, said the property sector continues to strengthen its role as a major contributor to the UAE economy, supported by housing demand, foreign investment, and a growing share of self-financed buyers.
He added that the UAE’s economic stability, flexible regulations, and long-term development plans have enhanced its appeal to international investors. Growth is expected to become more balanced during the second half of the year, with greater competition among projects based on location, quality, execution, and long-term investment potential.
Population growth, expanding economic activity, and sustained residential demand are also expected to support the sector. Long-term residency programs, the implementation of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and major infrastructure projects, particularly around Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport, are among the factors expected to drive future demand.
Hussein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, said the UAE property market has entered a more mature phase, with growth increasingly driven by long-term demand. He pointed to strong transaction activity in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as evidence of the market’s continued ability to attract both domestic and international capital.
Demand for master-planned communities, branded residences, and waterfront developments is expected to remain strong during the second half of the year, while new supply could help maintain a more balanced market.
Thomas Wan, Founder and CEO of Refine, said buyers are becoming increasingly selective, placing greater emphasis on project quality, location, developer reputation, and the overall living experience.
As new supply enters the market, he said developers will need to focus on projects that meet evolving buyer expectations while adopting competitive and sustainable pricing strategies.
Syed Mahrooz, CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Albagh Group, said economic diversification, infrastructure development, long-term residency initiatives, and the UAE’s growing population of high-net-worth individuals continue to support the property sector.
The market is expected to remain active through the rest of 2026, with investors increasingly focusing on premium residential communities, branded developments, waterfront destinations, and high-quality commercial assets that offer long-term value.
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