Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Dubai’s real estate market holds very positive indicators, given the continued population growth and rising demand for residential units
Dubai’s real estate market recorded sales exceeding AED286 billion ($77.88 billion) in the first half of 2026, marking the second-highest half-year sales in the emirate’s history. This performance is surpassed only by the first half of 2025, which recorded sales of AED326.6 billion, according to a W Capital report, which is based on data from the Dubai Land Department.
The sales figures included more than 86,000 transactions, comprising 71,500 residential unit deals, 7,296 building deals and 7,129 land sales.
Sales of ready-built properties drive growth
Sales of ready-built properties accounted for the largest share of total sales across Dubai’s real estate market, topping AED146.7 billion through 27,200 transactions, distributed as follows: 18,300 residential unit deals, 1,738 building deals and 7,135 land sales.
Off-plan property sales also reached AED139.8 billion through 58,800 transactions, divided into 53,270 residential unit deals and 5,563 building deals.
The report indicated that the value of mortgage transactions exceeded AED102 billion through more than 22,000 transactions in the first half of 2026, distributed as follows: 14,500 transactions for residential units, 2,582 for buildings and 5,234 for land plots.
Gifts amounted to AED31.4 billion through 4,501 transactions, distributed as follows: 3,506 for residential units, 260 for buildings and 735 for land plots.
Total value of real estate transactions hits AED419.94 billion
The total value of real estate transactions in Dubai during the first half of the year reached approximately AED419.94 billion through 112,850 transactions.
Real estate sales in the second quarter of the year exceeded AED110 billion, resulting from 38,300 transactions. Mortgages totaled AED42.6 billion through 10,522 transactions, while gifts reached AED16 billion through 2,449 transactions. Total real estate transactions in the second quarter of 2026 exceeded AED169.04 billion, with 51,170 transactions completed.
“The results achieved by Dubai’s real estate market during the first half of 2026 confirm the sector’s resilience and ability to continue growing,” said Walid Al Zarooni, W Capital CEO.
He noted that recording the second-highest half-year sales in the market’s history, despite being compared to an exceptional year like 2025, reflects the continued genuine demand for real estate, the high levels of confidence among local and international investors, and the strong economic fundamentals underpinning the market.
Al Zarooni added that the record performance of Dubai’s real estate market is no longer a temporary phenomenon, but rather a reflection of a sustainable growth trajectory supported by an ambitious government vision, a flexible legislative framework, world-class infrastructure, a competitive tax environment and the continued development of high-quality projects that meet the needs of various investor segments.
He added that these factors have made Dubai one of the most attractive and stable real estate destinations globally, enhancing its ability to attract capital and high-net-worth individuals from various markets.
Dubai set to post new record levels in real estate sales and transactions in H2 2026
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Dubai’s real estate market holds very positive indicators, given the continued population growth, rising demand for residential units, the expansion of international companies establishing their headquarters in Dubai and the ongoing launch of new world-class projects. This will support market activity across various sectors, including completed properties and projects under development, as well as continued momentum in the luxury real estate sector.
“The improvement in global geopolitical conditions and the easing of tensions compared to the past will boost investor confidence and increase global investment appetite. This will positively impact markets characterized by stability and transparency, foremost among them Dubai,” he added.
The CEO said that the emirate has proven its ability in recent years to transform global challenges into opportunities, thanks to the resilience of its economy and its rapid response to change, which positions it well to attract further real estate investment in the coming period.
Al Zarooni affirmed that all current indicators point to continued strong market performance in the second half of the year, with the potential to reach new record levels in real estate sales and transactions. This is supported by the robust UAE economy, continued foreign direct investment inflows, sustained growth in non-oil sectors, increasing population and resident numbers and rising demand from international investors seeking stable returns and safe assets.
He stated that these combined factors make 2026 a strong contender to be among the best years in the history of Dubai’s real estate market, as the emirate continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s leading real estate and investment destinations.
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