UAE Real Estate Market Remains Strong in First Half of 2026

The UAE real estate sector kept its strong momentum in the first half of 2026, driven by strong investor demand, population growth, economic diversification, and government policies that continue to attract global capital.

The market is now moving into a more mature growth phase after years of fast expansion. Industry experts expect this positive trend to continue in the second half of the year, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Global real estate consultancies also pointed to the strong economic base supporting the sector. CBRE highlighted the UAE’s financial reserves and sovereign credit profile as important factors behind its economic resilience, while Knight Frank noted Dubai’s rising appeal as a global hub for wealth and property investment.

Property sales see strong growth

Property transactions continued to rise in the first half of the year. The combined value of apartment and villa sales grew 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. This marked 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.

At the same time, the value of new real estate projects announced in Dubai since the start of 2026 passed $74.8 billion. This was the largest half-year cycle of project launches ever recorded in the emirate, according to W Capital.

Experts see balanced growth ahead

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.

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 steady 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, especially around Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport, are among the key factors expected to drive future demand.

The UAE property market has entered a more mature phase, with growth increasingly driven by long-term demand. Strong transaction activity in Dubai and Abu Dhabi continues to show that the market attracts both local and international capital.

Demand for master-planned communities, branded residences, and waterfront developments is expected to stay strong in the second half of the year, while new supply may help keep the market more balanced.

Buyers are becoming more selective and are paying more attention to project quality, location, developer reputation, and the overall living experience.

As more supply enters the market, developers will need to focus on projects that meet changing buyer expectations while using competitive and sustainable pricing strategies.

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 stay active through the rest of 2026, with investors focusing more on premium residential communities, branded developments, waterfront destinations, and high-quality commercial assets that offer long-term value.