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UAE real estate entered a more balanced growth phase in Q1 2026. Abu Dhabi saw strong rental, sales and office demand, Dubai remained resilient with major supply ahead, while the Northern Emirates and Al Ain continued gaining momentum through affordable housing, master-planned communities and steady local demand.
Read the full article on Gulf News
UAE developers are accelerating their shift toward recurring income assets such as malls, hospitality, healthcare, education and commercial real estate. Emaar, Aldar and others are using these portfolios to reduce reliance on cyclical property sales, strengthen credit resilience and attract long-term capital despite geopolitical uncertainty.
Read the full article on Zawya
Bayut and dubizzle data shows UAE property activity recovering nearly two months after regional uncertainty, with users, buyers, enquiries and agent responses rebounding strongly. Dubai demand remains broad across ready, off-plan and rental communities, supported by stronger use of data tools and continued confidence in market fundamentals.
Read the full article on Gulf News
Dubai Holding Asset Management awarded Group AMANA a AED 680 million contract to build Lantana Hills in Dubai Science Park. The gated community will include 390 townhouses, with handover planned for H2 2027, using modular construction to speed delivery, cut waste and improve safety.
Read the full article on Zawya
Dubai residential transactions reached AED140.8 billion in Q1 2026 across 44,680 deals, showing resilience despite geopolitical uncertainty and Ramadan. Off-plan dominated with 67% of transactions, while luxury demand surged, including 121% growth in AED100 million-plus trophy home sales.
Read the full article on Trade Arabia
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Dubai’s property market is shifting from rapid growth to a more mature phase, with rising supply, softer price expectations and more selective buyers. Sales and rents remain resilient, office demand is strong, and Northern Emirates markets are also stabilising as affordability and lifestyle communities gain traction.
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
RAK Central Square has completed major structural works, with the Grade A office complex on track to top out in Q4 2026 and open in Q4 2027. The 2.27 million sq ft development will support rising corporate demand and Ras Al Khaimah’s investment and tourism ambitions.
Read the full article on Zawya
Abu Dhabi’s property market is gaining momentum, with strong transaction growth, double-digit rent increases and office occupancy above 95%. Dubai remains resilient but more segmented, while the Northern Emirates and Al Ain are moving toward steadier, more mature growth supported by infrastructure, supply and local demand.
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
ELEVATE recorded an AED127.5 million-plus transaction at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, highlighting strong demand for branded beachfront homes in Ras Al Khaimah. Nearly 200 residences have sold, with construction progressing and handover targeted for 2029.
Read the full article on Zawya
BNW Developments’ Ankur Aggarwal said geopolitical uncertainty has had only a limited, temporary impact on UAE real estate. While tourism and supply chains face some pressure, market confidence remains strong, supported by UAE resilience, leadership, long-term demand and continued investor belief in the country.
Read the full article on Business Today
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Al Habtoor Tower is set to become the world’s largest residential building, combining scale, speed and advanced engineering. The 91-floor Dubai tower uses record-scale top-down construction, deep foundation systems and precision delivery, positioning it as a benchmark for faster, more efficient high-rise development.
Read the full article on Zawya
Bildco and Wujod Real Estate Development will develop a sustainable Abu Dhabi project spanning about 10 million square metres. The AED2 billion first phase will focus on low-density living, wellness, equestrian, innovation, tourism and green spaces, supporting Abu Dhabi’s diversification and future urban growth.
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
HOLM Developments awarded the main construction contract for LINEA by HOLM in Jumeirah Garden City to Aroma International Building Contracting. The sold-out low-rise residential project is under construction, with handover set for Q1 2028 and amenities including a rooftop infinity pool, padel court and smart home systems.
Read the full article on Zawya
Dubai Real Estate Transactions as Reported on the 20th of May 2026
On the 20 May 2026, the total transacted value reached AED 1.43 billion. Off-plan dominated with AED 812.1 million (56.6%), while Ready accounted for AED 622.1 million (43.4%).
Category | Off-Plan (AED millions) | Ready (AED millions) |
|---|---|---|
Flats | 574.7 | 451.8 |
Villas | 34.3 | 107.9 |
Hotel Apt. & Rooms | 7.1 | 5.8 |
Commercial | 196.2 | 56.6 |
Total | 812.1 | 622.1 |
Off-Plan Market Performance
Total Value: AED 812.1 million
Flats: AED 574.7 million (70.8%)
Villas: AED 34.3 million (4.2%)
Hotel Apts & Rooms: AED 7.1 million (0.9%)
Commercial: AED 196.2 million (24.2%)
Off-plan activity was led by flats, which accounted for more than two-thirds of the segment. Commercial transactions also made a notable contribution, giving the day a broader base beyond the usual residential apartment-led pattern.
Ready Market Performance
Total Value: AED 622.1 million
Flats: AED 451.8 million (72.6%)
Villas: AED 107.9 million (17.3%)
Hotel Apts & Rooms: AED 5.8 million (0.9%)
Commercial: AED 56.6 million (9.1%)
Ready transactions were also strongly apartment-led, with flats contributing nearly three-quarters of the segment. Villas provided the second-largest share, reflecting continued demand for completed family homes.
On The Micro Level
Market Insights & Outlook
The 20 May figures point to a balanced but still off-plan-led market. Off-plan accounted for the larger share of activity, supported by strong apartment demand and a meaningful commercial contribution. Ready transactions remained solid, particularly in flats and villas, showing that end-user and investor appetite for completed assets continues alongside new-project demand.
Data Source: Dubai Land Department
Only freehold transactions are included