RWA Inc. announced a partnership with Sheikh Awad Mohammed Bin Sheikh Mujrin to tokenize Dubai real estate as on-chain real-world assets. The company says royal-linked backing could accelerate institutional adoption, boost liquidity, and enable more secure, seamless property ownership via tokenization.
Read the full article on Blockchain Reporter
SmartCrowd CEO Riz Ahmed says Dubai’s real estate strength is being reinforced by regulation, transparency, and tech-driven access like fractional investing. He cites 60+ exits and strong realised returns, plus the “Flip” model for 9–15 month cycles. After SmartCrowd’s acquisition by Nawy, they aim to build a full-stack MENA investment ecosystem.
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
Savills says Dubai set a third straight record year in 2025: 200,000+ residential transactions (+18% YoY), led by apartments (83%) and off-plan (72%). Ready prices rose; villa/townhouse average crossed AED6m. Prime demand surged: 6,700+ deals over AED10m (+43%). For 2026, growth continues but oversupply risks vary by segment.
Read the full article on Economy Middle East
Sobha Realty launched Sobha Sanctuary, its largest Dubai masterplan (~37.5m sq ft), aimed at wellness-led, nature-first living for ~20,000 families. It includes a central destination park, community mall, wellness centre, schools and hospital, plus green corridors and long walking/cycling loops. Planned ~20,000 homes; Phase 1 releases ~250 villas.
Read the full article on Zawya
DIA Holding says it will deliver LuzOra on Dubai Islands within 24 months, faster than the ~36-month regional norm, using an efficiency-led “kaizen” model. Despite buying the plot for $6.5m and receiving offers up to $19m, it will develop a mid-market, service-rich community and expand long-term in the UAE under co-founder Faruh Kurbanov.
Read the full article on Gulf News
A Keturah broker survey (1,100 brokers/150 agencies) says Dubai luxury buyers now prioritize developer reputation and delivery track record (36%) over short-term gains (16%). Most buyers are end-users (45%) or long-term holders (40%). Data-led due diligence is rising (42%), with delivery timelines the top concern (40). Lifestyle drivers: space, privacy, wellness, and nature.
Read the full article on Zawya
Dubai’s 2002 move to allow foreign ownership helped ignite a major property boom. Saudi Arabia may follow with potentially bigger upside due to its scale, religious tourism, the Red Sea, and Riyadh’s growth. But buyers still need clarity on where foreigners can buy, ownership type, registration, and legal rights, while authorities must manage affordability and misinformation.
Read the full article on Construction Business News
The UAE property market enters 2026 strongly: Dubai stayed highly liquid with H1 2025 sales of Dh327bn across 98,726 deals and continued price/rent growth, while Abu Dhabi rebounded with Dh54bn in H1 transactions and sharply rising rents. New launches include Casagrand’s AED420m Dubai Islands project (131 units from AED1.92m) and Merath’s Yas Island Vista Del Mar (90 units from AED1.9m, handover Q4 2026).
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
Takmeel Developments broke ground on Divine Al Barari, a AED400m residential project in Dubai’s Majan. Located near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Ain Road, it will deliver 291 units (studios to 3BR apartments and duplex penthouses) with 30+ lifestyle/wellness amenities. Handover: Q2 2028.
Read the full article on Zawya
India–UAE economic ties are deepening through real estate, with Indians described as Dubai’s largest foreign buyer group in 2025 (about 22% of foreign transactions, higher in some off-plan segments). BNW Developments highlights long-term, yield-focused investing, aided by Dubai’s transaction growth, tax-free individual property gains, Golden Visa appeal, and wider UAE reforms driving record FDI.
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Sharjah says industrial real estate transaction value surged 88.7% in 2025 to AED 9.24bn (from AED 4.9bn), with 4,416 industrial properties traded and about 14 industrial development projects. Officials credit flexible regulation, sustainability and smart infrastructure. Sharjah also reported rising waterfront demand, with 10+ new waterfront projects launched in 2024–25.
Read the full article on Economy Middle East
Ajman issued Law No. 1 of 2026 creating a Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, replacing the previous committee. The centre will handle landlord-tenant disputes for properties in Ajman, including free zones, using clearer procedures and appeal mechanisms to speed up rulings, protect rights, and support real estate and investment stability. It takes effect 1 February 2026.
Read the full article on Zawya
Dubai Real Estate Transactions as Reported on the 26th of January 2026
On the 26-Jan-2026, the total transacted value reached AED 2,082,531,866. Off-plan dominated with AED 1,400,589,471 (67.3%), while Ready accounted for AED 681,942,394 (32.7%).
Category | Off-Plan (AED millions) | Ready (AED millions) |
|---|---|---|
Flats | 770.4 | 510.0 |
Villas | 593.7 | 119.1 |
Hotel Apt. & Rooms | 0.0 | 17.2 |
Commercial | 36.5 | 35.7 |
Total | 1,400.6 | 681.9 |
Off-Plan Market Performance
Total Value: AED 1,400,589,471
Flats: AED 770,383,398 (55.0%)
Villas: AED 593,726,813 (42.4%)
Hotel Apts & Rooms: AED 0 (0.0%)
Commercial: AED 36,479,260 (2.6%)
Off-plan activity was strongly concentrated in residential units, with flats and villas together contributing 97.4% of off-plan value.
Ready Market Performance
Total Value: AED 681,942,394
Flats: AED 510,008,388 (74.8%)
Villas: AED 119,080,188 (17.5%)
Hotel Apts & Rooms: AED 17,202,198 (2.5%)
Commercial: AED 35,651,621 (5.2%)
The Ready segment was flat-led, with apartments accounting for nearly three-quarters of completed property value.
On The Micro Level
Market Insights & Outlook
Overall value was off-plan driven, reflecting continued appetite for new inventory and forward purchases, while the Ready market remained active but more concentrated in apartment resales. Notably, off-plan hotel apartment activity was absent on the day, while Ready transactions showed modest diversification through commercial and hotel apartment deals.
Data Source: Dubai Land Deprtment