Dubai has never been defined by short-term cycles. It is defined by its ability to recalibrate and continue forward with clarity.
In the first quarter of 2026, global markets have been influenced by geopolitical uncertainty, yet Dubai’s real estate sector has remained active, with transaction volumes and values continuing to reflect underlying demand.
The market recorded approximately AED 138.75 billion in total transaction value, with over 44,150 transactions completed during the quarter. Despite short-term fluctuations in sentiment, pricing levels have remained broadly stable, and activity across both off-plan and ready segments has continued.
What we are witnessing today is a normalization of pace. Buyers are taking more time to evaluate opportunities, structure decisions, and enter the market with greater selectivity, but the intent to transact remains firmly in place.
A key shift in this cycle is the evolution of the buyer profile. We are seeing increased participation from GCC investors, alongside sustained demand from international buyers and long-term residents. These buyers are capital-driven, strategic, and focused on long-term positioning.
At the same time, the fundamentals underpinning the market remain strong. Dubai continues to invest at scale in infrastructure, master-planned communities, and economic diversification, reinforcing its long-term growth trajectory.
Combined with sustained population growth, regulatory clarity, and global connectivity, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the most stable and attractive real estate markets globally.
Total Value: AED 138,748,545,569
- +21.2% Y-O-Y
- -1.49% Q-O-Q
Total Volume: 44,150
- +4.35% Y-O-Y
- -17.22% Q-O-Q
Dubai’s real estate market maintained steady activity levels in Q1 2026, recording total sales transaction value of AED 138,748,545,569 and total transaction volume of 44,150. This reflects year-on-year growth of 21.2% in value and 4.35% in volume, reinforcing Dubai’s continued position as a leading regional hub for investment, development, and residential acquisitions.
During the quarter, market activity showed a degree of recalibration, with buyers adopting a more measured and deliberate approach to transactions. Despite this shift, liquidity remained strong, pricing levels held firm, and demand continued to be supported by a diverse and well-capitalised buyer base.
The quarter also highlighted the growing role of GCC capital, alongside sustained participation from international investors and established resident purchasers. Supported by ongoing infrastructure expansion and continued population growth, these factors continue to underpin market depth and long-term confidence.
Key Highlights from Q1 2026
- Total Transaction Value: AED 138,748,545,569
- Total Transaction Volume: 44,150
- Pricing remained broadly stable, with no material evidence of widespread distressed selling.
- GCC and regional capital continued to support liquidity across both off-plan and ready segments.
Sales Transaction Value and Volume
Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic depth, maintaining its appeal as a global investment destination. Q1 2026 activity across both off-plan and secondary segments reflects sustained demand, supported by disciplined pricing and continued investor engagement.
Off-Plan and Secondary Year-on-Year Comparisons
| Category | Metric | Q1 2025 | Q1 2026 | Y-O-Y Change |
| Off-Plan | Total Value (AED) | 69,450,954,426 | 98,809,176,452 | ▲ 42.27% |
| Total Volume | 26,398 | 31,732 | ▲ 20.21% | |
| Secondary | Total Value (AED) | 44,737,009,187 | 39,939,369,117 | ▼ 10.72% |
| Total Volume | 15,809 | 12,418 | ▼ 21.45% |
Off-Plan and Secondary Quarter-on-Quarter Comparisons
| Market Segment | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026 | Q-O-Q Change |
| Off-Plan | Total Value (AED) | 96,657,139,210 | 98,809,176,452 | ▲ 2.23% |
| Total Volume | 38,590 | 31,732 | ▼ 21.45% | |
| Secondary | Total Value (AED) | 44,183,048,630 | 39,939,369,117 | ▼ 9.6% |
| Total Volume | 14,745 | 12,418 | ▼ 15.78% |
Off-plan transaction values remained resilient, despite a slight easing in volumes, supported by flexible payment structures and sustained investor confidence.
The secondary market, meanwhile, saw a more measured pace of activity across both value and volume, as buyers adopted a more selective and considered approach, reflecting a shift toward value-driven decision-making.
Balanced Market with Strong Transaction Volumes
The transaction landscape in Q1 2026 reflects a healthy distribution across price ranges, underlining the market’s inclusiveness and resilience.
| Price Bracket | No. of Transactions | Market Share (%) |
| AED 0 – 1M | 10,364 | 23.88% |
| AED 1M – 3M | 22,234 | 51.21% |
| AED 3M – 5M | 5,595 | 12.89% |
| AED 5M – 10M | 3,145 | 7.24% |
| AED 10M+ | 2,075 | 4.78% |
| Total | 43,413 | 100% |
Mid-market properties in the AED 1M–3M range lead transaction activity, while both entry-level and luxury segments continue to attract consistent interest from investors and end-users.
Strong Price Growth in Villas and Townhouses
The villa and townhouse segment continues to gain momentum, with average villa prices climbing to AED 14.97M in Q1 2026, marking a strong increase year-on-year. Townhouses have followed a similar trajectory, reaching AED 3.66M, supported by rising PSF across both segments. The trend highlights ongoing demand for spacious, high-quality homes, particularly among end-users.
| Property Type | Avg. Sales Price (AED) | Y-O-Y Change (Price) | Avg. Price Per Sq. Ft. (AED) | Y-O-Y Change (Sq. Ft.) |
| Apartments | 2,070,298 | ▲ 21.2% | 1,997 | ▲ 8.53% |
| Townhouses | 3,658,691 | ▲ 20.69% | 1,384 | ▲ 14.29% |
| Villas | 14,966,915 | ▲ 27.16% | 2,207 | ▲ 15.01% |
Property Volume by Area
Dubai’s key residential hotspots continued to perform across both prime and growth-oriented locations, reflecting broad-based demand across the market.
| Development Location | Number of Transactions | Total Value (AED) | Average PSF (AED) |
| Dubai South | 2,862 | 4.95B | 1,547 |
| DAMAC Islands 2 | 2,752 | 9.19B | 1,292 |
| Business Bay | 1,713 | 5.12B | 2,639 |
| Dubai Islands | 1,657 | 5.44B | 2,708 |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | 1,202 | 3.61B | 2,562 |
| Dubai Hills Estate | 1,009 | 6.97B | 2,528 |
| Dubai Maritime City | 874 | 2.54B | 3,148 |
| The Heights | 739 | 5.82B | 1,939 |
Prime Residential Markets
- Business Bay: Strong transaction activity in a centrally located district, driven by investor demand and end-users seeking accessibility, rental yield, and proximity to key business and lifestyle hubs.
- Dubai Hills Estate: Continued demand from family-oriented buyers seeking community, accessibility, and long-term capital appreciation.
- Dubai Creek Harbour: Continued activity in a waterfront master development, with new launches and handovers shaping transaction volumes and reinforcing its position as a key urban extension of the city.
Emerging Communities
- Dubai South: Continued to strengthen as a long-term strategic investment hub supported by infrastructure and future growth drivers.
- Dubai Islands & Dubai Maritime City: Steady absorption of high-end apartments supported by both investors and end-users.
- DAMAC Islands 2: Launch-driven momentum in a themed island development, with phased releases contributing to transaction activity and expanding the range of waterfront residential offerings.
- The Heights Country Club & Wellness: Early-stage traction in a wellness-oriented master community, with initial launches generating interest and setting the foundation for a lifestyle-led residential destination.
Rental Market Insights
Dubai’s rental market remained supported by population growth, new resident inflows, and sustained tenant demand across both premium and mid-market communities.
- Total Value: AED 12,198,218,835
- Total Volume: 139,439
Key Rental Trends
Mid-Market Segments Lead Rental Activity
Rental transactions remain concentrated within the AED 0–80K range, reflecting strong demand across Dubai’s core leasing segments.
Apartments Continue to Drive Volume
Studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units account for the majority of rental contracts, supported by their accessibility, flexibility, and broad tenant appeal.
Premium Rentals Remain Selective in Distribution
Higher-value rental segments account for a smaller share of total contracts, with activity concentrated in established prime locations.
Commercial Market Insights
- Total Value: AED 38,022,816,395
- Total Volume: 3,622
Dubai’s commercial real estate market recorded total transaction value of AED 38 billion across 3,622 transactions in Q1 2026, reflecting sustained activity across key asset classes. Land transactions accounted for the majority of total sales value at 55.1%, underscoring continued developer appetite and long-term project positioning. Office assets followed, contributing 21.6% of total value, supported by demand for income-generating properties and stable occupancy fundamentals. Additional activity across whole buildings, retail, and hospitality-related assets further highlights the breadth of participation across the commercial segment.
| Category | Volume | Sales Value (AED) | % of Total Sales |
| Land | 653 | 20,973,261,580 | 55.10% |
| Office | 1,565 | 8,208,589,643 | 21.60% |
| Whole Building | 76 | 3,704,489,400 | 9.70% |
| Retail | 485 | 2,078,533,392 | 5.50% |
| Hotel Apartment | 478 | 1,395,682,406 | 3.70% |
| Others | 365 | 1,662,259,974 | 4.40% |
Transaction volumes were led by office and land segments, accounting for a significant share of total deals, indicating both end-user and investor engagement across different ticket sizes. The prominence of land in overall value, contrasted with higher transaction counts in office assets, reflects a dual-track market, driven by large-scale development plays alongside steady demand for yield-oriented investments. Overall, the commercial sector continues to demonstrate depth and diversification, supported by ongoing economic expansion, business activity, and long-term infrastructure growth.
Project Launches
Q1 2026 witnessed continued project activity across Dubai’s residential market, with new launches and completions supporting ongoing supply across multiple segments.
Golf Vale by Emaar
Golf Vale by Emaar is located in Emaar South and offers 1–3 BR apartments and 3 BR townhouses, with prices starting from AED 1.1M, an 80/20 payment plan, and completion scheduled for Q1 2030.
The Heights by Emaar
The Heights Country and Wellness by Emaar is located in Dubailand and features 3–5 BR villas, with prices starting from AED 6.5M, an 80/20 payment plan, and completion expected in Q3 2030.
Terra Woods by Emaar
Terra Woods by Emaar is located in Expo City and offers 1–3 BR apartments and townhouses, with prices starting from AED 1.6M, an 80/20 payment plan, and completion set for Q1 2030.
Fior 1 & 2 by Emaar
Fior 1 & 2 by Emaar is located in Rashid Yachts & Marina and offers 1–3 bedroom apartments, with prices starting from AED 2.21 Million, an 80/20 payment plan, and completion expected in Q3 2030.
Greencrest by Emaar
Greencrest by Emaar is located in Dubai Hills Estate and features 1–3 BR apartments, with prices starting from AED 1.57M, an 80/20 payment plan, and completion expected in Q2 2029.
Grove Ridge & Vista Ridge by Emaar
Located in Emaar South and offers 1–3 BR apartments and 3 BR townhouses, with prices starting from AED 1.27M, an 80/20 payment plan, and completion scheduled for Q3 2029.
Maybach Towers by Binghatti
Maybach Towers by Binghatti is located in Mercedes Benz Places, Binghatti City and offers studios and 1–3 BR apartments, with prices starting from AED 1.6M, a 70/30 payment plan, and completion scheduled for Q2 2028.
Antigua by Damac
Antigua by Damac is located in Damac Islands 2 and offers 4–5 BR townhouses and 5 BR villas, with prices starting from AED 2.99M, a 75/25 payment plan, and completion expected in Q4 2030.
Greenz by Danube
Greenz by Danube is located in Dubai Academic City and features 3–4 BR townhouses and 5 BR villas, with prices starting from AED 3.5M, a 70/30 payment plan, and completion scheduled for Q4 2029.
Soulever by Beyond
Soulever by Beyond is located in Dubai Maritime City and offers 1–3 BR apartments, 4 BR duplex units, and 5 BR penthouses, with prices starting from AED 2.6M and a 40/60 payment plan.
Emerging Real Estate Trends in 2026
Shift Toward More Selective Buyer Behaviour
Buyer activity remains strong, but decision-making has become more deliberate. Transaction timelines have extended, with buyers conducting deeper due diligence and focusing on long-term value rather than short-term positioning.
Stability in Pricing Despite External Pressures
Despite geopolitical developments, property prices have remained broadly stable across most segments, with no evidence of widespread price correction or distressed selling. Developers have maintained pricing discipline, supported by strong liquidity positions.
Increased Presence of GCC and Regional Capital
Q1 2026 has seen a noticeable increase in participation from GCC investors, alongside continued engagement from established resident buyers. Regional capital is playing a key role in maintaining market liquidity, particularly in periods of global uncertainty.
Continued Strength in Off-Plan Driven by Payment Structures
The off-plan segment continues to perform strongly, supported by flexible payment plans and long-term investment appeal. Developers are maintaining momentum through structured payment solutions rather than price adjustments.
Emergence of Opportunity-Driven Investment Activity
Well-capitalised investors are actively monitoring opportunities created by short-term market fluctuations. This includes units where sellers may face payment pressures or repositioning decisions, leading to targeted acquisitions rather than broad-based market
Strong Market Liquidity and Cash-Based Transactions
A significant proportion of transactions continues to be cash-driven, reducing exposure to financing risk and supporting overall market stability. This liquidity is a key factor behind the absence of distressed conditions.
Market Outlook: Sustained Growth
Dubai’s real estate sector remains well-positioned for sustained growth, with investor demand continuing across residential, commercial, and rental segments.
Key Takeaways
- Continued absorption of off-plan and ready properties.
- Sustained demand for prime and mid-income rental stock.
- Infrastructure-led real estate growth positioning Dubai for long-term value appreciation.
- Continued support from regional and international capital flows.
Looking Ahead
Dubai’s real estate market enters 2026 from a position of strength, not just in numbers, but in fundamentals.
What we are seeing today is a market that understands its own resilience. Periods of global uncertainty are not new, and they do not alter Dubai’s long-term trajectory. If anything, they reinforce its position as a stable and trusted destination for capital.
The city’s continued investment in infrastructure remains one of its greatest strengths. From transport networks to integrated communities, Dubai is not building for today. It is building for decades ahead. These developments are shaping demand, driving value, and reinforcing long-term growth.
At the same time, population growth continues to accelerate. Dubai is attracting talent, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the world. This is not temporary demand. It is structural, sustained, and expanding.
We are also witnessing a clear increase in GCC buyers, alongside international investors, further strengthening the depth and diversity of the market. This is a sign of confidence, not just in real estate, but in Dubai as a whole.
Ultimately, Dubai is not a market that follows global trends. It sets them.
And as we look ahead, one thing remains clear: the foundation is strong, the vision is clear, and the trajectory remains firmly upward.
