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  • Binghatti H1 Profit Jumps 64% to Dh3 Billion on Dubai Demand

    Binghatti H1 Profit Jumps 64% to Dh3 Billion on Dubai Demand

    Binghatti Holding posted robust financial results for the first half of 2026, with revenue climbing 50 percent year-on-year to Dh9.5 billion during the six months ended June 30, the Dubai-based developer announced on July 27, 2026.

    Gross profit rose 66 percent to Dh4.3 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 75 percent to Dh3.8 billion, reflecting continued growth across the business.

    The developer launched eight projects during the first half, including Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti City, the company’s first master-planned community, and Tilal Binghatti, its first villa development. The company delivered around 1,700 residential units during the period.

    “The first half of 2026 combined strong financial performance with important strategic progress across our platform. We expanded into new development segments while maintaining delivery discipline across our portfolio,” said Muhammad Binghatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding.

    Binghatti’s development backlog reached Dh44.2 billion, while revenue backlog stood at Dh17.3 billion at the end of June, providing strong visibility for future earnings. The company also maintained liquidity of around Dh10 billion.

    During the period, Binghatti completed a $500 million sukuk maturing in 2031, which was 4.3 times oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from regional and international investors. Moody’s reaffirmed the company’s Ba3 corporate credit rating.

    Chief Financial Officer Shehzad Janab said the results highlighted the resilience of Binghatti’s business model despite heightened regional volatility, with improving profit margins and the sizeable revenue backlog providing strong visibility over future earnings.

    The performance comes as Dubai’s off-plan property market continues to attract strong investor interest, with the emirate recording 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion in the first half of 2026.

    Looking ahead, Binghatti said Dubai’s residential market continues to benefit from population growth, long-term residency initiatives and economic diversification, with demand increasingly driven by end-users and long-term residents rather than speculative investors.

    The developer’s results align with broader market trends showing strength across all price segments in Dubai’s residential sector as the market transitions toward more sustainable, end-user-focused growth in 2026.

  • UAE Investors Drive Half of Sharjah Property Market in H1 2026

    UAE Investors Drive Half of Sharjah Property Market in H1 2026

    A statistical report released by the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department on July 27, 2026, showed that 9,655 Emirati investors contributed 50.6 percent of the emirate’s total real estate trading value of Dh29.5 billion during the first six months of the year.

    The department said the figures reflected growing confidence in Sharjah’s investment environment, supported by modern legislation, sustainable urban development and an expanding pipeline of real estate projects.

    Women drive nearly quarter of sales value

    The report highlighted the increasing role of Emirati women in the property market. Women accounted for 28 percent of traded properties and 24.7 percent of the total value of sales transactions, while men represented 72 percent of traded properties and 75.3 percent of transaction values.

    Ownership data showed women accounted for 40.7 percent of Emirati property owners involved in sales transactions, compared with 59.3 percent for men, underlining women’s growing role in investment and wealth creation.

    Young investors maintain strong presence

    Buyers aged 35 and below recorded notable activity, reflecting increasing awareness of real estate investment among younger Emiratis, while investors aged between 36 and 53 remained the largest segment. Investors aged 54 and above also continued to play a significant role in the market.

    Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, said the results reflected the strength of the emirate’s real estate sector and the success of its long-term development strategy.

    The report demonstrated not only the scale of investment but also the expanding participation of Emiratis, particularly women and young investors, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a preferred destination for sustainable real estate investment.

    Sharjah’s performance in the first half of 2026 reflects broader momentum across the UAE property sector. Dubai recorded 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion during the same period, while Abu Dhabi registered Dh117 billion in deals, marking a 112 percent year-on-year increase as foreign direct investment surged to a record Dh13.8 billion across 116 nationalities.

  • 84% of Global Investors Prefer Dubai Off-Plan Property Market

    84% of Global Investors Prefer Dubai Off-Plan Property Market

    Dubai’s off-plan property market continues to draw unprecedented levels of international investor interest, with 84 percent of global investors now rating the emirate as a more attractive destination for off-plan investment than rival global markets, according to a study by Smart Bricks released on July 26, 2026.

    The survey, which polled more than 8,500 international off-plan investors from Europe, South Asia, the GCC, Africa, the Americas and East Asia, found that over half of respondents said Dubai was “significantly” more attractive than other global property markets, while a further 32 percent viewed it as “somewhat” more attractive.

    The findings come as Dubai recorded 87,800 real estate transactions worth Dh291.7 billion in the first half of 2026, with off-plan properties accounting for 71 percent of all deals. Approximately 121,000 new residents moved to the emirate during the first six months of the year, reinforcing housing demand and supporting long-term growth prospects.

    Capital appreciation remains the primary attraction for investors. The survey found that 61 percent cited the potential for capital growth as the main reason for investing in Dubai’s off-plan market, followed by developer payment plans at 54 percent, the city’s tax environment at 47 percent, population and economic growth at 42 percent, and strong rental demand at 36 percent.

    Dubai’s average property prices rose 9 percent during the first half of 2026, while luxury demand remained robust, with the city recording 296 home sales above $10 million worth a combined $5.1 billion. Transaction volumes in this ultra-prime segment climbed 16 percent year-on-year, while sales values increased 14 percent.

    “Global confidence in Dubai has never been higher, and much of it is well founded – but enthusiasm is not a strategy. The returns that make the strategy worthwhile are concentrated among investors who choose the right segment, buy in the right community, and above all sell at the right moment,” said Mohamed Mohamed, Co-Founder and CEO of Smart Bricks.

    The growth in off-plan activity is being supported by a substantial development pipeline. Dubai has more than 31,000 branded residence units scheduled for delivery by 2030, representing around 8 percent of total future housing supply. The emirate already leads the world in branded residences, with 64 completed developments and another 87 projects in the pipeline. Branded properties command an average 64 percent premium over non-branded homes, according to the analysis.

    A separate Smart Bricks report analyzing more than 70,000 off-plan units bought directly from developers and resold before handover between 2009 and 2026 found that the median flip generated a gross gain of 9.1 percent after a typical holding period of 19 months. Once transaction costs of about 5 percent are factored in, net returns fall to roughly 4.1 percent.

    The study highlighted how timing can significantly affect returns. Off-plan properties sold more than 18 months before handover produced median gains of 5.3 percent, while properties sold at or after handover achieved median gains of 18.7 percent. Villas showed a different pattern, with returns peaking at 27.5 percent in the final three months before completion before dropping sharply after handover.

    Location emerged as a critical factor. Tilal Al Ghaf recorded median gains of 24 percent, followed by La Mer and City Walk at 22 percent each, while Dubai Marina and Sobha Hartland delivered median gains of only 5 percent and 2 percent, respectively. The strongest returns were often generated in master-planned lifestyle communities rather than in the city’s most established residential districts.

    “Off-plan property buyers commit before they can experience the finished product, so confidence must be earned through architectural quality, functionality and delivery credibility. These qualities will define the next generation of luxury residences and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most desirable places to live and invest,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED.

    The combination of strong investor sentiment, record transaction volumes, growing population inflows and an expanding development pipeline suggests that Dubai’s off-plan market remains one of the world’s most active real estate segments. Yet the research also indicates that as the market matures, investors are becoming more selective, with successful returns increasingly dependent on asset choice, location and timing rather than broad market momentum alone.

  • Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties is progressing with a new Dh2 billion master-planned residential development as the company transitions from financial restructuring to an active growth phase backed by strengthening cash flows and improved operational performance.

    The planned community will feature approximately 167 townhouses, villas and bungalows, and is currently undergoing the approval and permitting process. The project forms part of Union Properties’ expanding portfolio, which includes the ongoing Takaya and Mirdaf developments.

    Revenue increased 68 percent year-on-year to Dh529.3 million during the first half of 2026, compared with Dh316 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Gross profit rose 41 percent to Dh107 million from Dh75.6 million, reflecting higher revenue and improved operating efficiencies.

    Second-quarter revenue climbed 69 percent to Dh257.8 million, while gross profit reached Dh48.6 million during the period.

    Through disciplined execution, we have strengthened our balance sheet, enhanced operational efficiency and built a high-quality development pipeline that is now translating into tangible financial results.

    Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties, said the company now has clear visibility over future earnings. “With approximately Dh4 billion of projects under development, Dh3.87 billion in potential development revenue with higher margins yet to be recognised, and a strong liquidity position, we have clear visibility over future earnings and significant capacity to pursue further growth,” he stated.

    Development revenue of Dh101.6 million was recognised during the first half, leaving the majority of the Dh3.87 billion pipeline to flow through financial results over the next two and a half years as construction progresses and project milestones are achieved.

    Union Properties maintained average cash balances exceeding Dh400 million during the first six months, providing the developer with funding for construction activity, new project launches and further expansion while preserving capital structure discipline.

    The company is using its in-house contracting arm, Tetra Edge, to manage execution and project margins across its portfolio as it accelerates delivery timelines.

    Management confirmed that development revenue is expected to account for a growing share of financial performance as work advances on existing projects and new phases enter the market. The developer indicated it will continue focusing on project delivery, portfolio expansion and profitability growth over the coming years.

    Union Properties’ results reflect broader momentum across Dubai’s diversified property market, where demand remains strong despite moderating price growth in certain segments. The company’s multi-year revenue visibility positions it to benefit from sustained investor and end-user interest as commercial and residential sectors continue expanding.

  • Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Residential Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    Union Properties Plans Dh2 Billion Dubai Residential Community After 68% Revenue Jump

    The planned master development is currently navigating the approval and permitting process and forms part of Union Properties’ broader Dh4 billion project pipeline, which includes ongoing construction at its Takaya and Mirdaf developments.

    Revenue for the first six months of 2026 reached Dh529.3 million, compared with Dh316 million during the same period in 2025. Gross profit rose 41% to Dh107 million from Dh75.6 million, supported by higher revenue, operating efficiencies and continued project execution.

    Second-quarter revenue increased 69% year-on-year to Dh257.8 million, compared with Dh152.4 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Gross profit reached Dh48.6 million during the quarter.

    Through disciplined execution, we have strengthened our balance sheet, enhanced operational efficiency and built a high-quality development pipeline that is now translating into tangible financial results.

    Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties, said the company now has clear visibility over future earnings and significant capacity to pursue further growth.

    The developer recognised Dh101.6 million in development revenue during the first half, leaving the bulk of its current project pipeline to flow through financial results over the next two and a half years as construction continues and unit handovers accelerate.

    Union Properties expects development revenue to account for a greater share of its financial performance as work progresses across its portfolio. Its in-house contracting business, Tetra Edge, is being used to manage execution and project margins.

    Union Properties maintained average cash balances exceeding Dh400 million during the first half, providing funds for construction, project launches and further expansion while retaining a prudent capital structure.

    The results mark the developer’s transition from financial restructuring towards a growth phase supported by its development pipeline, improved liquidity and higher project activity. Management confirmed it will continue to focus on accelerating project delivery, expanding the company’s portfolio and increasing revenue and profitability over the coming years.

    Union Properties’ expansion comes as Dubai’s property market shows strength across multiple price segments, with developers recording robust sales volumes through diverse project portfolios in 2026.

  • Dubai Lowers Tokenized Real Estate Entry to Dh1,000

    Dubai Lowers Tokenized Real Estate Entry to Dh1,000

    The platform announced the change in a message to customers on Friday, stating the reduction would make ownership of real estate tokens more accessible while giving investors greater flexibility to build and diversify their portfolios across Dubai’s residential market.

    PRYPCO MINT allows users to invest in fully funded properties with the potential to generate rental income and capital appreciation, while also enabling the buying and selling of property tokens on the secondary market without mandatory holding periods.

    The move is part of the platform’s strategy to widen participation in the emirate’s growing tokenized property market by reducing the capital required to enter the sector.

    Strong Market Performance

    Since Dubai launched its real estate tokenization initiative on May 25, 2025, the Dubai Land Department has listed 10 tokenized properties through PRYPCO MINT, all of which were fully funded within record times, in some cases in less than two minutes, underscoring strong investor demand for digital real estate products.

    The platform said investors can spread their capital across multiple properties in Dubai, helping diversify risk and gain exposure to a broader range of real estate assets without the traditional barriers associated with direct property ownership.

    Regulatory Framework

    Dubai’s real estate tokenization programme operates under a regulatory framework developed by the Dubai Land Department in partnership with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the Central Bank of the UAE and the Dubai Future Foundation through the Real Estate Sandbox initiative.

    The lower entry threshold comes as Dubai’s property market maintains strong momentum, with traditional real estate transactions continuing to attract significant investor interest alongside emerging digital alternatives.

    The tokenization model represents a significant shift in how investors can access Dubai’s real estate market, offering fractional ownership opportunities that were previously unavailable to smaller investors while maintaining regulatory oversight and transparency through blockchain technology.

  • Dubai Property Market Shows Strength Across All Price Segments in 2026

    Dubai Property Market Shows Strength Across All Price Segments in 2026

    A new market analysis has revealed that Emaar generated the highest value of residential sales transactions in 2026 so far, recording Dh30.6 billion in sales—83.2 percent higher than second-placed DAMAC at Dh16.7 billion.

    The figures, released by fäm Properties on July 23, 2026, highlight a market driven by demand at multiple price points rather than concentration in a single segment. The top ten developers collectively recorded 36,808 residential sales transactions worth Dh86.8 billion as of July 22.

    Luxury homes continued to attract high-value buyers, with Emaar leading sales of properties priced above Dh15 million through 387 transactions worth Dh8.4 billion. Omniyat followed with 212 transactions valued at Dh6.5 billion, while H&H completed 178 deals worth Dh6.9 billion. In total, developers sold 1,248 luxury properties worth Dh35.16 billion during the period.

    The fact that Dubai’s leading developers have been driving sales across both the luxury and affordable segments throughout the year is a clear sign of market strength.

    Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the figures reflect a diversified market supported by both investors and end-users.

    At the affordable end of the market, Azizi emerged as the dominant player, recording 8,411 residential sales transactions overall—the highest among all developers—with more than 8,000 sales concentrated in properties priced below Dh2 million. Binghatti ranked second in the affordable segment with 4,268 transactions, followed by DAMAC with 2,247 deals.

    The analysis also highlighted the scale of ongoing development activity. Emaar has delivered nine projects and 3,819 units this year, more than any other developer, and currently has 150 projects under construction, representing the largest pipeline in the market. DAMAC ranked second with seven completed projects, 2,591 delivered units and 113 projects under construction.

    Meanwhile, Reportage has been the most active developer in launching new projects in 2026, introducing 16 developments to the market. The company also ranked among the top ten developers in both overall sales volume and affordable housing transactions.

    The report suggests that Dubai’s property market continues to benefit from a combination of robust luxury demand and sustained activity in the affordable housing segment, supporting growth across a wide range of developers. This aligns with broader market trends showing stabilization in the second quarter of 2026 as the emirate’s real estate sector matures.

    The strong performance across price segments reflects confidence among both international investors and end-users, particularly as foreign buyers remain active in Dubai’s residential market throughout 2026.

  • Dubai Commercial Property Sales Hit Record $5.31 Billion in H1 2026

    Dubai’s commercial real estate market has entered a new phase of growth, driven by expanding international businesses, rising institutional demand and the emirate’s increasing role as a regional headquarters for global companies.

    According to a new research report by W Capital Real Estate Brokerage released on July 23, 2026, commercial property sales reached an all-time high during the first half of the year, highlighting a structural shift in Dubai’s property market as demand increasingly reflects long-term economic expansion rather than short-term investment activity.

    “What we are witnessing today is not a speculative cycle but a direct reflection of Dubai’s expanding economy. The record growth in commercial property sales is being driven by real business activity, increasing corporate presence, higher employment levels and sustained international investment,” said Walid Al Zarooni, Chairman of W Capital Real Estate Brokerage.

    Average Transaction Value Nearly Doubles

    According to data from the Dubai Land Department, commercial property transactions totaled AED19.5 billion across 3,415 deals during the first six months of 2026, representing a 183 percent year-on-year increase in transaction value.

    Remarkably, sales during H1 2026 have already exceeded the entire commercial property sales recorded throughout 2025 by 7.7 percent, underscoring the exceptional momentum in the sector.

    The average commercial transaction value nearly doubled from approximately AED2.8 million in H1 2025 to AED5.7 million in H1 2026, indicating stronger demand for premium office assets and strategically located commercial developments.

    W Capital said the record performance signals more than just strength in the property market. It reflects Dubai’s accelerating economic diversification, rising foreign investment and the continued expansion of multinational corporations, financial institutions, technology firms and professional services companies establishing or expanding their regional operations in the emirate.

    “The fact that six months of sales have already exceeded an entire year’s performance clearly indicates that Dubai’s commercial real estate market has entered a new phase where institutional demand has become one of the primary drivers of long-term growth,” added Al Zarooni.

    Al Zarooni noted that the relocation and expansion of investment funds, global banks, financial institutions, credit rating agencies and multinational companies demonstrate that Dubai has evolved beyond being a gateway to regional markets into a genuine global center for managing operations, capital and talent.

    Office Properties Dominate Market Activity

    Office properties in Dubai accounted for more than 81 percent of total commercial real estate sales value, generating AED15.8 billion through 2,569 transactions, while retail units recorded AED3.7 billion from 846 transactions.

    Off-plan offices led market activity, generating AED13 billion through 1,668 transactions, compared to AED2.7 billion for ready office space. Meanwhile, off-plan retail properties recorded AED2.5 billion, with completed retail units contributing AED1.1 billion.

    The dominance of off-plan office assets reflects strong investor confidence in sustained future demand, as developers continue introducing high-quality commercial projects featuring modern design, sustainability standards, smart technologies and flexible workspaces.

    Al Zarooni highlighted the limited availability of Grade-A office space as a key factor supporting rental growth and capital appreciation.

    “The combination of robust corporate demand and constrained supply continues to strengthen market fundamentals. However, developers must carefully expand the pipeline of premium office projects to ensure supply keeps pace with the emirate’s long-term economic growth,” he said.

    He stressed that future office developments should focus not only on increasing supply but also on delivering smart, sustainable, and flexible workplaces that meet the evolving requirements of global businesses.

    Business Bay Leads Investment Destinations

    Business Bay remained Dubai’s leading office investment destination, recording 814 transactions worth AED8 billion, accounting for more than half of the emirate’s total office sales value during the first half of the year.

    It was followed by the Second Commercial Centre with AED1.6 billion, TECOM Site A with AED1.4 billion, Dubai Maritime City with AED1 billion, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) with AED910 million.

    This geographic diversification demonstrates the maturity of Dubai’s commercial real estate market, with demand spreading across multiple business districts offering varying price points, office formats and infrastructure to meet the needs of multinational corporations, SMEs and entrepreneurs alike.

    Strong Momentum Expected to Continue

    According to W Capital, Dubai’s commercial real estate market has proven resilient despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and global economic pressures, highlighting the depth of genuine demand and the strength of the emirate’s business environment.

    Al Zarooni explained that long-term corporate expansion strategies—including headquarters relocations, workforce growth and operational expansion—have fundamentally changed the nature of demand compared with previous market cycles.

    He further noted that the growth of Dubai’s office market generates significant spillover benefits across the wider economy.

    “When a company establishes a new office, it creates demand well beyond commercial real estate. Employees require housing, schools, retail, hospitality, transport and professional services. Every new office therefore acts as a catalyst for broader urban economic growth.”

    Today, more than 50,000 professionals work within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), illustrating how business clusters contribute directly to economic activity across multiple sectors.

    Looking ahead, Al Zarooni expects Dubai’s commercial real estate market to maintain its strong momentum, supported by continued corporate expansion, sustained foreign investment and growth across the financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    “Commercial real estate has become one of the clearest indicators of Dubai’s economic strength. Record sales are no longer simply measuring investor appetite for office assets—they reflect the growing number of businesses choosing Dubai as their long-term base for regional and global operations,” he concluded.

    The commercial property surge complements broader real estate trends, with Dubai’s residential market showing signs of stabilization in Q2 2026 and Al Maktoum Airport expansion positioning southern Dubai as an emerging growth corridor.

  • Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Drives Southern Dubai Real Estate Growth

    Al Maktoum Airport Expansion Drives Southern Dubai Real Estate Growth

    The future airport is designed to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, alongside 12 million tonnes of cargo, five parallel runways and more than 400 aircraft stands. Its first major phase is expected to provide capacity for approximately 150 million passengers a year, making the development one of the largest aviation infrastructure projects globally.

    An AED128 billion airport designed for 260 million passengers is not simply an aviation project. It is the foundation of a new economic center that will influence where companies operate, where employment is created and where future residents choose to live. The most important number for property investors is not passenger capacity alone. It is the scale of business activity, job creation and population growth expected around the airport. As infrastructure and employment move south, residential and commercial demand are likely to follow.

    Loai Al Fakir, CEO of Provident Estate

    New Investment Zones Emerge as Expansion Progresses

    The impact of this expansion on Dubai’s real estate market is expected to extend well beyond the airport boundary. An aviation economic-impact study estimated that construction related to the expansion could contribute approximately AED6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030 and support around 132,000 jobs, creating demand for housing, offices, hospitality, retail and community services across nearby locations.

    According to Provident Estate, the emerging investment zone includes Dubai South, Emaar South, Expo City Dubai and Jebel Ali, linking the future passenger and cargo hub with established port infrastructure, free-zone activity, residential communities and global trade routes.

    Dubai South is already recording measurable business growth. The master development attracted 653 new companies in 2025, taking the total number of operating businesses to more than 4,200. New business licenses increased by 65 percent, while the area retained 90 percent of its existing companies.

    Residential real estate demand is also beginning to move alongside commercial activity. Dubai South reported more than AED19 billion in residential sales in 2024, while its South Square development sold out its first tower within three hours, indicating growing demand for early-stage property opportunities close to the future airport.

    Emaar South Becomes Principal Residential Community

    Emaar South is emerging as one of the corridor’s principal residential communities, offering apartments, townhouses and villas alongside an 18-hole championship golf course. Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai positions it to attract both long-term investors and end users seeking family-oriented housing within a master-planned environment.

    Expo City Dubai contributes a mixed-use business and residential component, with commercial districts, free-zone operations and new residential neighborhoods helping transform the former Expo site into a permanent urban center.

    Meanwhile, Jebel Ali provides the established trade and logistics base. In the first half of 2025, Jebel Ali Port handled 545,000 vehicles, an increase of 28 percent year on year, while its wider port, free-zone and industrial ecosystem strengthens the connection between sea freight, aviation and logistics activity across southern Dubai.

    Corridor Attracts Multiple Investor Profiles

    The corridor is expected to attract several investor profiles. Wealthy British investors have increased their exposure to Dubai, with U.K. investment in Dubai real estate rising 62 percent year-on-year during Q2 2025. British buyers became the emirate’s largest foreign buyer group during the period, moving ahead of Indian investors, who have historically remained among Dubai’s most active real estate purchasers.

    Indian investors continue to target Dubai for rental income, capital preservation, business access and family relocation, while British and European buyers are increasingly seeking international diversification and long-term exposure to the UAE.

    High-net-worth individuals and family offices may also view Dubai South as an earlier-stage alternative to established prime areas, particularly when building portfolios with longer holding periods.

    Investors are becoming more analytical. They are no longer assessing Dubai South only according to current occupancy or today’s rental returns. They are studying where infrastructure, jobs and population will be concentrated over the next five to ten years. British and Indian buyers remain important, but their investment objectives vary. International investors may be seeking early positioning and capital appreciation, while UAE-based buyers are often considering mortgage affordability, family use and future rental demand. Dubai South and Emaar South can appeal to both groups.

    Mohammad Jaafari, Off-Plan and Operations Director at Provident Estate

    He added that the airport will be a major catalyst, but proximity alone does not guarantee investment performance. Developer strength, project delivery, future supply, property type and community maturity will determine which assets convert infrastructure growth into sustainable value.

    The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is therefore creating more than a new aviation hub. Combined with Dubai South, Emaar South, Expo City Dubai and Jebel Ali, it is establishing a connected economic and residential zone that could shape Dubai’s next decade of real estate demand.

    The strategic alignment of aviation capacity, logistics infrastructure, employment growth and residential supply across southern Dubai marks a significant shift in the emirate’s spatial development. As this corridor matures, its influence on property values, urban planning and investor strategy is expected to intensify through 2030 and beyond.

  • Yas Island and Al Reem Apartment Prices Rise 18% Annually

    Yas Island and Al Reem Apartment Prices Rise 18% Annually

    Abu Dhabi’s prime waterfront communities maintained strong momentum through mid-2026, with average apartment prices on Yas Island and Al Reem Island rising around 18 percent compared to the same period a year earlier, property consultancy Knight Frank reported on July 22, 2026.

    Al Saadiyat Island retained its position as the emirate’s most expensive apartment market, with average transaction prices reaching Dh43,100 per square metre, marking a 21 percent year-on-year increase. The continued price appreciation reflects sustained demand for waterfront living and lifestyle-oriented developments across the capital.

    In the villa segment, Al Jubail Island recorded the strongest annual price growth of approximately 40 percent, while Al Saadiyat Island remained Abu Dhabi’s most expensive villa location with average transaction values of Dh26,500 per square metre.

    Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research, MENA at Knight Frank, said:

    Despite the geopolitical challenges posed by the ongoing regional conflict, Abu Dhabi’s residential market continues to be supported by robust domestic demand, with prime waterfront communities such as Al Saadiyat and Yas Island leading the emirate’s price growth.

    Knight Frank estimates that around 36,900 homes are under construction between 2026 and 2030, with apartments accounting for two-thirds of the pipeline. Approximately 70 percent of new apartment supply is expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, although construction cost pressures and higher shipping insurance costs could lead to delays.

    Yas Island accounts for the largest share of upcoming residential supply with around 7,700 units under construction, followed by Fahid Island with 3,550 units and Saadiyat Island with 3,250 units.

    Shehzad Jamal, Partner, Real Estate Consultancy, MENA, noted:

    With close to 37,000 homes in the pipeline through to 2030, supply is beginning to catch up with several years of sustained demand. Even so, the concentration of new stock in a handful of master-planned communities means well-located, ready properties in areas like Al Saadiyat and Yas Island are likely to retain their premium.

    While the residential market remained resilient, the office sector showed early signs of cooling. Office leasing transactions totalled approximately 23,616 in the first half of 2026, down 13 percent from the same period a year earlier, marking the first annual contraction in the current market cycle.

    The decline was recorded across most districts, although Al Reem Island stood out with leasing activity surging by more than 148 percent. Knight Frank expects about 428,000 square metres of new office space to be delivered between 2026 and 2028, with most of the supply entering the market over the next two years.

    James Hodgets, Partner, Occupier Strategy and Solutions, MEA, said:

    The outlook for Abu Dhabi’s office market is firmly positive. Occupancy stands at around 98 percent with rental rates up year-on-year, and with only around 166,000 square metres of new supply due in 2026, Grade A space will remain scarce.

    The consultancy warned that additional office supply, combined with softer leasing demand, could put upward pressure on vacancy rates as the market absorbs new stock through 2028.

    Abu Dhabi’s residential market performance contrasts with Dubai’s stabilization trend, where monthly price declines eased significantly in the second quarter of 2026. The capital’s waterfront premium aligns with broader regional interest in coastal developments, as evidenced by the recent launch of the Dh100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat waterfront project, which marks the final phase of Saadiyat Island’s masterplan.