Photo Credit : WAM
The UAE’s real estate sector continued its impressive growth during the first half of 2026, supported by strong investor confidence, sustained demand, and a resilient national economy that has reinforced the country’s position as one of the world’s leading property investment destinations.
Industry experts say the market has entered a more mature and sustainable phase, with long-term fundamentals replacing speculative growth. Business-friendly government policies, expanding infrastructure, and continued inflows of international investors are expected to keep the sector on a positive trajectory through the second half of the year.
Recent market data highlights the strength of the sector. According to analysis by ADXinteract, the combined value of apartment and villa sales surged 173.9 percent to more than AED84.4 billion, while transactions climbed 103 percent to 16,585 deals compared with the same period last year.
Dubai also maintained its strong performance. Research by W Capital Real Estate Broker found that property sales in the emirate exceeded AED286 billion during the first six months of 2026, making it the second-highest first-half sales figure on record after 2025. The company also reported that newly announced real estate projects launched since January surpassed AED275 billion, marking the largest half-year pipeline of new developments in Dubai’s history.
Global property consultants continue to highlight the UAE’s investment appeal. CBRE cited the country’s solid economic fundamentals, strong financial reserves, and stable sovereign credit rating, while forecasting stronger GDP growth in the coming years. Knight Frank also noted that Dubai remains a preferred destination for global wealth migration and high-net-worth investors.
Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments, said genuine housing demand, steady foreign investment, and an increasing number of self-financed buyers are driving healthier market growth. He added that projects offering quality planning, strategic locations, fast delivery, and long-term value are expected to outperform as competition intensifies.
He also pointed to long-term residency programmes, the implementation of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, infrastructure expansion around Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport, and improving mortgage solutions as key drivers supporting future demand.
Hussein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, said both Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to post record real estate activity, with demand increasingly focused on branded residences, waterfront developments, and well-planned communities. He expects balanced growth to continue as new supply enters the market while maintaining healthy supply-demand dynamics.
Thomas Wan, Founder and CEO of Refine, said buyers are becoming more selective, placing greater emphasis on project quality, developer reputation, location, and lifestyle offerings. He noted that developers will need competitive pricing and high-quality execution to remain successful as supply expands.
Syed Mahrooz, CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Albagh Group, said the UAE’s long-term development strategy, economic diversification, investor-friendly residency policies, and growing population of high-net-worth individuals continue to strengthen the country’s appeal for both investors and residents.
With demand remaining resilient across premium residential communities, branded developments, waterfront projects, and commercial assets, market analysts expect the UAE real estate sector to maintain its growth momentum throughout the remainder of 2026.
