Dubai Real Estate Market: Ongoing Momentum in Sales, New Projects, and Investor Incentives

The Dubai real estate market continues to demonstrate its resilience and growing appeal, with yesterday and earlier today witnessing a number of announcements and developments that confirm the ongoing positive momentum. With record sales figures, the launch of major development projects, and unprecedented incentives for investors, a promising picture emerges for a sector brimming with opportunities.

Key Highlights from Yesterday

• Dubai property sales grew by 9.5% to exceed AED 224 billion in the first four months of 2026.
• Merass Real Estate awarded construction contracts worth AED 2.4 billion for new villa projects.
• Amendments to real estate investor residency conditions abolish the minimum individual freehold value.
• The luxury real estate sector posted exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2026.
• Establishment of Yasa Capital in the Dubai International Financial Centre, with real estate ties.
• A Georgian development company plans to expand its real estate investments in Dubai.

Details

Strong Growth in Dubai Real Estate Sales

Total Dubai real estate transactions in the first third (January to April) of 2026 recorded an average growth of 16.5%, exceeding AED 320.3 billion. Sales alone grew by 9.5% to reach AED 224.5 billion, supported by a total of 80,448 deals. April 2026 recorded transactions worth AED 69.4 billion from 18,878 deals.

Merass Real Estate Boosts Residential Supply with New Projects

Merass, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, awarded major construction contracts worth AED 2.4 billion. These contracts aim to develop new phases within its two villa communities, 'The Acres' and 'The Acres Estate' in Dubailand, including the construction and delivery of 557 new villas.

Flexible Amendments to Real Estate Investor Residency

Dubai announced new amendments to the conditions for granting two-year real estate investor residency. The amendments abolished the minimum property value requirement for individual investors, while stipulating that each investor’s share in cases of joint ownership must not be less than AED 400,000.

Continued Boom in Luxury Real Estate

A 'ValuStrat' report revealed that Dubai’s luxury real estate market achieved exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2026, recording 75 transactions for homes exceeding AED 30 million, including 21 deals above AED 50 million. The average villa value rose by 12.1% annually to AED 13.6 million, and the average apartment value increased by 3.9% annually to AED 1.85 million.

Establishment of a New Investment Entity in Dubai

The establishment of Yasa Capital was announced in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a new investment platform whose founder’s business records indicate activity and investments related to real estate in Dubai.

International Development Companies Expand in Dubai

Georgian development company Mardi Holding, a real estate developer, plans to expand its presence in the UAE through its Dubai-based arm, ZAM Prime Properties, indicating further investment expansion and additional real estate development and management activity in the emirate.

What Does This Mean for the Investor or Buyer?

The significant growth in total transactions and sales value indicates strong investor confidence and ongoing momentum in Dubai’s real estate market, confirming that the emirate remains a profitable investment destination. The amendments to real estate investor residency conditions offer broader opportunities to enter the market and benefit from its returns, especially for individual investors, enhancing liquidity and opening new horizons for ownership. The substantial investments by major developers such as Merass reflect their commitment to expanding high-quality real estate supply to meet ongoing demand. The consistently strong performance of the luxury sector also affirms the confidence of wealthy and strategic investors in Dubai’s appeal as a stable, long-term investment destination, supporting the overall stability of the market. The investment initiatives, establishment of new entities, and expansion of foreign companies reflect the continued inflow of capital and expertise into Dubai, supporting the business and financial environment linked to real estate investment.

Conclusion

Collectively, these developments reaffirm Dubai’s leading position as a global center for real estate investment, driven by a flexible legislative environment, increasing investor confidence, and ongoing expansion in high-quality projects. Strong growth indicators and the continued appeal of both local and international markets herald a promising future for the sector.

Imtilak Global facilitates the process of acquiring real estate in the UAE by providing a wide range of comprehensive and distinguished services for real estate investors. The company ensures full follow-up of the freehold procedures, including facilitating legal and bureaucratic transactions.

Edited by: Imtilak Global©