Dubai Real Estate Market Records Historic Performance in Q1 and Strong Momentum at the Start of April

The Dubai real estate market continues to strengthen its position as a leading global investment destination, driven by record numbers and positive forecasts that highlight the sector's resilience and ongoing appeal. The first quarter of 2026 witnessed unprecedented performance, while April began with remarkable momentum, confirming investor confidence and the diversity of demand in the emirate.

Highlights from Yesterday

• Total real estate transactions in Dubai reached AED 251 billion during the first quarter of 2026, marking the best performance in the sector's history.
• Real estate transactions exceeded AED 9.7 billion during the first and second days of April 2026, including AED 5.1 billion on April 2 alone.
• Off-plan property sales recorded AED 81 billion in Q1, reflecting the market's resilience and developer confidence.
• Developers confirmed the continued strong demand in the market, with a notable shift towards mid-range properties valued between AED 1 million and AED 8 million.
• Development projects in Dubai continue to adhere to timelines, boosting market confidence and encouraging investment.
• The Dubai South area alone recorded AED 1.9 billion in residential real estate transactions during the first quarter of this year.

Details

Unprecedented Boom in Dubai Real Estate with AED 251 Billion in Q1 2026

The Dubai Land Department revealed that the real estate sector achieved an unprecedented boom during the first quarter of 2026, with the total value of transactions soaring to AED 251 billion, distributed over 61,578 deals. This is the best performance in the history of Dubai real estate, supported by a record 30% growth in transaction value and a notable 46% increase in mortgage volume compared to the same period last year.

• Total real estate transactions: AED 251 billion in Q1 2026.
• 30% increase in transaction value and 46% increase in mortgage volume.
• Q1 performance is the best in Dubai real estate history.

Dubai Real Estate Outperforms Regional Markets with AED 9.7 Billion in Transactions Over Two Days

The Dubai real estate market continues its exceptional performance, starting April with strong momentum, as real estate transactions reached about AED 9.7 billion during April 1 and 2, 2026, through 1,874 deals. Transactions on April 2 alone amounted to AED 5.1 billion. The market witnessed the sale of a luxury off-plan apartment valued at AED 80 million, and the sale of 25 office units in the "Lumina Alta by Omniyat" project with a total value of AED 596 million.

• Total real estate transactions: AED 9.7 billion during April 1 and 2.
• April 2 transactions reached AED 5.1 billion across 988 deals.
• Sale of a luxury off-plan residential apartment for AED 80 million.
• Sale of 25 office units in the "Lumina Alta by Omniyat" project for AED 596 million.

Dubai Real Estate Market Maintains Strength with Robust Off-Plan Sales

The Dubai real estate market showed resilience during March, with off-plan property sales alone reaching AED 81 billion in the first quarter of 2026. This indicates that developers continue to attract demand and launch new projects. The report also confirms that the market has become more mature and protected thanks to escrow accounts and stricter due diligence procedures, with reduced risks and a supply decline of over 3%, contributing to price stability. Developers also confirm the continued implementation of project timelines.

• Off-plan property sales reached AED 81 billion in Q1 2026.
• Reduced market risks thanks to escrow accounts and stricter due diligence.
• Supply decline of over 3% contributes to price stability.
• Developers continue to implement project timelines.

Bin Ghatti: Demand Continues in Dubai and Shifts Towards Mid-Range Properties

Mohammed Bin Ghatti, Chairman of Bin Ghatti Holding, confirmed that demand in the Dubai real estate market continues, with a notable shift towards mid-range properties valued between AED 1 million and AED 8 million. He pointed out that the market recorded more than 15,000 deals between February and mid-March, and that real estate projects worth AED 15 billion will continue until 2026.

• More than 15,000 real estate deals were recorded in Dubai between February and mid-March.
• Real estate projects worth AED 15 billion will continue until 2026.
• Shift in demand towards properties valued between AED 1 million and AED 8 million.

Youssef Fakhreddine: Dubai Property Prices “Stable” Amid Strong Investment Demand

Youssef Fakhreddine, CEO and Managing Partner of Fakhreddine Properties, confirmed that the company's projects are proceeding according to set timelines without delay, noting that Dubai has established itself as a safe investment destination enjoying strong confidence from international investors and residents. He explained that property prices and construction costs have remained stable with a relatively slower growth pace, providing a promising opportunity for new investors.

• Fakhreddine Properties projects are proceeding according to timelines.
• Dubai is a safe investment destination trusted by international investors and residents.
• Property prices and construction costs are stable, providing opportunities for new investors.

Dubai South Records AED 1.9 Billion in Residential Real Estate Transactions in Q1 and Launches New Projects

Nabil Al-Kindi, CEO of Dubai South, confirmed that the area continues to record strong investment inflows and launch new projects. Dubai South recorded AED 1.9 billion in residential real estate transactions during Q1 2026. A contractor has been appointed to develop several phases of the "Hayat" project worth AED 2 billion, with construction expected to begin during Q2 of this year.

• Dubai South recorded AED 1.9 billion in residential real estate transactions in Q1 2026.
• Contractor appointed to develop the "Hayat" project worth AED 2 billion.
• Construction of the "Hayat" project to begin in Q2 2026.

What Does This Mean for the Investor or Buyer?

These strong figures indicate a real estate market with solid foundations and sustainable growth, making it an extremely attractive destination for investors and buyers. The record transaction numbers in Q1 and the momentum at the start of April, along with the increase in mortgages, reflect strong confidence in Dubai's economic future and its ability to deliver rewarding investment returns. Price stability and reduced risks, thanks to regulatory measures, provide a safe investment environment. The shift in demand towards mid-range properties opens new horizons for investors seeking opportunities in various sectors, while developers' commitment to project timelines underlines the market's reliability.

Conclusion

These developments confirm the exceptional performance of the Dubai real estate market and its position as a global investment hub meeting the needs of various categories of buyers and investors, with continued growth and diversification.

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

Edited by: Imtilak Global©