Dubai Real Estate Strengthens in Q1 2026

Sales Transactions Demonstrate Strong Market Performance

Dubai continues to reinforce its position as a leading global real estate market despite regional uncertainty.

In Q1 2026, the emirate enjoyed AED 177.6 billion in sales across 48,157 transactions. This was a 24.1% rise in sales value and 5.7% rise in sales volume from Q1 2025. 

The market’s continued growth reflects its resilience and maturity, with sustained investor and buyer appetite resulting in an average price per sq. ft. of AED 2000.

Total Real Estate Transactions Reflect Market Expansion

The city’s wider real estate ecosystem demonstrated equally impressive growth.

Total real estate transactions in Q1 2026 were 60,303 and worth AED 252 billion. This is a 6% rise in volume and a stunning 31% rise in value from Q1 2025, a continued expansion that places Dubai ahead of many established global property markets.

Investment Activity Anchors Market Confidence

Investment activity remained a defining pillar of market performance in Q1 2026:

• AED 173 billion in real estate investment value

• 22% rise from Q1 2025

• 57,744 investment transactions recorded

• 7% increase in investment volume

• 8% growth in the overall investor base

Despite regional tensions, investors continue to be drawn to Dubai’s high yields, business-friendly regulations, globally connected economy, convenient residency options including the highly popular Golden Visa, and more. This reflects confidence in the emirate’s long-term vision.

Luxury Real Estate Remains Dominant

Following on from a 2025 in which Dubai became the world’s leading prime residential real estate market, the city enjoyed AED 87.71 billion worth of investments in luxury real estate – an exceptional 26% increase from Q1 2025.

Demand for prime residences remained strong throughout the quarter, with notable transactions including a 422-million-dirham unit at the luxurious Aman Residences.

Foreign Investment Performance

International investment continued to play a crucial role:

• AED 148.35 billion in foreign investment value

• 26% rise in value year-on-year

• 48,445 foreign investment transactions recorded

• 11% increase in foreign investment volume

• 14% growth in investment value from GCC nationals

Dubai’s ability to attract global capital reaffirms its reputation as one of the world’s most attractive and resilient real estate markets.

The Market’s Outlook

Dubai’s property sector continues to be underpinned by strong fundamentals, resilient economic drivers and global demand. This enduring strength positions Dubai’s real estate market well for the long-term.

Local and International Government Initiatives

The market is being reinforced by major government investments reflecting a clear commitment to long-term resilience. 

Dubai’s AED 1 billion stimulus package is designed to boost trade and investment, strengthen key sectors like hospitality, streamline residency processes and more. 

The U.A.E.’s National Industrial Resilience Fund focuses on localising critical industries, enhancing supply chain stability and accelerating AI adoption in a bid to future-proof vital sectors. 

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi continues its global expansion strategy through DIAFA’s £1 billion+ acquisition of famed restaurateur Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings. The deal signals the U.A.E’s ambitions to continue international investment alongside its internal capital injections.