UAE real estate sector maintains strong momentum in H1 2026

The UAE real estate sector maintained strong momentum in the first half of 2026, remaining one of the world's most active property investment markets, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).

WAM reported that performance was driven by the country's economic strength, business-friendly policies and continued inflows of investors and capital. Officials said expectations remain positive heading into the second half of the year.

What is driving UAE real estate momentum in 2026?

Growth in the UAE real estate sector is being driven by strong economic fundamentals, flexible government policies and steady capital inflows from foreign investors. Officials and industry experts told WAM the market has moved into a more mature and sustainable phase after years of rapid expansion. A CBRE report published in April cited the country's solid financial reserves and stable sovereign credit rating, while forecasting a strong GDP rebound by 2027.

Knight Frank reported that Dubai further strengthened its position as a leading destination for wealth migration and property investment. The UAE also remained among the fastest-growing countries by number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, according to WAM.

How much did UAE property sales grow in H1 2026?

An analysis by the ADXinteract platform found that combined apartment and villa sales rose 173.9% year over year to more than AED 84.4 billion in the first half of 2026. The number of transactions climbed 103% to 16,585 deals over the same period.

Separate research by W Capital Real Estate Broker found that Dubai property sales exceeded AED 286 billion during the first half of the year. That marked the emirate's second-highest half-year sales total on record, behind only the first half of 2025, when sales reached AED 326.6 billion, based on Dubai Land Department data.

How many new real estate projects launched in Dubai in 2026?

W Capital also reported that newly announced real estate projects launched since the start of 2026 exceeded AED 275 billion in value. That figure represents the largest half-year cycle of new project launches in Dubai's history, underscoring developers' continued confidence in the market.

What do developers say about the UAE property market?

Farhad Azizi, group CEO of Azizi Developments, told WAM the property sector has strengthened its role as a key contributor to the national economy. He cited genuine housing demand, continued foreign investment and a growing share of self-financed buyers as key factors.

Azizi said the UAE's stable economic environment, flexible regulations and long-term development strategy have increased its appeal to global investors. He expects the market to keep growing at a more balanced pace in the second half of the year, with competition centered on project quality, execution, location and long-term investment value. He linked those expectations to population growth, long-term residency programs, the D33 Economic Agenda, infrastructure expansion around Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport, and anticipated improvements in mortgage financing.

Hussein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, told WAM the market has entered a more mature stage in which long-term demand is driving growth. He said Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to post record real estate transactions, reflecting sustained domestic and international investor interest.

Thomas Wan, founder and CEO of Refine, said buyers are placing greater emphasis on project quality, location, developer reputation and overall living experience. He described this shift as a sign of increasing market maturity.

What is the outlook for UAE real estate in H2 2026?

Salem said demand is expected to remain strong for residential communities, branded developments and waterfront projects, while additional supply should help maintain market balance. Syed Mahrooz, CEO and chief financial officer of Albagh Group, said the UAE property market has remained one of the world's most attractive throughout 2026, supported by strong demand, economic diversification and infrastructure investment.

Mahrooz said demand is expected to stay strong through the rest of the year for premium residential communities, branded developments, waterfront destinations and high-quality commercial properties.