UAE real estate sector posts record first quarter in 2026

The United Arab Emirates real estate sector posted strong first-quarter results in 2026, with major markets reporting higher transaction values and rising investor activity, according to state news agency WAM.

Official figures from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman showed growth in the first three months of the year, highlighting the UAE’s position as a global property investment center.

In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department reported 718,160 real estate transactions, including 60,303 disposals, up 6% from the same period in 2025.

The total value of Dubai transactions rose 31% to AED252 billion. Investments reached 57,744, up 7% year over year, with a total value of AED173 billion.

Dubai’s investor base increased to 48,448 investors, up 8%, including 29,312 new investors, a 14% rise from the first quarter of 2025.

In Abu Dhabi, real estate transactions climbed 160.7% to AED66 billion, compared with AED25.31 billion a year earlier, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

More than 13,518 transactions were completed in Abu Dhabi, compared with 6,896 in the first quarter of 2025.

In Sharjah, real estate trading volume reached AED18.5 billion, up from AED13.2 billion in the same quarter last year, representing growth of 40.7%.

The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department said total transactions rose 18.9% to 29,235.

It also reported broader investor participation, with 113 nationalities recorded, compared with 97 in 2025.

UAE nationals accounted for about AED9 billion in trading value across 10,099 properties, while investors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Arab nationals and other foreign investors contributed about AED9.5 billion across 19,136 properties.

In Ajman, total real estate transactions reached AED6.22 billion through 3,890 transactions, up 12% from a year earlier.

Trading volume in Ajman stood at AED4.24 billion through 3,128 transactions.

WAM said the overall performance reflected resilience in the UAE property market and continued investor confidence.