Dubai real estate project value jumps 52% to Dh100 billion in first half of 2026

Project surge and unit growth

Dubai recorded around 104 real estate projects worth over Dh100 billion in the first half of 2026, a 52 % increase in value compared with the same period a year earlier, according to Dubai Land Department officials speaking at the Rise Summit 2026. The developments added more than 24,000 new residential units, up 36 % year‑on‑year.

Omar Bu Shehab said the sector’s growth reflects Dubai’s long-term development vision, backed by advanced infrastructure, a competitive business environment and effective public-private partnerships.

He noted that real estate remains a key pillar of the emirate’s economic ambitions, contributing to city and community development, creating investment opportunities and supporting quality of life.

The sector’s performance aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, which aim to strengthen economic competitiveness, support urban development and reinforce Dubai’s appeal to investors.

Bu Shehab added that the next phase would present further opportunities to deepen cooperation between government and private sectors and to develop projects and communities that deliver long-term economic and developmental value.

The Rise Summit serves as a platform for investors, developers and decision-makers to discuss the future of capital, cities and real estate, while exploring partnerships that could support the sector’s growth.

Transaction totals and market data

Majid Sager Al Marri, CEO of Corporate Support and Real Estate Promotion at the Dubai Land Department, said the emirate’s real estate market recorded Dh917 billion in transactions across more than 270,000 deals in 2025.

The department released its 2025 annual report, which analyses the market’s performance.

He also pointed out that the rental market saw significant activity, with more than one million rental transactions worth approximately Dh100 billion.

These figures emerge as Dubai continues to attract investors through new developments, digital services and initiatives designed to make property ownership more accessible.

Al Marri said the first half of 2026 already accounted for more than 104 projects, with project value up 52 % from the same period in 2025; the total has since risen to over 150 projects, with a further announcement expected soon. The projects cover about one million square metres, a 100 % increase compared with the previous year.

AI and homebuyer initiatives

Dubai is using artificial intelligence to simplify property transactions and cut the time needed to complete procedures.

Al Marri highlighted a new initial-sale contract initiative launched last month that enables developers and investors to obtain their initial contracts within minutes instead of waiting days.

The initiative employs AI to accelerate the process, helping developers and buyers complete the relevant procedures more efficiently.

This move forms part of the department’s wider efforts to improve digital services and streamline transactions for real-estate stakeholders.

The First-Time Home Buyer initiative, launched in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism and a number of banks and developers, helps residents enter the property market by providing access to preferential benefits from participating banks and developers.

Eligible buyers can receive tailored payment plans and preferential prices.

More than 3,200 first-time homebuyers benefited from the programme in its first year, with transactions valued at Dh5 billion, according to Al Marri.

He added that the department could consider extending the initiative to non-residents in the future.

The programme is intended to broaden access to homeownership while supporting demand in Dubai’s property market.

International outreach and future plans

The Dubai Land Department is preparing to expand its international outreach through roadshows and investor events to attract more investment to the emirate.

Al Marri said plans include activities in India and participation in a conference with brokers in the United States the following month.

The department aims to work with its partners to promote Dubai as an investment destination and attract additional capital, particularly from investment funds.

These initiatives reflect the emirate’s broader efforts to sustain real estate activity through digital transformation, homeownership support and international engagement.