A market report prepared by W Capital shows that Dubai's real estate market achieved sales exceeding 286 billion dirhams (AED) during the first half of 2026, recording the second-highest half-yearly sales in the emirate's history. Only the first half of 2025 surpassed this performance, when sales reached AED 326.6 billion, according to the report, which drew on data from the Dubai Land Department.
The sales encompassed more than 86,000 transactions, including 71,500 for residential units, 7,296 for buildings, and 7,129 for land plots. Ready property sales accounted for the largest share of total sales at AED 146.7 billion across 27,200 transactions — comprising 18,300 for residential units, 1,738 for buildings, and 7,135 for land. Off-plan property sales reached AED 139.8 billion through 58,800 transactions, split between 53,270 for residential units and 5,563 for buildings.
The report noted that the value of mortgage transactions exceeded AED 102 billion through more than 22,000 transactions in the first half of 2026, distributed as 14,500 for residential units, 2,582 for buildings, and 5,234 for land. Gifts reached AED 31.4 billion via 4,501 transactions comprising 3,506 for residential units, 260 for buildings, and 735 for land. Total real estate disposals in the first half amounted to AED 419.94 billion through 112,850 transactions.
In terms of second-quarter sales, these exceeded AED 110 billion following 38,300 transactions, while mortgages registered AED 42.6 billion through 10,522 transactions and gifts reached AED 16 billion through 2,449 transactions. Total real estate disposals in the second quarter exceeded AED 169.04 billion through 51,170 transactions.
Sector resilience
Walid Al Zarooni, Chairman of W Capital, said the results achieved by Dubai's real estate market in the first half confirm the sector's resilience and its capacity to sustain growth. He noted that recording the second-highest half-yearly sales in the market's history — despite comparison with an exceptional year like 2025 — reflects the continuation of genuine demand for real estate, rising confidence levels among local and international investors, and the strength of the economic fundamentals underpinning the market.
He pointed out that the record performance witnessed in Dubai's real estate market is no longer a temporary phenomenon but rather a reflection of a sustainable growth trajectory supported by an ambitious government vision, a flexible legislative framework, world-class infrastructure, a competitive tax environment, and the continued development of landmark projects meeting the needs of diverse investor segments.
He added that these factors have made Dubai one of the most attractive and stable real estate destinations in the world, reinforcing its ability to attract capital and high-net-worth individuals from various markets.
He explained that the second half of 2026 carries very positive indicators, given continued population growth, rising demand for residential units, the expansion of global companies establishing Dubai as their business headquarters, and the ongoing launch of new projects to international specifications — all of which will support market activity across all sectors, whether ready properties or projects under development, alongside continued momentum in the luxury real estate segment.
He added that the improvement in global geopolitical conditions and the easing of tensions compared with the previous period would strengthen investor confidence and raise the appetite for investment globally, which would be reflected positively on markets that enjoy stability and transparency, with Dubai at the forefront. He noted that the emirate has demonstrated over recent years its ability to turn global challenges into opportunities, thanks to the flexibility of its economy and the speed of its response to changes, placing it in a strong position to attract further real estate investment in the coming period.
He affirmed that all current indicators suggest the market's strong performance will continue in the second half of the year, with the possibility of recording new all-time highs in sales and real estate disposals, supported by the strength of the UAE economy, continued foreign direct investment inflows, sustained growth in non-oil sectors, rising population and resident numbers, and growing demand from international investors seeking stable returns and safe assets. He said these factors combined make 2026 a strong candidate to be among the best years in the history of Dubai's real estate market, as the emirate continues to consolidate its position as one of the most important real estate and investment destinations in the world.