Dubai’s real estate sector recorded transactions worth AED252 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 31 per cent increase in value and a 6 per cent rise in volume compared to the same period in 2025.
Data released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) showed that a total of 718,160 real estate procedures were processed during the quarter. Of these, 60,303 were real estate transactions, representing a 6 per cent increase year-on-year.
The figures point to what officials described as the sector’s ability to navigate regional developments, underpinned by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.
Real estate investments reach AED173 billion across 57,744 transactions
The number of real estate investments during the quarter reached 57,744, a 7 per cent increase. The total value of those investments stood at AED173 billion, reflecting 22 per cent growth.
Women accounted for 15,540 of these investments, valued at AED32 billion.
The investor base expanded to 48,448, an 8 per cent increase. Of those, 29,312 were investors entering the market for the first time, a 14 per cent rise. The figures indicate the market’s capacity to draw participants from both local and international markets.
Luxury property investments rise 26% to AED87.71 billion, with foreign investment rising 26%
Investments in the luxury real estate segment totalled AED87.71 billion, a 26 per cent increase. The growth reflects demand for developments in this category and reinforces Dubai’s standing within the segment at a global level.
The value of foreign investment rose to AED148.35 billion, a 26 per cent increase, while the number of investments grew 11 per cent to reach 48,445. The data points to continued international participation in the market.
Investments from GCC nationals recorded a 14 per cent increase in value, reaching AED12.23 billion across 3,228 transactions. Arab investments totalled AED12.11 billion, distributed across 6,071 transactions.
The Dubai Land Department attributed the sector’s performance to infrastructure, a digital ecosystem, a regulatory framework, and a business environment that adapts to changing conditions.
Activity across all segments of the market remained consistent during the quarter. Officials noted that demand was driven by economic fundamentals rather than short-term fluctuations.
The continued flow of investment, a growing base of investors, and diversification across projects were cited as factors reinforcing the sector’s position over the medium and long term.
Dubai’s real estate sector continues to function as a driver of economic growth in the emirate, supported by what officials described as policy stability and a long-term vision set by the leadership.
The Q1 performance, according to the Dubai Land Department, reflects progress in positioning the city as a destination for real estate investment globally, with a model built on sustainability and balance.
