Dubai’s rental market has recorded a total contract value of AED32.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), as the sector maintained its pace of activity against a backdrop of regulatory clarity and an environment described by officials as capable of “agile adaptation to evolving dynamics.”
The figures show 118,385 new rental contracts were registered during the quarter, alongside 135,607 renewal contracts – bringing the combined total to more than 254,000.
Officials noted the volume of renewals as evidence of what they called “stable landlord–tenant relationships within a transparent and reliable framework.”
Dubai sees 254,000 rental contracts in Q1 2026 as cancellations fall 25%
In one of the more notable metrics from the quarter, the number of cancelled contracts fell by 25 per cent compared with the prior period, a development the DLD attributed to greater stability in the rental cycle and reduced volatility across the market.
The number of real estate offices operating in Dubai reached 10,200 during Q1 2026, a figure the DLD said reflects the broadening base of active stakeholders and supports the quality of services available to investors and customers.
The DLD described the market as “anchored within an integrated ecosystem that unifies development, investment, and regulation,” adding that performance reflects “a balanced supply–demand equation, supported by sustained project activity, diversified offerings, and clear policies.”
A total of 3,599 real estate licences were registered in the market during the quarter, spanning activities across the sector. Sales and purchase brokerage licences led the breakdown with 1,564, followed by leasing brokerage with 928 and transaction follow-up services with 376. Real estate development accounted for 128 licences.
The remaining licences covered a range of activities including administrative supervision services for owners’ associations, real estate consultancy, private property leasing and management, mortgage brokerage, business centres, real estate valuation, surveying, and the organisation of public real estate auctions.
Dubai Q1 2026 rental market: New contracts, renewals and licence growth signal sector strength
The DLD said the breadth of licences reflects “the dynamism and integration of Dubai’s real estate market, alongside the advancement of its service ecosystem and its ability to efficiently and flexibly meet the needs of various stakeholders.”
In a statement accompanying the data, the DLD linked the quarter’s performance to what it described as the UAE leadership’s “proactive vision and renewed directives to enhance the readiness and resilience of economic sectors,” saying these had reinforced confidence and contributed to what officials called “sustainable growth.”
The department said Dubai’s real estate sector continues to consolidate its position as “a key pillar of the emirate’s economic growth,” underpinned by a regulatory environment it characterised as forward-looking, and by investor confidence it described as renewed.
