Dubai Residential Sales Reach AED 226.5 Billion in H1 2026

Dubai’s residential real estate market recorded 80,509 property sales with a combined value of AED 226.5 billion during the first half of 2026, making it the second-strongest first half on record by residential sales value, according to Engel & Völkers’ H1 market report.

Off-plan property remained a major driver of activity, accounting for approximately 71.3% of residential sales during the six-month period. The data indicates that demand for new developments continued to play a central role in Dubai’s residential market, even as buyers became increasingly selective around location, pricing, quality and developer reputation.

Development activity also remained significant. Dubai Land Department reported that 104 real estate projects were completed during H1 2026, representing more than AED 111 billion in investment and adding 24,537 new units to the market. Compared with H1 2025, completed projects increased by 38.7%, investment value rose by 52%, and the number of new units increased by more than 36%.

Luxury residential property remained another important part of the market. Knight Frank recorded 296 home sales above US$10 million during H1 2026, with their combined value reaching approximately US$5.1 billion, up 14% compared with H1 2025.

Dubai’s rental sector also remained active, with more than 271,000 tenancy contracts registered during the first half of the year and average gross residential rental yields of approximately 6.6%, according to Engel & Völkers.

Overall, H1 2026 data points to a market characterised by continued residential transaction activity, a high concentration of off-plan sales, substantial development completions and sustained demand within Dubai’s luxury segment.