Dubai’s real estate market displayed remarkable resilience recently, experiencing a notable surge in transaction volumes following the Eid Al Fitr holiday. This surge highlights the strong demand and investor enthusiasm that continues to drive the sector.

Transaction Volume Soars Post-Eid

Last week, total ex-land transactions soared to Dhs8.66 billion ($2.36 billion), a significant increase from Dhs5.82 billion in the previous week, according to data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This spike in activity, covering the period from March 23 to March 29, 2026, suggests that the earlier drop in performance was merely a temporary lull linked to the holiday season, rather than a decline in investor appetite. This situation reflects a continuing trend into 2026, where the market is leaning heavily towards primary off-plan sales and volume-driven apartment transactions.

Off-Plan Sales Dominance

The off-plan segment serves as a powerhouse for the market, generating an impressive Dhs6.74 billion and accounting for 77.8% of total weekly value. Apartments emerged as the top choice among buyers, contributing Dhs5.46 billion or 81% of the off-plan value. Villas, while less popular, still accounted for 11.3% (Dhs763.2 million), with commercial properties making up the remainder at 7.3%. In contrast, the secondary or “ready” market recorded transactions totaling Dhs1.92 billion. While the volume here is smaller, this segment remains crucial for established residential areas, particularly around Business Bay and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).

Funding Structures Diversified

The funding landscape of Dubai’s real estate market reveals a distinct split between the off-plan and secondary markets. The off-plan sector predominantly relies on cash transactions, with a staggering 97.9% of deals made through direct sales. Mortgages accounted for a mere 1.3% as buyers generally prefer developer-led payment plans rather than traditional bank financing for unfinished projects. Conversely, the secondary market leans on mortgage financing more heavily, with mortgages constituting 38.3% (Dhs734.8 million) of transactions. This difference indicates that the primary market attracts global capital seeking appreciation, while the ready market caters mainly to end-users and residents.

Locations and Noteworthy Transactions

Investor attention continues to gravitate towards well-planned districts and promising waterfront developments. Jumeirah Second topped the off-plan category with Dhs591.4 million in transactions, including a standout deal for an off-plan apartment valued at Dhs356.2 million. Other strong contenders included Al Yelayiss 1 (Dhs566.1 million) and Madinat Al Mataar (Dhs555.4 million). In the secondary market, Business Bay reaffirmed its reputation as the most liquid district, with Jumeirah Village Circle and the Burj Khalifa area following closely behind. Noteworthy resales included an apartment in Business Bay fetching Dhs34.1 million, and a villa in Jumeirah Park sold for Dhs11.5 million.

Positive Market Outlook

The rapid recovery in trading activity following the holiday period reinforces the prevailing “buy-and-hold” sentiment within the UAE’s real estate sector. With off-plan developments capturing the majority of liquidity, the market seems poised for sustained momentum heading into the second quarter. As Dubai continues to broaden its urban expansion southward and through key coastal redevelopments, these dynamic areas are expected to remain focal points for both regional and international investors.

In summary, the progress in Dubai’s real estate sector signifies a robust and optimistic landscape, driven primarily by off-plan sales and persistent investor interest in dynamic neighborhoods. The market’s ability to bounce back swiftly after holiday pauses reflects its underlying strength and attractiveness.