Dubai’s real estate market has showcased remarkable resilience and growth, recording property sales exceeding AED 286.44 billion (approximately $78 billion) within the first six months of 2026. This impressive figure marks the second-highest performance for any first half in the emirate’s history, further emphasizing the sector’s strength despite economic fluctuations.

Sales Transaction Highlights

Based on data compiled by W Capital from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the market’s total transactions reached roughly AED 419.94 billion ($114.3 billion), comprised of over 112,850 sales events. The analysis revealed more than 86,000 completed property transactions, comprising 71,500 residential unit sales, 7,296 sales of buildings, and 7,129 land deals. While these figures are slightly below the record-setting AED 326.6 billion ($88.9 billion) noted in the first half of 2025, the sustained interest from both local and international investors underscores the enduring allure of Dubai’s real estate landscape.

Performance of Property Types

Within this vibrant market, ready-built properties have outperformed off-plan sales. Ready properties accounted for AED 146.7 billion ($40 billion) through 27,200 transactions, including 18,300 residential units. Off-plan properties also demonstrated substantial performance, totaling AED 139.8 billion ($38.1 billion) in 58,800 transactions. The distinct interest disparities between these two categories can be attributed to buyers seeking immediate occupancy capabilities versus those willing to invest in future developments.

Growth in Mortgage Activity

The first half of 2026 also displayed robust mortgage activity, with transactions reaching AED 102 billion ($27.8 billion) across more than 22,000 deals. Notably, 14,500 of these transactions were linked to residential units, while a further 2,582 involved building deals, and 5,234 were focused on land plots. Additionally, properties given as gifts accounted for AED 31.4 billion ($8.6 billion) across 4,501 transactions. This surge in mortgage and gifting activities depicts a thriving market, where financial institutions remain eager to engage with asset holders.

Strong Q2 Performance

The second quarter of 2026 further bolstered property sales, recording over AED 110 billion ($30 billion) across 38,300 transactions. Alongside this, mortgage deals reached AED 42.6 billion ($11.6 billion) through 10,522 transactions, while property gifting accounted for AED 16 billion ($4.4 billion) in 2,449 transactions. The broader total for Q2 exceeded AED 169.04 billion ($46 billion) across more than 51,170 deals, showcasing sustained momentum in the sector.

Walid Al Zarooni, CEO of W Capital, has articulated confidence in the market’s ongoing potential, highlighting sustainable long-term growth fueled by favorable governmental policies and high infrastructural standards. With promising signs on the horizon, including improved geopolitical conditions and rising demand for residential properties, Dubai’s real estate sector appears poised for another strong year ahead.

The current landscape reflects a thriving environment for investors, characterized by the influx of foreign direct investment and robust population growth. As Dubai continues to evolve and innovate, its real estate market sets an exemplary benchmark for other regions.