Dubai Real Estate Starts 2026 Strong: AED 1.19B Transactions

Real estate transactions in Dubai recorded the first deals of 2026 yesterday, totaling approximately AED 1.19 billion across 293 transactions, including sales worth AED 771.12 million, according to Dubai REST, the official platform of the Dubai Land Department.

Property sales included 140 residential units, 40 buildings, and 24 land plots, totaling 204 transactions, reflecting sustained real estate activity at the start of the year.

A high-angle evening view of Dubai Creek Harbour featuring illuminated luxury skyscrapers, a modern pedestrian promenade, and the calm water of the creek under a twilight sky. — The stunning skyline of Dubai Creek Harbour glows at dusk, showcasing the area’s modern architecture and vibrant waterfront lifestyle.

Mortgages and Gifts Overview

Mortgage transactions reached 78 deals valued at AED 388.93 million, including 38 residential units, 18 buildings, and 22 land plots. Meanwhile, the value of gifts amounted to AED 31.27 million across 11 transactions, covering three residential units, two buildings, and six land plots.

Top Performing Areas

Nad Al Sheba 1 led in sales with AED 223.9 million, followed by Dubai Investment Park 2 with AED 58.72 million, Burj Khalifa with AED 47.27 million, Dubai Airport City with AED 39.47 million, and Palm Jumeirah with AED 33.5 million, highlighting activity in strategic areas combining residential and commercial functions.

A wide panoramic view of the Downtown Dubai skyline featuring the Burj Khalifa towering over surrounding skyscrapers and residential buildings under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. — The majestic Burj Khalifa stands as the centerpiece of the Downtown Dubai district, surrounded by architectural marvels and the traditional-style buildings of Old Town.

Market Outlook and Urban Implications

The Dubai real estate market closed 2025 with record-breaking sales, the highest in the emirate’s history, up 30.64% year-on-year to over AED 682.49 billion, while total real estate transaction value rose 20.8% to AED 919 billion.

The sector is preparing for another exceptional season in 2026, with continued demand from local and international investors, offering architects important insights into future trends in residential and commercial project design in the city.

Dubai Real Estate Transactions Exceed AED 22 Billion in a Week

6th Biennale Svizzera del Territorio

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Dubai’s real estate market opened 2026 with robust activity, reflecting a Contemporary urban landscape shaped by high-density, mixed-use developments and strategic Material Expression across residential, commercial, and land assets. The AED 1.19 billion in early transactions, concentrated in areas like Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai Investment Park, and Burj Khalifa, underscores the continuing influence of Spatial Dynamics that integrate premium locations with infrastructural connectivity. However, such intense transactional momentum raises questions about Contextual Relevance and long-term Functional Resilience, particularly in balancing rapid investment-driven development with sustainable urban growth and livability. Ultimately, Dubai’s ongoing market performance signals an Architectural Ambition to align investor interest with innovative, integrated urban design, shaping both the city’s skyline and its evolving socio-spatial fabric.