The first half of 2026 has been a fruitful one for the Dubai’s real estate market, with the latter recording 87,800 transactions worth AED291.7 billion, as off-plan properties accounted for 71% of all transactions, noted a report from international real estate developer MERED.
“There is a sustained off-plan demand, and a growing pipeline of landmark developments are raising expectations for the next generation of luxury residences across the city,” the study remarked.
“This concentration of activity in the off-plan segment reflects continued confidence in Dubai’s development pipeline and its long-term growth prospects. The segment’s strength also highlights the market’s ability to attract buyers at an early stage of the development cycle, supported by the Emirate’s robust regulatory environment, expanding infrastructure, and reputation as an international destination for investment and lifestyle,” it added further.
Dubai’s real estate market’s solid performance in H1 has also being supported by continued population growth, with approximately 121,000 new residents joining the Emirati city so far this year, creating sustained demand for housing and reinforcing the city’s appeal as a global destination for investment, business and talent.
“As confidence in Dubai’s future growth continues to strengthen, the off-plan market is also influencing how luxury residential developments are conceived and delivered. The city’s pipeline has over 31,000 units scheduled for delivery by 2030, representing eight percent of total new residential supply. Developers are differentiating their projects through world-class architecture, internationally recognized design partnerships, and lifestyle-led experiences, transforming residential developments into destination-driven communities that contribute to Dubai’s evolving global identity,” MERED said.
“The market’s positive momentum has also reflected in pricing, with average property prices increasing by 9% during H1 2026, signalling sustained demand across residential segments while reinforcing confidence in Dubai’s long-term investment outlook,” it added further.
Buyers are placing greater emphasis on developments that combine exceptional design, long-term value, and a distinct sense of place. Dubai recorded 296 home sales above USD 10 million during H1 2026, generating USD 5.1 billion and setting a new first-half record. Transaction volume increased 16% from H1 2025, while sales value rose 14%, reflecting continued international demand for the Emirati city’s most distinctive residential assets.
However, the uptick in Dubai’s real estate momentum should not be a surprising one, as the Emirati city has been frequently ranked as the world’s leading urban center for branded residences, with 64 completed developments and another 87 in the pipeline. Branded homes in Dubai also command an average 64% premium over non-branded properties. As per MERED, with buyers gaining greater choice, developers have been under pressure to create projects that offer genuine value and quality of delivery rather than relying on location or branding alone.
Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, said, “Off-plan property buyers commit before they can experience the finished product, so confidence must be earned through architectural quality, functionality, and delivery credibility. As Dubai’s off-plan market continues to expand, these are the qualities that will define the next generation of luxury residences and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most desirable places to live and invest. With ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina, MERED is responding to a more selective market by turning early promise into lasting value beyond handover.”
“As Dubai continues to attract international investment, businesses, and talent, the combination of sustained off-plan momentum and an expanding pipeline of architecturally distinctive, design-led developments is expected to reinforce the emirate’s position among the world’s most active real estate markets,” he concluded.