UAE real estate posts record first-quarter performance across all emirates

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UAE real estate delivered a record-breaking first quarter in 2026, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman all posting strong growth.

DUBAI: UAE real estate opened 2026 with a powerful first-quarter showing, as official data from the country’s biggest property markets pointed to stronger investor confidence, rising transaction values and growing international interest. The results underline the sector’s resilience and reinforce the UAE’s standing as a major global destination for property investment.

Dubai remained one of the strongest drivers of activity. The Dubai Land Department recorded 718,160 real estate transactions in the first three months of 2026, including 60,303 disposals, up 6 per cent from the same period in 2025. The total value of transactions climbed to AED252 billion, marking a 31 per cent rise year on year. Investment activity was also robust, with 57,744 investments worth AED173 billion, while the number of investors rose to 48,448. Of these, 29,312 were new investors, reflecting fresh appetite for the market.

Abu Dhabi delivered its highest quarterly result on record, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre. Transaction value surged 160.7 per cent to AED66 billion, compared with AED25.31 billion a year earlier. The number of transactions rose sharply to 13,518 from 6,896, highlighting the capital’s fast-growing appeal to regional and global buyers.

Sharjah also posted notable gains. Trading volume reached AED18.5 billion in the first quarter, up 40.7 per cent from AED13.2 billion in the same period last year. Total transactions increased 18.9 per cent to 29,235, while investor diversity widened to 113 nationalities. In Ajman, real estate transactions reached AED6.22 billion through 3,890 deals, with trading volume at AED4.24 billion.

Analysts say the broad-based growth across UAE real estate reflects market stability, flexible policies and sustained confidence in the country’s long-term economic outlook.

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