UAE real estate market shows resilience and strength in 2026

The UAE’s real estate sector is showing little sign of slowing in 2026. Strong transaction activity, rising foreign investment and sustained demand have reinforced property’s position as one of the country’s most resilient growth sectors.

Dubai began the year strongly, recording more than 60,000 transactions worth Dh252 billion in the first quarter, according to the Dubai Land Department. Transaction value rose 31% from the same period in 2025, while the number of transactions increased 6%.

Dubai recorded Dh173 billion in real estate investments during the first three months, a 22% year-on-year increase. The market attracted 48,448 investors, including 29,312 newcomers. Foreign real estate investment reached Dh148.35 billion, up 26%, while luxury property continued to draw significant interest.

The sector’s contribution extends beyond property sales. Real estate activities contributed about Dh26 billion to Dubai’s economy in the first quarter and accounted for 11.2% of gross domestic product. Construction grew 8.2%.

Abu Dhabi also recorded a sharp rise. Data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre showed transactions of Dh117 billion in the first half of 2026, more than double the figure from a year earlier. Foreign direct investment in Abu Dhabi property reached Dh13.8 billion, up 309% and already above the total for all of 2025. Investors from 116 nationalities participated, while eight new investment zones increased Abu Dhabi’s total to 50.

Sharjah maintained its upward trend, with transactions reaching about Dh29.5 billion in the first six months, up 9.3% year on year. Residential property remained the market’s main support, and buyers from 121 nationalities invested in the emirate. Eleven new real estate projects were also registered.