UAE real estate sector posts record Q1 performance in 2026

The UAE real estate sector recorded robust performance during the first quarter of 2026, underscoring growing confidence among local and international investors in the market's stability, adaptability to evolving conditions, and its capacity to sustain growth and deliver rewarding returns over the medium and long term.

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Real estate markets across the UAE witnessed notable growth in the first three months of 2026, with official figures from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman underscoring the country's status as a prominent global hub for property investment.

In Dubai, the Dubai Land Department reported continued strong market activity, with 718,160 real estate transactions recorded, including 60,303 disposals, marking a 6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

The total value of transactions rose to Dhs252 billion, up 31 per cent, while the number of investments reached 57,744, an increase of 7 per cent year-on-year, with a total value of Dhs173 billion.

The investor base also expanded significantly to 48,448 investors, up 8 per cent, including 29,312 new investors, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Abu Dhabi recorded its highest quarterly performance on record, with real estate transactions surging 160.7 per cent to Dhs66 billion, compared to Dhs25.31 billion during the same period last year, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

More than 13,518 transactions were executed, compared to 6,896 in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting accelerated growth and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a regional and global investment hub.