UAE property market update - Resilience, records and regional growth

Backed by strong investor confidence and increased maturity, the UAE property market is holding firm. As private capital keeps pouring in, focus is shifting from sudden spikes to building real value across the emirates.

To understand it further, here’s a quick snapshot of the key performance numbers and major trends shaping real estate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Key takeaways

Dubai property takes off: Total real estate sales jumped 16.9% in July alone, reaching AED 56.1 billion ($15.27bn). This expansion directly fueled a remarkable 67% surge in home loans.

​Abu Dhabi sees a 2x surge: The UAE Capital saw accumulated deal values shooting up by 112% during the first half of the year, hitting AED 117 billion. Meanwhile, the average apartment prices jumped 24.4% in Q2 in comparison to last year.

​Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism-driven demand: Al Marjan Island has dominated headlines, supported by a huge H1 Tourism wave that brought in over 670,000 visitors!

Dubai: Resilient demand and more homes built

Dubai's housing market bounced back in July after a brief summer pause in June, bringing in 13,930 property deals worth AED 34.88 billion. Ultra-luxury homes led the charge, headlined by a landmark AED 166 million (&45.2 million) penthouse sale at Aman Residences in Jumeirah.

Simultaneously, the broader market is showcasing long-term resilience. More than 24,800 new residential units were delivered in the first half of the year, a 38% year-on-year increase helping absorb the city's steady population growth. Simultaneously, the broader market is showcasing long-term resilience. More than 24,800 new residential units were delivered in the first half of the year, a 38% year-on-year increase helping absorb the city's steady population growth.

Abu Dhabi: Record transactions and waterfront megaprojects

Abu Dhabi's property market delivered a solid first half of the year, generating AED 117 billion across 16,838 transactions. Strong buyer interest paired with limited available inventory pushed residential prices up 21.6% year-on-year in Q2, with premium waterfront communities like Saadiyat and Yas Island anchoring most of the capital appreciation.

Market anchor Aldar properties posted a 16.3% jump in H1 profit to AED 4.2 billion, backed by an AED 71.6 billion project backlog, reinforcing long-term supply pipelines. Some of the prime new launches, like the AED 100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat project and the AED 6 billion Yas Point, show builders are serious about adding high-end affordable homes to fit in the city's growing population.

Ras Al Khaimah: Strong investments and growing infrastructure

Despite major uncertainties, Ras Al Khaimah's property market maintains strong momentum as buyers strategically position themselves ahead of a transformative resort-driven tourism growth. Property prices have stayed steady, driven mostly by Al Marjan Island. That single area makes up over 55% of all local listings and pulls in more than 60% of its cash from overseas investors.

​The buyer trust comes from accurate figures; RAK saw a record 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026 alone, while business hubs like RAK Central keep on growing fast! Plus, with 25,600 new homes coming by 2030 and the massive $5.1 billion Wynn resort opening in 2027, RAK is easily one of the smartest places to be on your list right now!

​As the UAE real estate market expands, having an experienced team on the ground makes all the difference. Whether you are fetching high-yield off plan opportunities in Dubai, long-term stability in Abu Dhabi, or emerging value in Ras Al Khaimah, Benham and Reeves offers seamless and end-to-end support.

With more than sixty years of international expertise and established teams in London and the UAE, we help buyers, landlords, and investors towards making better financial decisions. Get in touch with us to explore prime opportunities.