The question that really matters
Why did Dubai close 2025 with 686.8 billion AED in real estate sales?
What drove these record numbers and what do they tell us for investing in 2026?
Is the Dubai market still “on the run” or is it changing phase?
The record numbers and what they tell
The starting point is simple: 686.8 billion AED in total value and 215,736 transactions, with year-on-year growth of 30.9% in value and 18.7% in volume.
These figures do not describe an isolated peak, but a continuity of multi-year trends, supported by residential demand, demographic growth, and installment payment structures that have expanded the pool of buyers.
For an investor, the message is that the market has depth and liquidity: it does not move only on a few “large” transactions, but on a high number of deeds that indicate widespread participation.
Off plan or resale: where the push has concentrated
In 2025 the largest share of activity came from off plan: 149,290 transactions for 448.1 billion AED, accounting for 69% of the volume and 65% of the total value.
Resale, although with lower volumes, showed a stronger price dynamic: 66,446 transactions and 238.8 billion AED, with price growth per square foot of 11.3% compared to 6.7% for primary.
In practice, off plan has driven the “machine” thanks to payment plans and new launches, while resale has benefited from relative scarcity in ready properties, especially in established communities.
Returns, pipeline, and what to observe in 2026
On the returns front, the report indicates that gross rental yields in many communities remained in a range of 6–8% in 2025, a figure that continues to fuel investment demand.
On the supply side, by the end of 2025 there are 1,464 residential projects under construction for 452,101 units, with a distribution that matters: 65% of the units are in phase 0–20% and therefore with delivery pressure more shifted towards 2027–2028.
Put simply: in 2026 the issue is not just “how much is being built,” but when it will actually be delivered, and how much it will absorb demand.
This is also why some analysts emphasize the risk of price rebalancing related to the increase in supply.
Why discuss it with Rema before choosing a project
Such high numbers attract attention, but do not automatically make every purchase a good deal.
The difference is made by selection: area, actual construction timelines, quality of the developer, layout, price positioning relative to the market, and exit strategy.
We at Rema translate this data into practical decisions: we tell you where it makes sense to enter in 2026, which segment is more liquid, and how to avoid “difficult” units when you want to rent or resell.
If you want a concrete reading on your budget and goal, write to us and we will guide you step by step.
A common-sense tip for investing in 2026
Do not chase the record, chase the quality of the deal.
Start with a simple question: “Who will be the natural buyer or tenant of this unit in two years?”
If the answer is clear, the price is consistent, and the location has structural demand, then the market can cool off a bit without destroying your plan.
The final question to ask yourself before signing
If you are considering Dubai in 2026, try to close the loop with a check: are you buying a product that the market absorbs easily, or a product that requires “the perfect buyer”?
In a cycle where supply can increase, simplicity wins: right units, right price, right timing, and a clear strategy from day one.
