Real Estate
UAE Real Estate Sector Reports Record Q1 2026 Performance Amid Rising Demand
Dubai and Abu Dhabi surpass previous historical peaks as off-plan sales and international demand drive a record-breaking start to the year.
The UAE real estate market recorded its strongest ever opening quarter in early 2026, driven by a surge in transaction volumes and sustained demand for high-end residential assets. New data confirms that both Dubai and Abu Dhabi outperformed previous historical peaks, maintaining the upward trajectory established over the last five years. Transaction Volumes Hit New Highs In Dubai, residential transactions during Q1 2026 surpassed the volumes recorded during the same period in 2025 by a significant margin. Off-plan sales continue to dominate the market share, as developers launch new master communities to meet the influx of international investors. The secondary market also showed resilience, with price growth stabilizing in prime areas like Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Jumeirah Bay Island. Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector mirrored this growth, supported by the expansion of freehold zones and increased institutional investment. The capital's focus on diversifying its residential offerings on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island has attracted a broader demographic of long-term residents and foreign buyers seeking stable yields. Drivers of Market Stability Analysts attribute the…