Dubai’s ultra-luxury real estate market delivered a strong performance during the first half of 2026, with a clear variation in activity between villas and apartments within the residential segment valued at more than AED 36.7 million, equivalent to around $10 million.

Villas led the market in terms of both transaction volume and total value, while luxury apartments continued to reinforce their strong pricing position in established locations and branded residential projects.

Based on open data from the DXBinteract real estate platform, total transactions in this segment reached 269 deals during the first half of the year, with a combined value of AED 16.57 billion. This represented growth of 11.2% in the number of transactions and 11.5% in value compared with the same period in 2025.

Villas Lead Market Activity

Ultra-luxury villas recorded a strong performance in the first half of 2026, as the number of transactions rose from 124 deals in the first half of 2025 to 166 deals during the same period this year, marking growth of 34%.

The total value of villa transactions also increased from AED 7.28 billion to AED 9.42 billion, while the average price of a villa reached around AED 49.31 million.

This performance reflects the expansion of luxury villa supply across new developments, particularly off-plan projects. It also supports the potential for continued activity as more transactions are registered in the coming period.

Luxury Apartments Maintain Strong Pricing

Ultra-luxury apartments recorded 103 transactions in the first half of 2026, compared with 118 deals during the same period last year. Their total value reached AED 7.16 billion, compared with AED 7.58 billion in 2025.

Despite the different pace of transactions between the two years, luxury apartments showed clear resilience in pricing levels, with the average transaction price rising to AED 53.17 million. The market also recorded its highest apartment sale during the period, valued at AED 422 million.

This confirms the continued appeal of rare apartments in prime locations, especially units located on waterfronts or within branded hotel and residential developments.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens Moves to the Forefront

In terms of geographic distribution, the lead shifted from Palm Jumeirah to Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, which recorded 43 transactions with a total value of AED 2.49 billion.

The Eden Hills project was the main driver of activity in the area, recording 32 transactions worth AED 1.94 billion, with an average price of AED 60.2 million per deal.

Palm Jebel Ali also emerged as a new destination for ultra-luxury villas, recording 26 transactions compared with 10 deals a year earlier, highlighting its growing presence on Dubai’s high-end property map. At the same time, Palm Jumeirah maintained its position among the most distinguished areas in terms of value and limited supply.

Apartment Activity Remains Focused in Established Destinations

Unlike villas, which saw activity expand across new areas and projects, ultra-luxury apartment transactions remained concentrated in well-established, high-demand destinations. Palm Jumeirah led the list with 30 transactions, followed by Jumeirah Second with 21 deals, then Jumeirah First and Downtown Dubai with 13 transactions each.

At the project level, Aman Residences topped the market with 17 transactions worth AED 1.84 billion. Baccarat Hotel and Residences in Downtown Dubai recorded 11 transactions, while activity also continued across prominent projects such as Como Residences and Bugatti Residences.

These indicators reflect continued selective demand for luxury apartments that combine prime locations, high-end services, scarcity, and association with global brands.

A Market Moving Along Two Complementary Tracks

Data from the first half of 2026 shows that Dubai’s residential market above the $10 million mark is moving along two parallel tracks. The first is led by villas, which are expanding transaction volumes and supporting overall market growth, backed by the launch of new projects within master-planned communities.

The second track is represented by luxury apartments, which continue to maintain elevated price levels, supported by limited supply in waterfront locations and branded residential developments.

As a result, Dubai’s ultra-luxury real estate market presents a balanced picture that combines villa-led growth with the strong pricing power of apartments, reflecting deep demand and continued confidence from investors and buyers in the emirate’s property sector.

183,000 Millionaires in the UAE

This advanced real estate activity is also supported by the UAE’s continued appeal to wealthy individuals and high-net-worth buyers. The number of millionaires in the country rose to 183,000 by the end of 2025, each holding net assets of more than $1 million.

The UAE also attracted 6,277 new millionaires during 2025, representing annual growth of 3.5%, according to the annual Global Wealth Report 2026.

These figures strengthen the UAE’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for wealth, supported by quality of life, advanced infrastructure, stability, and a diverse range of investment opportunities. This, in turn, continues to reflect positively on Dubai’s luxury real estate market.