Dubai’s real estate market continued to strengthen its position among the world’s leading property markets, as the ultra-luxury residential segment reached new record levels during the first half of 2026, alongside continued investment inflows and growing activity across the commercial real estate sector.

The latest market analysis issued by Engel & Völkers Middle East, a global specialist in luxury residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, showed that Dubai’s ultra-luxury residential market reached new heights during the first six months of the year, while investment in the emirate’s commercial property sector continued to expand.

320 Property Deals Worth More Than $10 Million Each

According to the analysis, a total of 320 residential properties valued at more than $10 million each, equivalent to approximately AED 36.7 million, were sold during the first half of 2026. This represented a 23% increase compared with the same period last year.

The combined value of these transactions reached about $6 billion, or nearly AED 22 billion, while ultra-luxury properties accounted for approximately 9.7% of the total value of residential sales in Dubai.

These results reflect the growing role of high-value properties within the emirate’s wider real estate market and Dubai’s continued appeal to buyers seeking exceptional homes and premium residential developments.

More Than AED 226 Billion in Residential Sales

Engel & Völkers Middle East said the strong performance of the ultra-luxury segment came as part of a broader residential market that maintained solid activity throughout the first half of the year.

Dubai recorded 80,509 residential sales transactions with a total value of AED 226.5 billion, with activity spread across a wide range of price segments and continued demand from both local and international buyers.

This diversity highlights the ability of Dubai’s real estate market to attract different categories of investors and buyers while maintaining strong momentum in the highest-value residential segments.

Demand for Dubai Real Estate Remains Strong

Daniel Hadi, CEO of Engel & Völkers Middle East, said: “The first half of 2026 demonstrated the resilience of Dubai’s real estate market and its increasing maturity. We observed that buyers became more cautious and considered in their decision-making during a period of regional uncertainty, but more importantly, demand remained present and strong, and activity began to recover again as conditions improved.”

He added: “What gives us continued confidence in Dubai’s real estate market is the depth of the market, from growing international demand for exceptional ultra-luxury homes to sustained activity across the broader residential sector.”

Waterfront Views and Privacy Remain Key Buyer Priorities

At the highest end of the market, major transactions continued to be recorded across some of Dubai’s most prestigious, distinctive, and promising locations.

High-value sales were seen in areas including Jumeirah, Jumeirah Asora Bay, and the Dubai Water Canal, reflecting continued demand for exceptional residential communities offering waterfront views, high levels of privacy, outstanding architectural quality, and access to world-class amenities and services.

These types of developments continue to attract buyers looking for properties that combine prime locations, high-quality design, premium services, and long-term value.

Dubai Commercial Real Estate Delivers Record Performance

Dubai’s commercial real estate sector also delivered strong results during the first half of 2026, with a total of 6,470 commercial properties traded for a combined value of AED 62.2 billion.

Transaction volume increased by 7%, while total transaction value rose by 6% compared with the first half of 2025.

According to the analysis, both figures represented the highest levels ever recorded during a first-half period, highlighting the continued strength of investment activity across Dubai’s commercial property market.

Strong Growth in Office and Retail Property Sales

Office properties and retail real estate emerged as key areas of strength during the period.

Office sales increased by 35.3% year over year to reach 2,570 transactions, while retail property transactions jumped by 50.2% to 853 deals.

The value of office sales also rose sharply to AED 15.8 billion, compared with AED 5.4 billion during the same period last year, representing nearly three times the previous amount.

These figures underline the strong demand for commercial assets in Dubai, particularly as business sectors continue to expand and demand grows for high-quality office and retail space.

Investment in Off-Plan Commercial Real Estate Accelerates

Investment in commercial properties under construction, or off-plan developments, represented one of the most significant shifts seen during the first half of 2026.

The number of off-plan transactions increased from 1,239 deals in the first half of 2025 to 3,123 transactions during the same period in 2026.

At the same time, the total value of these transactions surged from AED 3 billion to AED 17 billion.

This growth reflects strong investor appetite for the next generation of premium Grade A office space, high-end retail properties, and commercial developments located within Dubai’s expanding business districts and mixed-use communities.

More Than 163,000 Commercial Lease Transactions

In the commercial leasing market, Dubai recorded 163,356 commercial rental transactions during the first half of the year.

This level of activity remained broadly in line with the exceptionally strong levels recorded during the first half of 2025, reflecting continued momentum in the market for office and commercial space.

Long-Term Fundamentals Continue to Support Dubai’s Property Market

Engel & Völkers Middle East said the long-term fundamentals supporting Dubai’s real estate market remain firmly positive.

Continued population growth, global capital inflows, economic diversification, and ongoing investment in infrastructure are among the main factors strengthening Dubai’s position as a global residential destination and an international hub for business and investment.

Against this backdrop, the company expects quality, location, and long-term value to remain among the most important factors influencing investment decisions across both the residential and commercial real estate sectors.

The results for the first half of 2026 reflect the continued positive momentum in Dubai’s property market, with record levels in the ultra-luxury residential segment and significant growth in commercial investment, further reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the world’s most attractive real estate destinations for investors and global capital.