UAE Property Market Accelerates in Q1 as Dubai and Abu Dhabi Lead Growth

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

The UAE property market posted a strong Q1 2026, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman recording higher transactions, rising values, and expanding investor activity.

Key Highlights

  • The UAE property sector delivered a strong start to 2026, with major emirates recording higher transaction volumes, rising values, and broader investor participation.
  • Dubai Land Department reported Dh252 billion in Dubai real estate transactions during Q1, reflecting strong momentum across the emirate’s property market.
  • Dubai recorded 60,303 disposals and 57,744 investments, while the number of investors rose to 48,448, highlighting sustained demand from local and international buyers.
  • New investor participation in Dubai also expanded, supporting the emirate’s continued position as a global real estate investment destination.
  • Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre reported Dh66 billion in transactions, marking Abu Dhabi’s strongest quarterly performance on record.
  • Abu Dhabi’s transaction volumes rose significantly, reflecting accelerated activity and growing momentum across the capital’s residential and investment markets.
  • Sharjah recorded Dh18.5 billion in property trading, supported by rising transaction volumes and growing investor diversity from 113 nationalities.
  • Strong participation from UAE, GCC, Arab, and international investors further reinforced Sharjah’s growing appeal as a regional property investment destination.
  • Ajman maintained steady growth, recording Dh6.22 billion in transactions and continued demand across its property market.
  • Performance across all four emirates highlights broad-based growth rather than isolated market activity, supporting confidence in the wider UAE real estate sector.
  • Continued investor inflows, expanding development activity, and growing demand are supporting transaction growth across residential and commercial segments.
  • The data also reflects strong capital flows into the UAE, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading global real estate investment hub.
  • Market momentum across multiple emirates highlights the strength of diversified opportunities available to investors, end users, and developers.
  • Overall, Q1 performance reinforces the UAE’s long-term real estate growth trajectory, supported by strong fundamentals, investor confidence, and sustained market expansion.