Dubai property deals up 31% at $68.6bn in first quarter as investor base surges

Dubai's real estate market recorded Dh252 billion ($68.6 billion) in transactions in the first quarter of 2026, a 31 per cent increase year on year, as buyer participation and foreign investment surged, the Government of Dubai Media Office said on Thursday citing Dubai Land Department (DLD) data. A total of 60,303 property transactions were sealed in the three months to the end of March, a 6 per cent annual rise, forming part of 718,160 deals recorded during the quarter, the DLD said.

"Sustained activity across all segments indicates that demand remains strong and consistent, driven by clear economic fundamentals rather than short-term fluctuations," the Media Office said.

Transaction and investor breakdown

• New investors: 29,312 new buyers entered the market in Q1, up 14% year on year, lifting the overall investor base by 8% to 48,448.
• Investments: The number of investments rose 7% to 57,744, with their total value climbing 22% to Dh173 billion ($47.1 billion).
• Foreign capital: Foreign investment increased 26% to Dh148.35 billion ($40.3 billion), while the number of foreign investments grew 11% to 48,445.
• Regional investors: Gulf investors contributed Dh12.23 billion ($3.3 billion), up 14%, and Arab investors accounted for Dh12.11 billion across 6,071 deals.
• Luxury segment: Investment into luxury property jumped 26% year on year to Dh87.7 billion ($23.9 billion), underscoring sustained demand for high-end assets.

The Media Office highlighted that the performance "underscores the sector’s resilience and its ability to navigate regional developments, driven by the leadership’s forward-looking vision." The Q1 figures take into account one month of transactions after the outbreak of conflict that began on February 28, the statement noted.

Authorities and analysts point to several structural drivers behind the gains. Government reforms such as residency permits for retirees and remote workers and the expansion of the 10-year golden visa programme have been credited with supporting demand. The Media Office said the sector's strong showing reflects "a model built on sustainability and balance, supported by advanced infrastructure, a sophisticated digital ecosystem, a flexible regulatory framework and a business environment capable of adapting to evolving conditions."

Outlook

Officials framed the surge in activity as evidence of sustained international trust in Dubai's real estate market and its appeal as "a secure and stable destination for long-term investment." Continued inflows, a growing investor base and diversification across projects were cited as factors that will reinforce sector stability over the medium and long term. Population growth and an influx of high-net-worth individuals are expected to keep pressure on prices and rents, particularly in the luxury segment, even as regional developments and global macro conditions remain variables to monitor.