UAE non-oil economy holds strong in June as real estate and tourism surge. Dubai Rises to 7th Most Costly City for the Ultra‐Wealthy.

REACH Middle East Opens Applications

Second Century Ventures and the Dubai Land Department launched REACH Middle East, an eight-month accelerator led by PropTech pioneers Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal. The program backs ten seed-to-Series A startups with funding, mentorship, industry pilots and global networking, driving Dubai’s real estate innovation.

Object 1 launches sustainable urban living project in Dubai

Object 1 launched Verdania, a sustainable 316-unit residential development in Dubai Land Residence Complex. Across two phases, it offers resort-style and wellness amenities, complies with Dubai Green Building Regulations, and aligns with UAE Net Zero by 2050 and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Completion is scheduled for Q3 2027.

UAE non-oil economy holds strong in June as real estate and tourism surge: OPEC

UAE PMI remains in expansion territory at 53.5 while Dubai real estate transactions soar 38 per cent in value and tourism exceeds pre-COVID levels.

Two tokenised luxury properties in Dubai sold for Dh3.4 million in 12 minutes

Dubai Land Department sold two tokenized luxury properties worth Dh3.4 m in 12 minutes on PRYPCO Mint. A Dh1.86 m Dubai Marina apartment funded in three minutes by 258 investors; a Dh1.6 m MBR City unit sold in nine minutes by 204 investors. Since launch, listings sell out in under two minutes.

First Vida-branded residences to come up in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi asset manager Alain and Emaar’s Vida Hotels & Resorts have launched the first Vida-branded residences on Saadiyat Island: a 121-unit, fully furnished lifestyle development offering one- to three-bedroom homes near cultural landmarks. The project merges contemporary design, community living and beachside vibrancy.

 Dubai real estate tokenisation: Key tax rules buyers need to know

As Dubai pioneers blockchain in property, Dhruva Consultants highlights urgent VAT questions around token classification, rental income, and platform fees.

Property prices in Dubai continue upward trend in 2025

ValuStrat finds Dubai villas posted a 2% monthly and 29% annual price rise in May, led by Jumeirah Islands (41%), Palm Jumeirah (40%) and Emirates Hills (27%). Apartments rose 1.1% MoM and 20% YoY. Freehold villa values are 66% above 2014 peaks. Another 10% growth is forecast by end-2025.

Ripple and Ctrl Alt partner on Dubai’s real estate tokenisation project

Ripple partnered with UAE tokenisation platform Ctrl Alt to provide institutional-grade custody for the Dubai Land Department’s real estate tokenisation on the XRP Ledger. Ctrl Alt, the first VARA-licensed VASP for issuer services, enables secure fractional property ownership, advancing Dubai’s blockchain-driven real estate transformation.

Karma unveils new residential development in Dubai Sports City

Karma Developers launched Antalya, a 192-unit residential landmark in Dubai Sports City designed by SN Saxena. Studios to three-bedroom apartments maximize natural light and offer wellness amenities—two pools (including infinity), Zen garden, gym, yoga zones, outdoor cinema and children’s splash area—backed by strong investment appeal and timeless design.

IPS 2026: The Global Platform for the future of smart real estate and advanced property projects

IPS, Dubai’s global real estate expo, drew 30,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors in April 2025 across five pillars and specialized conferences. The 2026 edition will expand investment forums, PropTech zones, international pavilions and business-matching to drive innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships.

Dubai real estate developer launches world’s first Olympic-branded residence with Tom Dean

Hadley Heights 2 in Dubai Sports City will offer Olympic-grade amenities co-designed with gold medalist Tom Dean.

Dubai Rises to 7th Most Costly City for the Ultra Wealthy

Julius Baer’s 2025 report ranks Dubai seventh most expensive city for HNWIs, up from 12th, fueled by 13% car and 17% residential price rises. In 2024, property sales jumped 27% and millionaire numbers doubled. Residency schemes, low taxes and luxury lifestyle underpin its growing appeal.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate: Rents climb by up to 68%, yields top 9%, top areas for property price gains revealed

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is gaining powerful momentum in 2025, with robust growth across sales, rentals, and off-plan investments, according to a new report from Bayut.

Real Estate in the UAE: The Savvy Traveler’s Roadmap to Ownership, Lifestyle, and Smart Investment

The UAE’s tax-free real estate market attracts expats with visa-linked purchases, diverse freehold properties, from studios to villas, and high rental yields (7–10%). Post-pandemic prices rose 16% in 2023. Secure AED-pegged ownership and platforms like Emirates.Estate streamline investment, blending lifestyle flexibility and strong returns.

New rules in Abu Dhabi allow developers to terminate off-plan contracts with buyers

Abu Dhabi updated real estate regulations enabling developers to cancel off plan agreements without court if buyers’ default, introduced a unified legal framework, replaced owners’ associations with advisory committees, mandated specialised management companies for owned properties, and empowered ADREC oversight with defined fines to enhance transparency and protect investors.

Saudi Arabia announces support for first-time homebuyers

Saudi Arabia allows lower down payments and 95 percent financing support for real estate buyers.

Dubai Real Estate Transactions as Reported on the 16th of July 2025

On 16 July 2025, Dubai’s real estate market recorded AED 1.69 billion in transactions, with off-plan properties accounting for 67.9% and ready properties 32.1% of the total.

Off-Plan Market Performance

Total Value: AED 1.14 billion

Share of Total Transactions: 67.9 %

• Flats: AED 1,034,361,738 (90.4% of off-plan)
• Villas: AED 50,783,026 (4.4%)
• Hotel Apartments & Rooms: AED 9,037,852 (0.8%)
• Commercial: AED 50,393,984 (4.4%)

Flats again dominated off-plan sales, reflecting continued investor appetite for high-yield residential units.

Ready Market Performance

Total Value: AED 540.8 million

Share of Total Transactions: 32.1 %

• Flats: AED 353,675,385 (65.4% of ready)
• Villas: AED 141,462,337 (26.2%)
• Hotel Apartments & Rooms: AED 11,801,634 (2.2%)
• Commercial: AED 33,866,789 (6.3%)

Ready-market flats led activity, though villas captured a decent 26% of secondary-market value.

On The Micro Level

Market Insights

Flats continue to dominate both off-plan and ready sectors, driven by strong investor and end-user demand for high-density, new-build units. The ready market’s notable villa share highlights a growing appetite for spacious, move-in-ready homes. Niche opportunities remain in boutique off-plan segments and commercial offerings as the market evolves.