33,000 new residential units expected in Abu Dhabi. Branded residences cost 40% more than non-branded properties.

Dubai’s Drake & Scull’s profit drops from Dh3.8b to Dh6.5m – company is OK with this

Drake & Scull made Dh6.5m net profit in H1-2025 versus a one-off Dh3.8bn in H1-2024 from restructuring. Turnaround continues: Dh1.39bn in new projects (some overseas), first Dubai real estate launches due end-2026, and ongoing legal efforts to recover receivables and court-awarded funds.

Why it’s easier now for Dubai tenants to become homeowners

Dubai’s housing market is opening to residents, driven by July’s first-time buyer programme and expanded property-linked visas. Off-plan sales hit Dh60.2bn in Q2 (+43% QoQ). Low taxes, population growth, and rising rents make mortgages attractive, with

DAMAC Properties unveils Capri One apartments in Riverside master development

DAMAC launched Capri One, a new phase at Riverside Views in Dubai Investments Park. One-beds start at AED 993k, two-beds at AED 1.9m, with 0.25% payment plans. Handover May 2028. Rich amenities, earlier releases sold out, and it’s DAMAC’s sixth Dubai master development.

From shopping bag to property deed: Dubai loyalty points can now buy real estate from as little as $544

Shoppers in Dubai can now turn their spending into real estate investments with newly launched loyalty programme benefits.

Abu Dhabi real estate: 33,000 new residential units expected as apartment prices rise 1.7 percent in Q2 2025

Abu Dhabi’s Q2-2025 VPI rose 2.2% QoQ, 8.1% YoY to 128.3, led by apartments; villas hit 138.2. Rents +9.5% YoY. Tight supply (33k homes in five years). Office rents +28% YoY, hospitality occupancy 83.7%, industrial prices +15.9%. Macro outlook strong.

Work is in full swing at 82-storey Al Habtoor Tower

Al Habtoor’s 82-storey Dubai tower is 65% structurally complete, says contractor China Railway 18G Middle East. Basement, podium, parking finished; entrance and lobby elevators 50% done. Construction has reached level 68; Amenity Floor 1 pool 30% complete. The project is part of CRCC’s flagship builds.

Dubai Smart Rental Index bears fruit as landlords recalibrate pricing strategies

Tenants have successfully used the index to challenge unjustified rent hikes, leading to fairer rental agreements and reduced conflicts between landlords and tenants.

Tomorrow World Properties launches Tomorrow Commercial Tower in Dubai’s International City

Tomorrow World Properties will launch Tomorrow Commercial Tower in August in International City, Dubai. The smart, sustainability-focused office tower, managed in-house and set to host Tomorrow World Group’s global HQ, targets rising demand in the eastern corridor, offering energy-efficient systems, high operational standards and long-term value for SMEs and multinationals.

Dubai: Branded residences cost 40% more than non-branded properties

Dubai’s branded residences surge amid millionaire inflows: average Dh3,779 psf (+40% vs non-branded). Inventory: 54 projects (18,100 units) completed; 90 underway adding 30,384. H1-2025 launched 12 more (5,510). Hotel-managed share 38%. Record Dh18,294 psf; top sale Dh164m.

Aldar launches Fahid Beach Terraces in Abu Dhabi’s coastal wellness hub

Residences feature large living spaces, natural light, and uninterrupted sea views, with an emphasis on privacy, openness, and natural ventilation.

Dubai sees sudden rise in ‘approved’ co-sharing properties – at higher rents

Dubai is formalising co-sharing rentals amid a crackdown on illegal subletting, with DLD-approved co-listing leases. Prices ~Dh800–2,500+ monthly vary by area; demand is rising. Apps like Roomy Finder and Rentify aid matching. Higher costs push some to Sharjah, while illicit sublets move to private channels.

Dubai Real Estate Transactions as Reported on the 12th of August 2025

On 12 August 2025, Dubai recorded AED 1.79 billion in property transactions.

Off-plan contributed AED 1.19 billion (66.4%), while ready properties added AED 603.0 million (33.6%).

Category	Off-Plan (AED million)	Ready (AED million)
Flats	1,132.7	407.4
Villas	38.4	140.6
Hotel Apartments & Rooms	12.5	28.3
Commercial	7.2	26.7
Total	1,190.8	603.0

Off-Plan Market Performance

• Flats: AED 1,132.7m (95.1% of off-plan)
• Villas: AED 38.4m (3.2%)
• Hotel Apartments & Rooms: AED 12.5m (1.1%)
• Commercial: AED 7.2m (0.6%)

Off-plan activity was apartment-led, with minimal contributions from other asset classes.

Ready Market Performance

• Flats: AED 407.4m (67.6% of ready)
• Villas: AED 140.6m (23.3%)
• Hotel Apartments & Rooms: AED 28.3m (4.7%)
• Commercial: AED 26.7m (4.4%)

Ready transactions were also led by flats, with villas capturing more than 20% share.

On The Micro Level

Market Insights & Outlook

• The day’s values show a two-thirds off-plan tilt, consistent with ongoing buyer preference for payment plans and new-build inventory.
• Apartments dominate both markets, showing end-user and investor demand for compact, liquid units.
• Commercial volumes remain modest, indicating a primarily residential trading day.
• If developers maintain launch momentum, expect off-plan apartments to continue leading near-term activity while ready villas provide stable secondary support.