- April 23, 2026
- 5
- News&Media
No panic selling: Dubai property owners dig in despite Iran war
National Properties’ $272mln mixed-use development set for handover in Dubai
National Properties says 399 Hills Park in Dubai Hills Estate is 97% complete and nearing handover. The AED1bn, 399-unit scheme saw one tower sell out, while the second will be retained for recurring income, reflecting strong demand for premium Dubai homes.
Read the full article on Zawya
Rents in Dubai: Tenants shifting to short-term rentals to look for affordable units
Dubai tenants are increasingly using short-term rentals as a stopgap, expecting annual rents to fall further. Operators say resident demand has replaced tourists, longer stays have surged, and renters are using flexible weekly or monthly accommodation while hunting for cheaper long-term deals.
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
Dubai luxury property market turns selective as developers face pressure to deliver
The Dubai luxury real estate market is entering a more selective phase, with developers under pressure to improve execution, control supply and prioritise long-term value as geopolitical uncertainty shapes buyer behaviour.
Read the full article on Arabian Business
UAE real estate stays strong on tight supply, off-plan demand
UAE real estate stayed resilient in Q1 2026, supported by tight office and logistics supply, strong off-plan demand and steady retail and hospitality performance. Dubai’s residential market cooled into normalisation, while Abu Dhabi saw record residential activity, with structural undersupply continuing to support rents and investor confidence.
Read the full article on Khaleej Times
Dubai unveils underground $9bn Metro Gold Line to serve 1.5 million passengers
Dubai has announced a Dh34 billion, 42km underground Metro Gold Line with 18 stations, linking 15 key areas and major developments from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates. Due in 2032, it will expand connectivity, ease congestion, support Etihad Rail and lift property values along the route.
Read the full article on The National
UAE property market holds firm despite slower growth outlook: CBRE
The UAE real estate market demonstrated resilience in the first quarter of 2026 despite a revised GDP growth outlook of 0.3 per cent and ongoing regional geopolitical tensions, according to a new report by CBRE Middle East.
Read the full article on Arabian Business
No panic selling: Dubai property owners dig in despite Iran war
Dubai’s property market is showing resilience rather than stress, with sellers holding prices and buyers waiting for discounts. Sentiment remains broadly confident despite regional tensions, while the market is shifting into a more selective, slower phase marked by moderation in price growth and softer off-plan activity.
Read the full article on Gulf Business
DXR appointed exclusive sales agent for One by Preston across the UAE and regional markets
DXR Real Estate Brokerage has been appointed exclusive sales and marketing agent for One by Preston across the UAE and wider region. The Dubai South project is being positioned as a competitively priced, fully furnished, low-rise investment play ahead of its planned October 2027 completion.
Read the full article on Zawya
UAE office market maintains growth in Q1 2026 as rents surge 14 percent in Dubai, 12 percent in Abu Dhabi
UAE real estate stayed resilient in Q1 2026, supported by tight office supply, strong logistics demand and stable retail performance. Dubai’s residential market cooled into moderation, while Abu Dhabi saw record housing activity, with structural undersupply continuing to support rents and investor confidence.
Read the full article on Economy Middle East
DMCC launches two new office towers in Uptown Dubai
DMCC has launched two new Grade A office towers in Uptown Dubai, adding over 560,000 sq ft and taking the district’s commercial footprint past 1 million sq ft. Due by Q1 2028, the project reflects strong demand for premium, mixed-use workspace linked to finance, trade and technology growth.
Read the full article on Gulf Business
Al Habtoor Group announces topping out of Al Habtoor Tower
Al Habtoor Tower has topped out at 86 floors, marking a key construction milestone as it enters its final development phase. The 1,740-unit project is moving toward phased handovers from this summer, underscoring rapid delivery progress on one of Dubai’s largest residential towers.
Read the full article on Middle East Construction News
Dubai Real Estate Transactions as Reported on the 22nd of April 2026
On the 22-Apr-2026, the total transacted value reached AED 1.38 billion. Off-plan dominated with AED 834.1 million (60.6%), while Ready accounted for AED 541.7 million (39.4%).
| Category | Off-Plan (AED millions) | Ready (AED millions) |
| Flats | 675.8 | 398.2 |
| Villas | 65.8 | 107.1 |
| Hotel Apt. & Rooms | 36.2 | 7.9 |
| Commercial | 56.3 | 28.6 |
| Total | 834.1 | 541.7 |
Off-Plan Market Performance
Total Value: AED 834.1 million
• Flats: AED 675.8 million (81.0%)
• Villas: AED 65.8 million (7.9%)
• Hotel Apts & Rooms: AED 36.2 million (4.3%)
• Commercial: AED 56.3 million (6.8%)
Off-plan activity was overwhelmingly led by flats, which accounted for more than four-fifths of the segment’s total value, highlighting continued buyer preference for apartment-led new launches.
Ready Market Performance
Total Value: AED 541.7 million
• Flats: AED 398.2 million (73.5%)
• Villas: AED 107.1 million (19.8%)
• Hotel Apts & Rooms: AED 7.9 million (1.5%)
• Commercial: AED 28.6 million (5.3%)
Ready transactions were also led by flats, though villas captured a much stronger share here than in off-plan, pointing to firmer appetite for completed family-oriented stock.
On The Micro Level
Market Insights & Outlook
The 22-Apr-2026 trading pattern reinforces Dubai’s two-speed residential market. Off-plan remained the larger engine of value, supported mainly by flats, while the ready market delivered a solid contribution with a more balanced mix led by flats and backed by villas. That suggests confidence remains intact across both segments, with off-plan attracting capital for future delivery and ready stock continuing to appeal to buyers seeking immediate usability.
Data Source: Dubai Land Department
*We use only freehold transactions
