Hudayriyat Island helped push residential sales to Dh70.4 billion in the first half of 2026, a level that showed the market’s vigor despite broader economic headwinds.
Island‑Led Sales Surge
The island alone contributed $5.2 billion, roughly 27 percent of total residential transactions, according to the latest market data.
During the same period, off‑plan projects accounted for almost nine‑tenths of all unit sales, showing that buyers continue to bet on future deliveries rather than existing stock.
In a pure‑numbers snapshot, the capital recorded 409,000 residential units in supply, a 2.9 percent year‑on‑year rise; investment zones added 72,000 units, or 22 percent of the total; and 27,500 units were slated for completion on Reem Island.
The broader United Arab Emirates property sector retained its status as the world’s top real‑estate investment destination, a claim supported by a June index released by a leading developer.
In July, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) froze rent hikes for residential, commercial and industrial spaces, though the rule does not apply to communities overseen by the Abu Dhabi Global Market, such as Al Maryah and Reem islands.
Supply Growth and Future Outlook
Supply grew by nearly three percent year‑on‑year, bringing the total to about 409,000 units. Investment zones contributed 22 percent, while Reem Island led with roughly 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas and Saadiyat islands.
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Looking ahead, an extra 71,000 units are expected to reach the market by 2030, with the highest delivery volume projected for 2028.
For everyday residents, this means more options may appear just as rent controls ease pressure on monthly budgets, a modest relief in a market that has felt price‑rise fatigue.
Regulatory Moves and Market Confidence
ADREC approved eight new investment zones in the first half of the year, raising the total count to 50. The regulator also logged 28 fresh real‑estate projects, a 16 percent jump from the previous year, widening the field for both local and foreign investors.
Hospitality performance was strong, with occupancy hitting an estimated 66.8 percent across the emirate in the first half, and maintaining a steady 65.2 percent in June, according to consultancy JLL.
Dubai’s completed real‑estate investments rose 52 percent year‑on‑year, reaching Dh111 billion across 104 developments, while Ras Al Khaimah saw hotel occupancy near 50 percent in the same period, also reported by JLL.
The numbers just kind of line up, suggesting that the combined effect of supply expansion, rent‑freeze policy and investor‑friendly zoning is creating a more balanced market.
