UAE and India industrial real estate markets record strong leasing growth in 2026

A JLL report shows that the United Arab Emirates’ industrial sector continued to attract tenants in 2026, with Dubai industrial rents rising 6.8% year‑on‑year in Q2 and Abu Dhabi up 5.0% YoY. Near‑full occupancy in core zones and government initiatives to boost supply‑chain resilience and domestic manufacturing are underpinning the momentum. The report notes a 4.3% rise in annual rental contract registrations in Dubai and strong tenant retention, despite a modest slowdown in new contracts.

In India, Cushman & Wakefield data indicate that logistics and industrial leasing reached a record 36.2 million sq ft in the first half of 2026, an 18% increase from a year earlier. Warehouse space accounted for 67% of total absorption, while industrial leasing grew 36% YoY. Third‑party logistics providers and engineering & manufacturing firms together drove more than 60% of the activity, with the automobile sector and electric‑vehicle investments contributing significantly. Delhi NCR led the market, delivering 8.7 million sq ft of leasing activity.