UAE real estate market shows strong growth and rising international interest

The United Arab Emirates real estate market is experiencing significant growth heading into the final quarter of 2026, characterized by rising transaction volumes and increased international interest. In the first half of 2026, Dubai completed 104 real estate projects with an investment value exceeding AED 111 billion. Abu Dhabi also reported substantial gains, with real estate transactions reaching AED 117 billion, a 112% year-on-year increase, and foreign direct investment totaling AED 13.8 billion from investors representing 116 nationalities.

Data from the real estate platform DXBinteract regarding digital search interest from June to August 2026 indicates that Indian investors lead international interest in Dubai property with a 16.3% share. The United States saw a significant rise, securing second place with 13% of the interest, marking its highest ranking to date. Other notable markets include the United Kingdom in third place (10.7%), followed by Pakistan (5.4%) and Saudi Arabia (4.4%).

Activity is also expanding in other emirates, with Sharjah recording AED 4.6 billion in transactions during August 2026 and Ajman registering AED 1.53 billion.