The UAE real estate market Q1 2026 data shows a clear expansion across major emirates, with rising transaction volumes and increasing deal values. Activity across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman reflects sustained investor demand and consistent deal flow.
This performance indicates that the UAE real estate market Q1 2026 continues to attract both local and international capital, supported by confidence in long-term growth.
Dubai Drives UAE Real Estate Market Q1 2026 Growth
Dubai remained the central driver of the UAE real estate market in Q1 2026. According to the Dubai Land Department, the emirate recorded 718,160 real estate transactions during the quarter.
Within this activity, disposals reached 60,303, marking a 6% increase year on year. At the same time, total transaction value climbed to Dh252 billion, reflecting a strong 31% rise compared to Q1 2025.
In parallel, investment activity also expanded across the market. Dubai recorded 57,744 investments, up 7%, with a combined value of Dh173 billion. Alongside this growth, the number of investors increased to 48,448, including 29,312 new entrants, highlighting continued market entry.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Abu Dhabi delivered its strongest contribution to the UAE real estate market in Q1 2026 with a record-breaking performance. Data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre shows transaction values reached Dh66 billion, up sharply from Dh25.31 billion a year earlier.
Similarly, transaction volumes rose to 13,518 from 6,896, reflecting a rapid increase in deal activity and reinforcing the emirate’s growing role in the UAE real estate market.
Sharjah Expands Investor Base and Volumes
Sharjah further strengthened its position within the UAE real estate market in Q1 2026, as trading volume rose to Dh18.5 billion from Dh13.2 billion last year—an increase of 40.7%.
At the same time, transaction numbers climbed to 29,235, up 18.9%. In addition, investor participation widened significantly, with buyers from 113 nationalities compared to 97 previously.
Breaking this down, local investors contributed around Dh9 billion, while regional and international buyers added approximately Dh9.5 billion. Together, these trends highlight Sharjah’s growing relevance in the UAE real estate landscape.
Meanwhile, Ajman maintained steady progress within the UAE real estate market in Q1 2026. Total transactions reached Dh6.22 billion across 3,890 deals, marking a 12% increase year on year.
Within this segment, trading activity accounted for Dh4.24 billion through 3,128 transactions, reflecting stable demand and consistent market participation.
Taken together, the data signals strong investor confidence across the emirates. The UAE real estate market in Q1 2026 shows a unified upward trend, with rising transaction volumes, increasing values, and broader investor participation.
As a result, the sector continues to attract capital at scale, supported by ongoing development activity and sustained confidence in the UAE’s long-term economic outlook.
Source: Gulf News
