The emirate of Dubai continues to assert its prominence on the global real-estate stage. According to data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and specialist market trackers, the city recorded 59,228 property sales in Q3 2025, with a total value of AED 170.7 billion — representing year-on-year increases of 17.2 % in volume and 19.9 % in value. On a nine-month basis (January to September 2025), the numbers are equally striking: approximately 158,200 transactions valued at AED 498.8 billion, up 20.5 % by volume and 32.3 % by value compared to the same period in 2024. ** **

What’s Driving the Surge

• Off-plan dominance: In Q3, off-plan launches accounted for roughly 73 % of transaction volume and 66 % of the value - testament to continuing investor appetite for early-stage projects.
• Apartments lead: Residential apartments were the primary driver, with 49,370 units sold at a total value of AED 94.3 billion - up around 25.9 % year-on-year.
• Ultra-luxury continues: The ultra-high-net-worth segment is also showing strength: in Q3 2025, there were 103 homes sold over USD 10 million (≈ AED 36.7 billion), a 24 % increase from the year before.
• Global investment and regulation: Investor confidence is reinforced by policy tailwinds — e.g., visa reforms, relaxed foreign ownership, and transparent registration processes.

What This Means for Developers, Brokers & Investors For developers: The window remains open. The strong demand for off-plan means that projects launched now - especially those offering flexible payment terms - are finding traction. Brokers: With transaction volumes rising and global buyers entering the market, visibility and reputation will differentiate the successful firms. Investors: Capital appreciation remains real, but the shift is moving toward strategic, long-term plays rather than speculative flips.** **

Risks & Considerations Ahead While the headline numbers portray momentum, a few caveats are worth noting:

• Supply pipeline pressure: A large number of units are expected to come online in 2026-27, which may test the depth of demand.
• Segment differentiation: While apartments are booming, villa sales in some reports have shown slower growth, indicating varied dynamics across sub-markets.
• Yield vs price: With capital values high, ensuring rental yields and occupancy remain compelling will be key.** ** Outlook for 2026 Analysts suggest a more moderated phase is beginning. The market is shifting from “exuberant growth” toward sustainable expansion — where structure, strategy, and quality matter more than mere headline price jumps. For those positioning themselves now, the opportunity lies less in “who gets in first” and more in “who stays relevant.”