Developers continue to launch new projects despite regional uncertainty due to the conflict with Iran: in Q1 2026, 47,996 transactions worth AED 176.7 billion were registered in the emirate.
According to DXBinteract, in the first quarter of 2026, Dubai’s real estate market showed strong resilience: 47,996 sales transactions were recorded with a total value of AED 176.7 billion. Compared to the same period last year, transaction volume increased by 5.5%, and their value by 23.4%. March was particularly strong.
Experts emphasize that in the coming months, housing prices in Dubai will not move uniformly across all segments. A decline in prices is expected, but it will affect different types of properties and areas differently.
“The market hasn’t gone anywhere, it is still alive,” said Luis Harding, CEO of betterhomes. According to him, it is not correct to talk about a general price drop — everything will depend on the specific segment, supply volume, and local conditions.
The breakdown of future supply confirms this picture: approximately 84% of new units are apartments, 11% are townhouses, and only about 5% are villas. Harding called this structure a “crystal ball” for understanding future market dynamics.
Apartments in areas with a large volume of similar supply will be the most sensitive to price declines. Villas and townhouses, on the contrary, appear more resilient. Villas in mature communities, where similar housing is no longer being built, have larger areas and a higher level of owner equity. Townhouses, meanwhile, enjoy stable demand — essentially the “Dubai equivalent of middle-class housing.”
Developers share the optimism. “Despite regional events, the fundamental demand drivers and Dubai’s institutional stability continue to support long-term investments in quality residential assets in prime locations,” noted Deepak Batra, founder and CEO of AUM Development.
AUM Development announced the launch of the Ryze Residences project in Warsan — one of the fastest-developing areas in Dubai. The complex of 93 units (studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments) is located at the intersection of academic, business, and infrastructure hubs. Prices start from AED 599,000, with a convenient 40/60 payment plan.
“Warsan is no longer a suburb. It is a fully-fledged residential hub with stable rental demand driven by education, healthcare, transport accessibility, and services. Ryze is a practical and investment-attractive response to this demand: well-thought-out layouts, efficient use of space, and useful amenities that truly improve everyday life,” added Deepak Batra.
Another striking example of resilience is The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences project by Almal Real Estate Development in Ras Al Khaimah. Construction is already 23% complete, the property sold out faster than expected, and set a record price per square foot on the island — AED 6,300. Completion is scheduled for 2027 without delays.
“The market has warmly received this project, and steady progress on site reflects the UAE’s stable economic environment, reliable supply chains, and investor confidence,” emphasized Dmitry Starovoytov, founder of Almal Real Estate Development.
Luis Harding gave practical advice to sellers: pay less attention to external events and more to execution quality. “Choose your broker very, very carefully. Not all agencies are the same.” He recommends working with one trusted broker on an exclusive basis — this provides a more accurate understanding of prices, buyer sentiment, and market changes.
In Sharjah, Arada handed over keys to the first residents of Vida Residences Aljada — the first branded residential project in the emirate. It is located on East Boulevard in the Naseej district.
“We plan to deliver 4,000 homes this year plus all the necessary infrastructure in our communities. Handing over the first branded complex in Sharjah is an important milestone on this path,” said Ahmed Al Hoshaybi, Group CEO of Arada.
Periods of uncertainty often cause short-term fluctuations in sentiment, but fundamental confidence in the UAE market remains high. “We are not seeing a downturn, but a reset. These are signs of a mature market: after short-term shocks, it finds a new bottom and enters the next, even stronger growth cycle,” noted Imran Khan, founder and CEO of PIXL and Invespy. “Serious long-term investors continue to operate actively. They form the backbone of the market. Speculative activity naturally corrects, but liquidity remains deep, land plots are largely sold out, and capital is securely allocated. Projects are being launched, sales offices are operating, transactions are being completed.”
Source: khaleejtimes