Dubai’s real estate market reached a historic milestone on January 26, 2026, recording the highest-ever single-day transaction value of Dh15.6 billion. The surge reflects the emirate’s continuing appeal to both local residents and international investors, as slightly easing prices encourage buyers to enter the market.
Record Transactions Across Segments
Data from the Dubai Land Department shows that over 1,501 real estate transactions took place on that day, with sales alone totaling Dh11.4 billion. These transactions spanned land, residential units, and buildings, including mortgages and high-value gifts. This activity highlights a broad-based investor base and underscores the expansion and diversification of Dubai’s property market.
Prices and Market Trends
According to Property Monitor, property prices in Dubai declined slightly for the second consecutive month in December 2025, reaching Dh1,673 per sq ft. Despite this modest cooling, prices remain 105% above the market trough of October 2020 and 35.7% above the market peak of September 2014. The easing of prices has prompted more residents to transition from renting to owning, while foreign investors are capitalising on attractive deals.
Fundamentals-Led Market Outlook
Real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Core notes that 2026 is likely to be characterised by greater selectivity and fundamentals-led performance, as the market moves beyond its peak growth phase. According to Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of Arabian Gulf Properties, the Dh15.6 billion single-day milestone reflects strong confidence from both local and international investors in Dubai’s ability to absorb large-scale investments in a globally competitive environment.
Driving Factors
AlBlooshi attributes this record to broader economic growth, corporate expansion, and Dubai’s evolving role as a global business hub. The milestone reinforces Dubai’s position as a magnet for capital, combining high liquidity, attractive yields, and investor-friendly policies that continue to differentiate it from other major property markets worldwide.
Dubai’s 2026 real estate outlook suggests sustained investor confidence, a balanced market, and opportunities for both end-users and capital investors to benefit from long-term growth and attractive returns.