The UAE real estate sector recorded strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with transaction volumes rising sharply across both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, according to the Central Bank's latest quarterly report.
Abu Dhabi delivered the more dramatic expansion, registering a 119.6% year-on-year increase in residential transaction volumes driven by demand for premium new developments, with off-plan apartment and villa sales surging 180.6% and 175.5% respectively.
Dubai maintained steady growth with total transaction values rising 30.3% year-on-year, underpinned by solid performance across apartments and villas alongside an active off-plan segment where apartment transactions grew 20.9% and villa deals rose 19.0%.
The Central Bank of the UAE attributed the UAE's broader sector resilience to sustained international investor demand, a growing local population base, and rental yields that remain competitive against major global cities – dynamics that continue to position the UAE as one of the world's most attractive real estate destinations.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer