United Arab Emirates Real Estate - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The United Arab Emirates real estate market size is projected to be USD 193.55 billion in 2025, USD 208.11 billion in 2026, and reach USD 299.10 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.52% from 2026 to 2031. This report is segmented by Business Model (Sales and Rental), Property Type (Residential and Commercial), End-User (Individuals/Households, Corporates and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Others), and Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Rest of the United Arab Emirates). Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

United Arab Emirates Real Estate Market Trends and Insights

Golden Visa, Retirement Visa, and Foreign-Ownership Reforms Boost Property Demand

A February 2026 change allows an off-plan purchase to count toward the USD 0.5 million Golden Visa threshold from Oqood registration, Dubai’s system for registering off-plan property sales. The rule removes the previous 50% off-plan equity requirement and broadens the pool of eligible buyers. Dubai also removed the minimum property value requirement for its standard Property Visa and introduced a first-time homebuyer program in 2026. These measures give foreign purchasers a clearer route to long-term residency through property ownership. Developers can align off-plan releases with buyers seeking both a home and visa eligibility.

Population Growth and High-Net-Worth Expatriate Migration Increase Housing Demand

Dubai surpassed 4 million residents in 2025 and added more than 208,000 residents during the year. The United Arab Emirates also received a net inflow of 9.80 billionaires in 2025, strengthening demand for premium homes. Resident expatriates and nonresident foreign buyers represented 62% of Abu Dhabi residential unit sales in 2025. Resident foreign buyers accounted for 69% of the growth in Abu Dhabi residential sales from 2022 to 2025. This buyer base supports demand from households making longer-term residence decisions.

Mortgage Rates and Affordability Pressures Limit Buyer Demand

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates's base rate remained at 3.7% through April 2026. The 3-month Emirates Interbank Offered Rate was 3.9% in June 2026. Fixed mortgage rates ranged from 3.8% for 1-year products to 5% for longer fixed terms. Overseas buyers faced rates of 4.5% to 5.5% and loan-to-value caps of 50%. Higher borrowing costs can redirect affordability-sensitive demand toward lower-priced communities.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Tourism, Hospitality, and Corporate Relocation Support Real Estate Growth
• Infrastructure Investment and Economic Diversification Drive Property Development
• Oversupply Risks in High-Rise and Mid-Market Apartments Pressure Absorption

Segment Analysis

The sales model held 62.7% of the United Arab Emirates real estate market share in 2025. The result reflected a strong preference among investors and residents for ownership, including off-plan ownership. Off-plan transactions represented 73% of Dubai residential deals in 2025. Off-plan property represented 89% of Abu Dhabi residential sales value in the first half of 2026. The rental model is the faster-growing business model, with a forecast CAGR of 8.15% through 2031. This growth reflects the expanding stock of investor-owned completed homes that can be offered to tenants.

More than 271,000 tenancy contracts were registered in Dubai during the first half of 2026. Average gross rental yields reached 6.6% during the period. As projects due for delivery from 2026 to 2028 are completed, some off-plan stock will enter the rental pool. This may improve tenant choice in high-pipeline apartment communities. It may also moderate rental yield pressure in these locations. Purpose-built rental housing remains limited, leaving a gap for developers that can provide professionally managed communities for corporate tenants.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Business Model
  • Sales
  • Rental

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Emaar Properties PJSC
• Aldar Properties PJSC
• DAMAC Properties
• Nakheel
• Azizi Developments
• Dubai Holding
• Deyaar Development PJSC
• Sobha Realty
• Arada Developments
• Binghatti Developers
• Meraas
• Dubai Properties
• Modon Holding
• Union Properties PJSC
• Bloom Holding
• Ellington Properties
• MAG Group Holding
• Seven Tides
• Tiger Properties
• Meydan Group

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support