Half-year Bestseller Projects

According to the Dubai Land Department data, from January to June 2026:

➤ 85,992 property transactions worth $78 billion were completed in Dubai.

Property deals show 11% volume ↓ and 11% value ↓ compared to H1 2025.

32% ➤ 27,127 transactions worth $40 billion – Existing Properties
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68% ➤ 58,835 transactions worth $38 billion – Off-plan Properties
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Compared to H1 2025:
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➤ Existing volume ↓ by 37%, the value ↓ by 28%
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➤ Off-plan volume ↑ by 10%, the value ↑ by 16%
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TOP 5 Residential Projects by Sales Value
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Apartments and Offices

1️⃣Lumena by OMNIYAT – $758 million
2️⃣LUMENA ALTA – $689 million
3️⃣HADO – $659 million
4️⃣Creek Bay – $510 million
5️⃣Aman Residences Dubai – $501 million

Villas and Townhouses

1️⃣Lunaya – $776 million
2️⃣Bahamas, DAMAC Islands 2 – $704 million
3️⃣Tahiti, DAMAC Islands 2 – $577 million
4️⃣Barbados, DAMAC Islands 2 – $524 million
5️⃣Cuba, DAMAC Islands 2 – $358 million

Most Popular Areas to Buy Properties in H1 2026

According to the property portal, Bayut, with Return on Investment (ROI):

▫️Affordable

Apartments – Discovery Gardens (9%)
Villas – DAMAC Hills 2 (6%)

▫️Mid-tier

Apartments – Al Furjan (7.7%)
Villas – DAMAC Lagoons (6%)

▫️Luxury

Apartments – Al Barari (6.5%)
Villas – Al Barari (6.4%)

Sources: Dubai Land Department, Bayut

#real_estate_dubai

TOP 10 facts about Nakheel Properties

1️⃣The company was founded in 2003. Today, it is one of Dubai's largest developers, renowned for its man-made island projects.

2️⃣The name Nakheel comes from Arabic, meaning 'palm tree'.

3️⃣In 2024, Nakheel and Meydan merged under the umbrella of the state-owned Dubai Holding.

4️⃣The company gave the world legendary archipelagos: Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands, and The World. Thanks to Nakheel's projects, Dubai's coastline grew by 410km.

5️⃣Its portfolio includes communities such as Gardens Homes, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Jumeirah Islands. They span 15,000 hectares and are home to 700,000 residents.

6️⃣The developer strives to combine innovation with efficient planning. Projects feature beaches, lagoons, golf courses, parks, and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

7️⃣Real estate range from ultra-premium island villas to affordable apartments in waterfront complexes. The portfolio also has hospitality, retail, and entertainment venues such as Nakheel Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall.

8️⃣In 2023, Dubai recorded one of its most expensive residential property deals – a penthouse in the 71-storey Como Residences by Nakheel➡️$136 million.

9️⃣The company is actively involved in charitable initiatives: supporting refugees, organising free health check-ups and eco-events.

🔟Nakheel has earned recognition across a broad range of fields, from property development to branding and community management.

Launches

➤ Edgewater Residences

📍Dubai Islands

1–3 bedroom apartments in a complex with direct beach access. Prices from $545,000.

➤ Palm Central Private Residences

📍Palm Jebel Ali

Luxurious apartments and townhouses in the first residential complex on the archipelago. Prices from $735,000.

➤ Palm Jebel Ali

📍The Fronds, Palm Jebel Ali

Two collections of ultra-premium 3-storey villas on the new archipelago. Prices from $6,900,000.

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High-quality articles about the UAE's real estate every week. Explore TOP 10 facts about the developer, DAMAC

Abu Dhabi to get a unique waterfront community, Yas Point

📍Yas Island

The state developer, Aldar, has announced a $1.6 billion project.

Across 600,000m²:

▫️5* Hotel
▫️Beach and 700m Promenade
▫️1,600 Branded Residences
▫️International School

One of the project's features is a 60,000m² park that will lead to the sea.

The community will be located next to the Sphere Abu Dhabi arena and Disneyland.

Pedestrian and cycle paths will connect the new area with neighbouring residential communities.

#real_estate_abu_dhabi

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The UAE's educational system has entered the global TOP 20 list.

The QS World Future Skills Index 2027 measures how well higher education systems prepare graduates with the skills required for future jobs.

The country has ranked:

☑️1st in the Region
☑️17th Globally

Over the past year, the UAE climbed 12 positions, scoring 86.5 out of 100 overall.

The report's authors particularly highlighted the UAE's progress in AI and digitalisation.

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The UAE's non‑oil trade has achieved a historic milestone.

In H1 2026, the volume reached $527 billion.

❗️This is a year‑on‑year growth of 13%

Key trading partners:

1️⃣China
2️⃣Switzerland
3️⃣India

Leading commodities:

☑️Gold
☑️Telecoms Sector
☑️Cars and Diamonds

#news_uae

Sources: The National, Khaleej Times

Aldar Properties has launched a mega community worth $27 billion

📍Saadiyat Island

The Marsa Al Saadiyat project will extend across 8km of waterfront.

▫️Area: 6.4 million m²
▫️Population: 58,000 people

The residential development will include mansions, villas, apartments, and branded residences.

A cluster of hillside homes rising 22m is also planned.

Features:

☑️6km of Beaches
☑️Clinics and Schools
☑️Abu Dhabi's Largest Marina
☑️Promenade with Luxury Hotels
☑️Underground Etihad Rail Station
☑️186km of Walking and Cycling Paths

The Dar Al Funoon Abu Dhabi art centre will also be built here, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum will be located within walking distance.

❗️This is the final phase of the island's masterplan

#real_estate_abu_dhabi

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In January – June 2026, Dubai issued 2 million residency visas

➤ According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

In H1 2026, the following were issued:

▫️66,000 Golden Visas
▫️1.9 Million Residency Permits
▫️5 Million Entry Permits

#life_dubai

Sources: Gulf News, Khaleej Times