Dubai and Gulf Property: Off-Plan and Golden Visas — 2026-09-02
Dubai’s real estate market recorded over AED 523 billion in transactions in the first eight months of 2026, with off-plan sales dominating activity. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s housing ministry announced the release of more than 9,700 residential plots via the "Sakani" platform, signaling continued efforts to stabilize supply as foreign ownership rules take effect.
Dubai and Gulf Property: Off-Plan and Golden Visas — 2026-09-02
Top developments
Dubai Transactions Exceed Half a Trillion Dirhams
Data released on September 1, 2026, reveals that Dubai Land Department (DLD) transaction values reached AED 523.44 billion in the first eight months of 2026. This figure underscores the sustained momentum in the sector, driven largely by sales which accounted for AED 349.83 billion of the total. The robust performance highlights the effectiveness of recent visa reforms and population growth in attracting long-term capital to the emirate.
DAMAC Reports Strong H1 Performance and Contract Awards
Developer DAMAC announced that it awarded US $2.72 billion in construction contracts during the first half of 2026, supporting its pipeline of over 50,000 homes. The company is focusing on completing its targeted 8,800-plus handovers for the year while mobilizing new packages to meet demand. This activity reinforces DAMAC’s position as a leader in the off-plan residential market, where it recorded significant sales volumes earlier in the year.
Saudi Arabia Releases 9,700+ Plots via Sakani Platform
The Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced the release of more than 9,700 residential plots through the "Sakani" platform since the beginning of 2026 through late August. Riyadh led the distribution, reflecting the capital's priority status in the Kingdom’s housing stabilization strategy. This move aims to increase supply and address affordability challenges as the new foreign ownership regulations begin to impact the broader market dynamics.
Abu Dhabi Market Defies Regional Conflict
Despite regional geopolitical tensions, Abu Dhabi’s property market has shown remarkable resilience, with transaction volumes and values continuing to surge. Analysts note that the capital’s stability and diversified economy have attracted investors seeking safe havens, contrasting with some volatility seen in other global markets. This performance contributes to the UAE’s overall strong real estate figures for the first half of 2026.
Local view
Arabic media outlets are highlighting the dual narrative of record-breaking transaction volumes in Dubai and strategic supply injections in Saudi Arabia. Voice of Emirates emphasizes that the AED 523 billion milestone reflects "sustained momentum" driven by investor confidence. Meanwhile, Economy Today focuses on the Saudi government’s proactive approach, noting that Riyadh’s leadership in plot distribution is critical for balancing demand in the Kingdom’s largest urban center. Emarat Al Youm reports that ultra-luxury segments in Dubai remain resilient, supported by high-net-worth individuals and international investors, even as the broader market adjusts to higher supply levels.
Context & numbers
- Dubai Transaction Value: AED 523.44 billion (Jan–Aug 2026).
- Dubai Sales Value: AED 349.83 billion (Jan–Aug 2026).
- Saudi Plot Release: >9,700 residential plots released via Sakani (Jan–Aug 2026).
- DAMAC Contract Awards: US $2.72 billion (H1 2026).
On the radar
- Q3 Handover Data: Market watchers are awaiting updated handover statistics from the DLD to assess if the projected 96,585 homes for 2026 are on track, given the 83% pre-sale rate reported earlier.
- Short-Term Rental Trends: Recent data indicates that while occupancy rates in UAE short-term rentals are recovering, this is partly due to shrinking supply rather than a full return of demand, which could impact yield expectations for investors.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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