Dubai and Gulf Property: Off-Plan and Golden Visas — 2026-10-29
Dubai’s property market is showing signs of stabilization as Q3 data reveals steady asking prices and a surge in office leasing activity, while the ultra-luxury segment expands beyond Palm Jumeirah. Meanwhile, major developers like Aldar and Dubai Holding are preparing massive new projects, and Saudi Arabia continues to attract significant foreign investment through its newly opened ownership frameworks.
Dubai and Gulf Property: Off-Plan and Golden Visas — 2026-10-29
Top developments
Dubai Q3 2026 Survey: Buyer Confidence Remains High Despite Price Stability
According to a recent Bayut and Dubizzle survey of 2,014 participants, 60% of buyers expressed confidence or cautious optimism about the property market over the next five years. While 46% of buyers expect prices to rise, 52% cited long-term UAE residency as their primary motivation for purchasing. The data indicates that Dubai Silicon Oasis is leading searches for affordable apartments, while Palm Jumeirah villas continue to command high averages of Dh44 million.
Ultra-Luxury Demand Decentralizes from Palm Jumeirah
Khaleej Times reports that Dubai’s $10 million+ property market is spreading beyond the Palm Jumeirah. Demand is becoming more selective and geographically diverse, driven by lifestyle preferences and scarcity rather than just location prestige. Knight Frank’s latest analysis confirms 412 deals above $10 million in the first nine months of 2026, with Palm Jumeirah still leading at 31% of sales, but other areas gaining ground.
Aldar and Dubai Holding Prep 7,000-Unit Joint Venture
Al-Khaleej newspaper reports that Aldar Properties is preparing to launch a massive new project with Dubai Holding, comprising 7,000 units. This follows Aldar’s Q3 2026 earnings beat, though shares slipped slightly despite strong performance. The joint venture aims to capitalize on the sustained demand for residential units in key Dubai communities.
Saudi Arabia Attracts $13.3 Billion from Arad Group
Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Saudi Arabia’s real estate market is attracting significant international investment, with the UAE-based Arad Group committing $13.3 billion to projects in the Kingdom. This move highlights the growing convergence between Gulf property markets, as Saudi Arabia implements its new foreign ownership rules to boost residential supply and tourism.
Local view
Gulf Today and Entrepreneur Middle East highlight that Dubai’s asking prices remained broadly stable in Q3 2026, according to Bayut data. Local analysts note that while off-plan launches have faced a "drought," the market is shifting toward completed homes, with buyer confidence remaining resilient. Emarat Al Youm reports that office leasing in Dubai recorded 20,200 transactions in Q3 2026, maintaining steady activity levels.
Context & numbers
- Daily Transaction Volumes: Dubai property transactions reached Dh2 billion on Tuesday, Oct 27, across 680 deals, according to the "Dubai Rest" app.
- Land Sales: Dubai land sales have totaled Dh146 billion since the start of 2026, involving 10,770 plots.
- Saudi Housing Index: Saudi real estate prices rose annually for the second consecutive quarter in Q3 2026, though gains were concentrated in limited regions.
On the radar
- Off-Plan Launch Drought: Analysts continue to monitor the decline in off-plan launches, with a notable shift in buyer preference toward completed properties.
- Golden Visa Eligibility: With the AED 2 million threshold for Golden Visa eligibility via property investment, buyers are increasingly seeking certified off-plan values to qualify for 10-year residency.
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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