Forest Living, Record Sales, Safe Havens: UAE Real Estate Market News Digest

This week, the UAE real estate market reached new heights with record-breaking monthly sales and a growing trend toward nature-led "forest living" communities. Despite global tensions, the region continues to serve as a primary safe haven for ultra-prime investments, underscored by landmark $100 million transactions.

For more info, please refer to Inside Realty's weekly news report for March 2-6.

The UAE residential market is entering a phase of softer home sales, moving toward more sustainable growth as supply increases with 180,000 units expected by 2028.

However, the market remains resilient and low-risk because it is primarily cash-driven with 83% of recent deals being non-mortgaged and supported by a banking sector with reduced real estate exposure.

A new partnership between the DLD and ESE aims to boost Emirati participation in Dubai’s real estate sector.

The initiative will provide students with specialized training and career pathways, ensuring the next generation of UAE nationals plays a leading role in the city's property market.

In 2026, Gulf homebuyers have traded speculative hype for disciplined selectivity.

The market is now dominated by end-users and strategic investors who prioritize long-term liveability, infrastructure connectivity, and proven developer credibility over short-term flips, viewing property as a stable foundation for residency and wealth preservation.

Dubai Police are warning residents about a surge in online rental scams involving fake property listings and stolen images.

To stay safe, the public is urged to verify agents via the Dubai REST app, conduct physical viewings, and avoid making any payments until legal ownership and contracts are fully authenticated.

Dubai property sales reached a record AED 60.6 billion in February 2026, a 54.3% jump in value year-on-year.

Led by a dominant off-plan sector representing AED 35.8 billion in deals, the market saw nearly 18,000 transactions, reflecting sustained investor confidence and a surge in demand for new luxury developments.

The "forest living" trend is reshaping the UAE property market as developers launch nature-led communities that prioritize wellness and sustainability.

Projects featuring dense tree canopies and cooler microclimates are seeing high demand, as buyers increasingly seek a "biophilic" lifestyle that blends luxury living with environmental consciousness.

Despite regional geopolitical tensions, Dubai’s luxury real estate market continues to thrive, recently recording a landmark property sale exceeding $100 million.

This high-value transaction underscores the city's status as a safe haven for global investors and highlights sustained demand for ultra-prime real estate, driven by Dubai's economic stability and attractive lifestyle offerings.

Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar remains highly optimistic about Dubai’s real estate market, dismissing concerns of a bubble by citing the city’s strong economic fundamentals and global appeal.

Following a record-breaking year with AED 80.4 billion in property sales, Alabbar expects continued growth and a healthy market rebalancing, while also focusing on Emaar’s expansion into major international markets.