Dubai Land Department Reports 104 New Project Completions in H1 2026, Signalling Market Maturation

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has reported a significant surge in real estate project completions during the first half of 2026, with 104 projects worth more than AED 111 billion delivered across the emirate. This represents a 38.7% increase in project numbers and a 52% rise in value compared to the same period in 2025.

These completions added 24,537 new residential units to Dubai's property landscape, a 36% increase year-on-year. The built-up area ready for handover also expanded by nearly 25% to 1.95 million square metres, while the value of land allocated to these completed projects saw a substantial 135% jump, reaching AED 19.46 billion.

Market Dynamics and Outlook

While the delivery wave signifies earlier off-plan sales reaching handover and strong capital inflows, the market is showing signs of maturation. Despite the robust supply, residential sales transactions in H1 2026 saw a decline, with 79,281 transactions worth AED 221.4 billion, down approximately 14% in volume and 16% in value from H1 2025 figures.

Off-plan properties continue to drive activity, accounting for 74.5% of the residential sales value in the first half of 2026. Average apartment prices closed June at approximately AED 1,790.8 per square foot, a slight decrease from the end of 2025, suggesting a shift towards market stabilisation.

Badar Rashid Al Blooshi, chairman of Arabian Gulf Properties, noted that the increased supply offers more options for buyers and investors, supported by initiatives like the First-Time Home Buyer Programme and improved digital infrastructure.

Driving Factors and Economic Goals

Several factors contribute to this wave of completions:

• Handover of earlier off-plan sales: Projects sold in previous years are now being delivered.
• Strong capital flows: Significant liquidity and new investments are entering the market.
• Policy ambition: The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033 and includes population and homeownership growth targets.
• Wider demand base: Dubai's attractive regulatory and digital real estate infrastructure continues to draw international capital.

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed commented that these results demonstrate steady progress towards the D33 agenda, reinforcing Dubai's economic expansion and its goal to be among the world's top three cities.