Dubai: Dubai added 24,800 homes during the first half of 2026, giving buyers and tenants more choice as the residential market moved into a period of steadier growth following two years of elevated activity.
The number of completed homes increased almost 38% from the same period last year and 12% from the second half of 2025, according to Cavendish Maxwell.
Residential sales prices eased 2.6% from the first quarter, while rental rates declined 2.5%. Prices remained nearly 2% higher than a year earlier, with rents up 7.8% annually.
The rise in handovers marked Dubai’s strongest half-year delivery period in several years, with projects launched during the recent market expansion reaching completion.
New launch activity moderated, with 28,000 units released across 124 projects during the first half, compared with 102,000 units across 410 launches a year earlier.
Cavendish Maxwell said the slowdown began during the first quarter after record launch volumes in 2024 and 2025, while regional uncertainty led some developers to delay projects during the second quarter.
“Dubai’s residential market is showing clear signs of transitioning to a new cycle following exceptional levels of activity over the last two years,” said Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuations at Cavendish Maxwell.
International City is evolving from an affordable residential community into a more diverse commercial destination. With over 22,000 homes, established retail activity around Dragon Mart, and growing demand for office space, the area presents opportunities for new commercial development. Tomorrow World Properties sees International City as a location with strong fundamentals and room for growth. Through Tomorrow Commercial Tower and Tomorrow Commercial Tower 2, the company aims to introduce modern, efficient commercial spaces that serve the surrounding community. Rather than competing with Downtown Dubai or DIFC, International City is expected to develop its own identity as an emerging business and investment destination.
Real estate leaders Winston Klint and Zhou Yuan highlight preparation, teamwork, timely decision-making, fiscal discipline, continuous learning, and the ability to recognise market and policy changes early. They encourage young professionals to seek clarity, stay adaptable, understand structural shifts, and act confidently when opportunities emerge in Dubai’s evolving real estate sector.
Tomorrow World Properties has partnered with Italian luxury brand Missoni for an upcoming Dubai development, combining vibrant urban living with retreat-inspired design. Homes will feature Missoni interiors, signature patterns, custom fixtures, and location-inspired colours. OCTA Properties will serve as the exclusive sales, marketing, and brand management partner for the project.
Construction Week’s Top 100 Real Estate Developers list highlights leading property companies across the GCC, recognising their influence, project portfolios and contribution to the region’s rapidly evolving real estate sector. The list is compiled using publicly available information and is presented as a selection rather than a formal ranking.
