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Walid Al Zarooni: Recent real estate sector figures reflect strong investor confidence and the sustainability of growth in Dubai
Dubai-Gulf Time:
A Dubai leading real estate brokerage, W Capital, confirmed that Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate remarkable ability to maintain momentum and activity, despite the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE. The figures recorded in recent weeks reflect the market’s strength and the confidence of local and international investors in the UAE economy and the emirate’s investment environment.
According to data from the Dubai Land Department ( DLD), real estate transactions during the first week of March 2026 exceeded AED 11.8 billion across 3,437 transactions. Sales alone reached AED 8.4 billion through 2,632 deals, confirming the continued investment activity in the market despite regional tensions.
The market also witnessed the recording of the third most expensive residential apartment in Dubai’s history, valued at AED 422 million, within the “Aman Residences” project in the “Jumeirah 2” area. This is a strong indicator of the continued demand for luxury real estate and investor confidence in the market’s long-term prospects
A realistic reading of market data suggests that Dubai’s real estate sector is entering a more mature phase characterized by caution and selectivity in investment decisions. This is a natural behavior for any developed market in light of global geopolitical changes.
Despite this natural shift, the market’s fundamental indicators remain strong. There are no signs yet of a widespread sell-off or sharp price declines, and real estate transactions continue to register strong levels, particularly in major projects and prime locations. Off-plan sales accounted for approximately 60% of total sales, reflecting investors’ continued focus on future projects and their confidence in Dubai’s real estate market’s ability to achieve long-term growth
Several key factors bolster Dubai’s ability to maintain its investment appeal even during times of regional tension. These include the UAE’s economic and political stability, along with the emirate’s clear legislative environment and advanced infrastructure.
The high standards of security preparedness has also contributed to market confidence. The UAE’s air defenses successfully intercepted more than 200 ballistic missiles and 1,180 drones, positively impacting market and investment confidence.
Genuine Demand Drives the Market
The strong performance of Dubai’s real estate sector confirms that the market is increasingly reliant on genuine demand driven by population and economic growth, rather than solely on short-term speculation. The rental market in 2025 witnessed growth of nearly 17% compared to the previous year, reflecting the strength of residential demand and the continued influx of residents and investors to the emirate.
“The figures today confirm that Dubai’s real estate market has become more mature and resilient than ever before. The continued transactions with billions of dirhams , despite regional tensions, reflects investors’ confidence in the strength of the UAE economy and the sophisticated legislative and regulatory framework governing the market,” said CEO Walid Al Zarooni.
He emphasized that Dubai’s real estate market continues to send strong signals about investment appeal, reflecting international investors’ confidence in the robust economic environment and institutional stability of the emirate.
“What is happening now is not a market slowdown, but rather a natural transition towards a more rational and selective phase, where investors are focusing more on the quality of projects, developers, and strategic locations. This is a healthy development that enhances the market’s long-term sustainability,” he added.
Al Zarooni pointed out that Dubai remains one of the most attractive real estate markets for global capital, thanks to the absence of property income taxes, freehold ownership for foreigners, and high rental yields compared to other global markets.
New attractive opportunities for Investors
The CEO believes the current phase offers attractive investment opportunities for new investors, whether through more favorable negotiating terms or more flexible payment plans offered by some developers. He emphasized that Dubai remains one of the most stable and attractive real estate markets globally, supported by economic growth in the UAE and the increasing influx of international investors.
Current indicators confirm that Dubai’s real estate market possesses strong fundamentals, enabling it to overcome temporary geopolitical challenges and maintain its long-term growth trajectory, bolstered by investor confidence and the resilience of the UAE economy.