Dubai Real Estate Trends:
Rentals and Sales from 2024 to 2025
This article has been prepared for informational and analytical purposes to raise awareness among real estate agents and investors about current trends in the Emirate of Dubai (UAE), based on the report “Annual Real Estate Report – Emirate of Dubai, UAE. Residential and Commercial. Q1–Q4 2024, Q1–Q2 2025”.
Overall Dynamics
Dubai’s real estate market continues to grow steadily despite climate challenges and global uncertainty.
- 2024: about 199.5k transactions totaling AED 510.2 bn (~USD 139 bn).
- H1 2025: already 103.8k transactions totaling AED 279.8 bn (~USD 76.3 bn).
- Change vs. the same period of 2024: +21.5% in transactions and +25.1% in value.
| Indicator | 2024 | H1 2025 | Change, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of transactions | ~199,500 | 103,800 | +21.5% |
| Transaction value, AED | 510.2 bn | 279.8 bn | +25.1% |
Estimating the Land Reserve (Open‑Data Based)
Methodology: plots with an assigned Makani Number are treated as potentially developed/allocated; plots without Makani are treated as reserve. This is not a classical rental vacancy rate but an indicator of structural land development.
| Source | Updated | Count |
|---|---|---|
| dm_dmgisnet_enterances-open (Makani Numbers) | September 1, 2025 | 184,369 |
| dld_land_registry-open (Land Plots by parcel id) | August 20, 2025 | 225,896 |
Share of registered Makani Numbers vs. land reserve in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE
Formula for land‑reserve calculation
Approximation introduced without accounting for other Dubai Land Department conditions.
Result: the land reserve of the Emirate of Dubai as of 01.09.2025 is ≈ 18%
Interpretation: about 82% of land plots have a Makani Number (potentially developed/allocated), ~18% represent a conditional reserve for future development projects.
Cadastral Map of the Emirate of Dubai, UAE
On the official map of the Dubai Development Authority, a cadastral plan of the Emirate of Dubai is being formed, showing areas (Dubai Land) prepared for development, which expands potential market supply.
Source: Dubai Development Authority
Residential Sales
- Apartments remain the main driver, accounting for 70%+ of transactions in 2024–2025.
- Villas & premium assets: demand in H1 2025 rose by +18% y/y vs. H1 2024.
- Post‑flood recovery (April 2024): transactions fell by roughly –27% vs. March 2024, but by June exceeded June 2023 by +9%.
| Segment | Driver | H1 2025 trend |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | Liquidity, share >70% | Steady growth |
| Villas / premium | Shift to high‑end | +18% y/y |
Commercial Sales
- Retail retains leadership: total turnover +22% y/y.
- Offices & warehouses keep expanding; in April 2025, commercial transactions were more than 2× vs. April 2024.
- Overall commercial sales in H1 2025: +28% y/y vs. H1 2024.
| Sub‑segment | Key indicator | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Retail (sales) | Turnover | +22% y/y |
| Offices / warehouses (sales) | April transactions | >2× vs. Apr 2024 |
| Commercial total | H1 2025 vs. H1 2024 | +28% y/y |
Residential Rentals
- Demand is supported by population growth and tourism: 9.88 mn international visitors in Jan–Jun 2025 (+14% y/y).
- Most in‑demand areas: Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown.
- Premium apartments: average rents +12–15% y/y.
Commercial Rentals
- Retail leasing: H1 2025 vs. H1 2024 — +19% y/y.
- Offices: rents in 2025 are +10.4% vs. end‑2024 and +26.4% y/y.
- Warehousing / logistics: leasing transactions +22% y/y, amid e‑commerce growth.
Conclusions
Based on the analysis, the following results are observed.
- Residential: sales growth (+21% transactions, +25% value) with strengthening of the premium segment.
- Commercial: expansion and resilience (+28% deals in H1 2025), led by retail and offices.
- Rentals: pricing growth in office (+26.4%) and retail (+19%) segments.
- Market adaptability: rapid restoration of urban infrastructure after the April 2024 weather event.
Sources
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