Dubai real estate
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Azizi Florence Marks a Return to Sharjah as Dh30 Billion Community Readies for 10 September 2026 Pre-launch
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 | Rabi al-Awwal 18, 1448 | Fajr 04:40 | DXB 34.4 °C As Azizi Developments moves toward the pre-launch of Azizi Florence later this month, I am reminded of my first encounter with Sharjah more than 32 years ago. My family and I now proudly call the UAE home, but the path began in 1995 when an international trading deal with a UAE firm—before I had ever visited the country—led to an invitation to Sharjah. A five-day visit changed everything. The generosity and hospitality I encountered inspired me to establish a registered business and secure a small office by the end of that week. Three months later my family and I moved into a villa in Sharjah; we lived there for four or five years before relocating to Dubai. Those early memories—school buses, evening walks along the Al Buhaira Corniche—remain deeply cherished. For me, Azizi Florence is a homecoming and a statement of ambition. Valued at Dh30 billion and designed entirely by Azizi Developments’ in-house engineering team, the masterplan includes 1,130 villas, more than 6,000 townhouses and 3,500 apartments. The green community centres on a 1.7-million-square-foot Central Park and features water elements, botanical gardens, parks and 12 kilometers of jogging and cycling tracks. Residents will benefit from spas, gyms, swimming pools, cultural venues including a cinema, a 3,000-seat amphitheatre and an Art and Culture Plaza, plus a school for 1,000 students, two Jumma mosques, prayer halls in each cluster, a community mall, six clubhouses, a 1,000-seat ballroom and 24/7 facilities management. I see the pre-launch on 10 September 2026 as a new chapter for Azizi Developments and a tribute to the Emirate that welcomed me. Mirwais Azizi is Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments. ©2026 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.
Two Burj Khalifa-Area Villas Drive Dh1.2b in Early-Friday Property Deals
Dubai’s property market opened Friday with two headline villa transactions in the Burj Khalifa area that together totalled Dh1.2 billion, one of which was a Dh725 million sale. Data from the Dubai REST app indicates the sold villa occupied about 379,000 square feet, which works out to an average of Dh1,914 per square foot. A second villa in the same neighbourhood was mortgaged for Dh471.3 million; that property also covered about 379,000 square feet, making the mortgage equivalent roughly Dh1,244 per square foot. Combined, these two deals ranked among the largest recorded at the start of Friday’s trading. Broader early trading figures showed Dubai property sales reached Dh1.3 billion across 185 transactions, while mortgage activity totalled Dh684 million from 44 transactions. Gift transactions were valued at Dh17 million across 13 deals. These movements add to a steady flow of high-value property activity in Dubai, where luxury homes and expansive residential plots continue to represent some of the market’s most significant individual transactions. The pair of high-priced villa deals underlines ongoing investor appetite for prime locations and large-format residential assets in the emirate.
Emirati Women Channel Dh2.7b into Sharjah Property Market in Jan–Aug 2026
Sharjah: Emirati women poured Dh2.7 billion into Sharjah’s real estate sector during the first eight months of 2026, official figures show. Between January and August, investments covered 3,385 properties and involved 3,737 Emirati women, the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department reported to mark Emirati Women’s Day. The number of Emirati women investors rose 4.2 per cent from 3,586 in the same period of 2025, while properties traded increased 1.9 per cent from 3,322. Transaction value climbed 1.2 per cent from Dh2.6 billion in the first eight months of 2025 to Dh2.7 billion in the corresponding period this year. The department published the statistics on Thursday in a report that highlighted Emirati women’s expanding role in the emirate’s property market and their confidence in its economic and legislative environment. Amal Obaid Hadid, Head of the Media Section at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, said the data reflect ongoing efforts to boost women’s participation in the economy. She linked these gains to the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, and to continued support from H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, in strengthening women’s capabilities and creating a legislative and societal environment that enhances their presence. The department reiterated its commitment to continue backing women as key partners in the UAE’s sustainable development and economic growth.
Dubai launches strict shared-housing regime with permits and Dh1m maximum fine for repeat breaches
A new Dubai law governing shared housing became effective on Wednesday, introducing mandatory permits and penalties that can reach Dh1 million for repeat offences as authorities clamp down on unauthorised accommodation. Law No. 4 of 2026, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, sets standards for the management, occupation and leasing of shared housing across private development zones and free zones, while excluding units designated for collective labour accommodation. The statute entered into force 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette on February 27 and applies across Dubai, including special development zones and free zones. It defines shared housing as properties where individuals or families occupy designated spaces while sharing kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms and outdoor areas, and it details which properties may be used, who may operate them and which categories of people may reside there. No person or company may designate a property for shared housing without a permit. Property owners and licensed establishments may rent approved units, occupants and third parties may not sublet, and owners may either lease directly or appoint licensed managers; licensed operators may also lease from owners for onward letting. Fines range from Dh500 to Dh500,000 and, if the same offence recurs within one year, may be doubled up to Dh1 million. Authorities may suspend operators for up to six months, revoke permits, cancel trade licences, disconnect utilities, refuse contract registrations and order evacuation by an execution judge. Suspension or permit cancellation does not automatically force immediate eviction; occupants may be allowed time to relocate. Existing owners and businesses have one year from August 26, 2026 to comply, extendable once by the municipality's director-general. The law permits shared housing by government entities, private companies for staff and educational institutions for students, provided accommodation is licensed and meets standards. Six property types may be designated: apartments, detached houses, residential complexes, mixed-use buildings, townhouses and multi-storey buildings. Permitted resident categories include families, women, men, female and male students, government employees and workers employed by private companies and institutions.
Dh24.4 million District One West sale underscores the premium on verified listings
Trust and verified access to available stock are emerging as central concerns in Dubai’s luxury housing market, where buyers increasingly question the accuracy of online listings. A recent Dh24.4 million transaction in District One West Phase 2, handled by Fedy Arapi of CBA Real Estate, exemplifies this shift. The unit fetched about Dh2,722 per sq ft, exceeding the development’s displayed median of around Dh2,330 per sq.ft, and sitting well above the project’s recent median transaction value of about Dh14 million — ranking it among the larger recent sales in District One West. As prime residential Dubai continues to draw deep-pocketed investors and end users, genuinely available high-quality homes are being held tightly and vendors are choosier about representation. For prospective luxury purchasers the issue is less the volume of online listings and more the ability to verify which properties are truly on the market and which brokers maintain direct lines to sellers. Salman Bin Ali, CEO of CBA Real Estate, says that a brokerage’s true metric is the amount of genuine inventory owners entrust it to market, adding that the firm holds billions of dirhams in exclusive inventory across Dubai. Fedy Arapi, portfolio advisor, noted the District One West sale highlights the value of relationships and targeted positioning over simply advertising listings. CBA is focusing its model on exclusive stock, connections and execution, arguing that a deep, connected inventory makes the market come to them rather than the other way around.
Object 1 Unveils SKY LEVEL 1: A Digital-First Mixed-Use Tower in JVC
Object 1 has unveiled SKY LEVEL 1, a mixed-use residential tower in District 11 of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), further expanding the developer’s footprint in this active Dubai neighbourhood. Due for completion in the second quarter of 2029, the building will house 420 one-bedroom residences across 35 residential floors, alongside dedicated office, retail, parking, amenity and rooftop spaces. Drawing on elevated living and celestial motifs, SKY LEVEL 1 adds a distinctive architectural presence to Object 1’s JVC pipeline. Bayut’s 2025 Dubai rental market report lists JVC as a top choice for mid-tier apartment rentals and documents an average 8.59 per cent annual increase in apartment transaction rents from 2024. The community’s practical layouts, family-friendly infrastructure and strong rental demand continue to attract investors and end users. Located two minutes from Circle Mall and within reach of Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Palm Jumeirah, the project benefits from improved connectivity after the Roads and Transport Authority completed the Hessa Street upgrade between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, cutting travel times to approximately four minutes and doubling road capacity in both directions for several surrounding communities, including JVC. Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, notes this is the developer’s first new project launch of 2026; in the first half two of their projects received Building Completion Certificates and several more are preparing for handover. SKY LEVEL 1 offers a Sky Infinity Pool, panoramic sky deck with sun loungers, Sky Observation Deck with digital telescopes, an AI-powered Smart Wellness Zone with an intelligent Smart Mirror, and family features such as a Digital Coloring Wall. Visit Object-1.com. This content comes from Reach by Gulf News, which is the branded content team of GN Media.
Object 1 debuts Sky Level 1 in JVC, adding 420 one-bed units with Q2 2029 delivery
Tue, Aug 25, 2026 | Rabi al-Awwal 12, 1448 | Fajr 04:36 | DXB 34.1 °C Developer Object 1 has unveiled Sky Level 1, a mixed-use residential tower in District 11, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), expanding its footprint in one of Dubai’s busiest mid-market communities. The project, due for completion in Q2 2029, will contain 420 one-bedroom residences stacked over 35 residential floors and will include dedicated office, retail, parking, amenity and rooftop areas. Drawing on elevated living themes and a celestial-inspired design, Sky Level 1 grows Object 1’s JVC pipeline amid strong local demand. Bayut’s 2025 Dubai rental market report names the neighbourhood a top pick for mid-tier apartment rentals and records an average 8.59 per cent annual increase in apartment transaction rents from 2024. The area’s family-oriented infrastructure, practical layouts and robust rental interest continue to attract investors and end users. Situated two minutes from Circle Mall and within reach of leading schools, retail and attractions such as Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Palm Jumeirah, the scheme benefits from improved connectivity following the Roads and Transport Authority’s completion of the Hessa Street upgrade between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, reducing travel times to approximately four minutes and doubling road capacity in both directions for several surrounding communities, including JVC. Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, said: “Sky Level 1 marks our first new project launch of 2026, and we are approaching it with the same discipline that has shaped our delivery this year. In the first half, two of our projects received Building Completion Certificates and several more are preparing for handover. This gives us confidence to continue expanding in JVC, a community where accessibility, rental demand and end-user relevance continue to support long-term value.” The launch arrives as Dubai posted Dh252 billion in real estate transactions during the first quarter of 2026, a 31 per cent increase versus the same period last year. Sky Level 1 also introduces digital-led amenities: a sky infinity pool, panoramic sky deck with sun loungers, a Sky Observation Deck with digital telescopes to view constellations, planets and satellites in real time, an AI-powered Smart Wellness Zone with an intelligent Smart Mirror for personalised fitness through real-time movement analysis, form correction and interactive workout guidance, plus family-focused features including a Digital Coloring Wall that turns children’s drawings into interactive digital experiences. Scheduled for handover in 2029, the scheme reinforces Object 1’s JVC expansion and its focus on future-ready living. Visit object-1.com. ©2026 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.
Hyderabad to Host UAE Developers at Two-Day Property Expo for Indian Investors
Leading UAE developers will showcase their newest residential, commercial and mixed-use ventures at a two-day exhibition in Hyderabad designed to deepen UAE-India investment links. The Property Grand Expo, organised by The Times of India Group with UAE-based Global Edge Advertisements, is scheduled for October 31 to November 1, 2026, at JRC Conventions and Trade Fairs in Hyderabad. The exhibition has secured backing from Dubai Land Department and several land authorities across the Northern Emirates, and senior government representatives are set to join developers, banking partners and real estate specialists. Dubai Land Department highlighted Dubai’s position as a global investment destination supported by a transparent, regulated market, advanced digital services and diverse opportunities, and emphasised its aim to build a sustainable, investor-friendly ecosystem that helps people make informed choices while supporting Dubai’s long-term growth. The event seeks to link UAE developers with investors from Hyderabad and the wider Telangana region, noted as one of India’s fastest-growing technology and wealth hubs and home to a large non-resident Indian population that has traditionally invested in UAE property. Hyderabad hosts global tech firms including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Apple and Deloitte, with More than 1,500 technology companies operating in the city. Organisers expect high-net-worth individuals, business owners and NRI investors to attend. Industry estimates put Indian buyers at around 22 per cent of international property transactions in the UAE. The India-UAE Real Estate Forum will run alongside the expo, covering topics such as freehold ownership, leasehold structures, long-term residency options including the Golden Visa, property financing and regulatory transparency across the emirates.
Abu Dhabi pipeline set to deliver 71,000 homes by 2030 as six districts dominate supply
Abu Dhabi’s residential stock, currently about 409,000 units, is expected to expand by 71,000 units by 2030, with deliveries peaking at roughly 21,800 units in 2028, ADREC’s Real Estate Market Report for the first half of 2026 shows. Six districts — Al Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Hudayriyat Island — are forecast to drive 77% of the emirate’s incremental supply through 2030. Nine major developers make up 76% of the project pipeline, dominated by high-end and mid-market apartment and villa communities concentrated in investment zones. The Abu Dhabi Region has posted average annual supply growth of 3.3% since 2022 and now holds 79% of the emirate’s residential stock. Between the second half of 2026 and 2030, development projects are estimated to supply 77% of the region’s growth, with the remaining 23% from building permits. New-lease prices continue to climb: apartments rose 17% and villas 9% overall, while within investment zones new-lease prices increased 21% for apartments and 16% for villas. Abu Dhabi recorded 233,000 active residential lease contracts in H1 2026 with total lease values of Dh9.3 billion. Lease values were up 8% year on year and contract volumes rose 2%. Repeat sales prices increased 20% for apartments and 12% for villas. Residential transactions reached Dh70.4 billion, up from Dh25.3 billion in the first half of 2025, led by heavy off-plan activity. ADREC says the findings are based on registered transaction data covering sales, leases and mortgages during the first half of 2026.
New Dubai schemes open wider routes for buyers, renters and residency
Dubai has broadened entry points for first-time buyers, renters and those seeking residency via property, with industry figures highlighting the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, Flexi Rent and changes to property-linked visas. Launched in July 2025, the First-Time Home Buyer Programme targets residents aged 18 and above who have never owned a freehold home in Dubai, offering priority on selected properties, developer and bank incentives and tailored financing. Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said more than 3,200 residents bought homes through the scheme in less than a year with transactions exceeding Dh5 billion. By June 2026 almost 45,000 people had registered and nine additional developers raised participating firms to 22. An earlier six-month snapshot cited by Zacky Sajjad, Director Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell, recorded more than 41,000 registrations, over 2,000 first-home purchases and purchases exceeding Dh3.25 billion, with nearly 50% of buyers having lived in Dubai for more than five years. Bayut noted Taskeen removed the previous Dh750,000 minimum property value for sole owners seeking a two-year investor residency visa, while joint owners must hold a minimum Dh400,000 share. Harry Martin, Head of Off-plan and Capital Markets at betterhomes, pointed to the Golden Visa—10-year residency for a Dh2 million investment—and expanded freehold zones. Flexi Rent permits monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payment schedules. Dubai’s Smart Rental Index, introduced in 2025, and lending rules allowing expatriate owner-occupiers up to 80% finance for homes valued at Dh5 million or less are also shaping choices, while Abu Dhabi temporarily cut permitted rental rises from 5% to 0% in June 2026 amid ADREC data showing new lease prices up about 15% year on year and 23% in investment zones.
Dubai’s Iconic Toyota Building Set for 2027 Demolition as Tenants Begin to Move Out
Dubai’s familiar Toyota building on Sheikh Zayed Road is due to be torn down in 2027, the real estate division managing the property has confirmed. The agent, representing NRL Group, or Nasser Rashid Lootah Real Estate, told Gulf News the demolition is planned but did not provide a specific date. Footage shared on social media showing residents leaving and recalling memories prompted the enquiry. Management said tenants who hold existing rental contracts are permitted to stay until December 2026. Some occupants are already vacating, the agent explained, because authorities have cut electricity to certain units — an action linked to a number of partitioned apartments in the complex. Gulf News has approached relevant authorities for further information about the disconnections and the partitioned units. Indian expatriate Himanshu SK, a travel agent who has lived in the UAE for four and a half years and three years in the building, posted a farewell video on Instagram and reflected on living in both Block A and Block B. Longstanding residents, some of whom asked to remain unnamed, described decades of memories tied to the place. A restaurant beneath the building said it is still open for now but expects to close eventually, and a minimart confirmed it will shut within the next two to three days. Completed in 1974, the 15-storey residential complex stands about 65 metres tall and was among the first three buildings near the First Roundabout. Known as the Toyota Building after a neon Toyota sign first installed in 1981, removed in 2018 and reinstalled in June 2022, it contains one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and has been a Downtown Dubai landmark for more than five decades.
Which Dubai districts could gain as rail and metro links expand?
Improved rail connections from Etihad Rail and new Metro lines could make living farther from central workplaces more practical for Dubai residents. Property executives repeatedly name International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, JVC, Meydan, Dubai South, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Mirdif and Al Warqa as likely beneficiaries, especially where commuters currently depend on cars or buses. That would broaden options beyond Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Marina, where closeness to jobs has long justified higher rents and prices. Fibha Ahmed, VP of Property Sales at Bayut, says faster links change the travel-time equation between outer areas and employment centres. The Blue Line, scheduled to open in 2029, recasts prospects for eastern neighbourhoods: International City, Warsan, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Mirdif and Al Warqa are expected to gain from direct Metro access. Vivek Bhavsar, Director of Consulting at JLL MENA, notes the impact is clearest where the Metro arrives for the first time. International City Phase 2 and Dubai Silicon Oasis are highlighted as relatively well priced ahead of the new links. The planned Gold Line redirects attention to JVC, Meydan, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha South and Jumeirah Golf Estates; Jumeirah Golf Estates may combine Gold Line access with Etihad Rail. Etihad Rail also brings Dubai South, Jebel Ali and Dubai Investments Park into focus, with Dubai South positioned near Expo City and Al Maktoum International Airport. Salman Ali Khan, COO and Co-Founder of 3S Real Estate Brokers, expects rents to react before sale prices and estimates a typical premium around stations at between 5% and 25%. Executives broadly agree better transport will expand residential choice without eliminating demand for central locations.
Nakheel unveils 44 beachfront villas on Palm Jebel Ali’s Frond F, handovers from late '26
Nakheel has released 44 villas on Frond F of Palm Jebel Ali, presenting what the developer calls one of the last chances to buy a new residence on the destination’s residential fronds. The offering mixes properties from Nakheel’s Beach and Coral Collections across 10 architectural designs, with five-, six- and seven-bedroom villas sitting directly on the shoreline with beach access and uninterrupted views across the Arabian Gulf. The Beach Collection comprises five- and six-bedroom villas of approximately 7,500 to 8,500 sq ft, while the Coral Collection features larger six- and seven-bedroom homes ranging from about 11,500 to 12,500 sq ft. Design collaborations include NAGA Architects, SAOTA, LW Design Group and LOCI Architecture, with layouts emphasising generous interiors, natural light, indoor-outdoor living and privacy. The new release precedes the first phased villa handovers, which are scheduled to begin in late 2026 and continue through 2027, with initial handovers due from late '26. Nakheel has awarded more than Dh13 billion in construction and infrastructure contracts for Palm Jebel Ali so far, and villa construction is underway across all 12 residential fronds. Work covering substructure, superstructure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and infrastructure is progressing across 544 villas on Fronds A to F, while another 728 villas on Fronds K to P have reached the internal and external finishing stage. Palm Jebel Ali spans seven islands and 16 fronds, with 120 kilometres of coastline and more than 90 kilometres of beachfront. Planned community infrastructure includes a 9,000 sq metre retail centre and a Friday Mosque designed by Skidmore, Owings Merrill with capacity for up to 1,000 worshippers.
Arada to deliver 952 residences in Dh5 billion Broadbeach twin‑tower project ahead of 2032 Games
Dubai-based developer Arada has unveiled a Dh5 billion residential scheme on the Gold Coast that will deliver 952 homes in Broadbeach, marking the company’s first development outside New South Wales. The project comprises two towers offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and is scheduled for completion in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Construction will be carried out by Roberts Co, the tier-one contractor Arada Group acquired in 2025, with the design led by Plus Studio. A landscaped podium will link the twin towers, which will include residents’ amenities such as pools, fitness and wellness facilities, communal terraces, private dining, a library, lounge and dedicated work-from-home spaces. Approximately 1,200 square metres of ground-floor floorplate will be set aside for retail and hospitality tenants. The site benefits from its position opposite the Gold Coast Convention Centre and direct access to the light rail, while The Star Gold Coast and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre are within walking distance. Arada has identified South East Queensland as a key market for its Australian expansion and says using Roberts Co gives it control over both development and construction phases. Alkhoshaibi said that delivering the project through their own tier-one construction business will allow the group to maintain the quality, pace and accountability buyers expect. The Broadbeach development is Arada’s largest Australian commitment to date and expands a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes across Australia since the group entered the country in 2024.
Dubai Adds Over 24,000 Units as 104 Projects Worth Dh111 Billion Finish in H1 2026
Dubai introduced more than 24,000 new real estate units during the first six months of 2026, a rise of 36% compared with last year, according to figures reviewed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Thursday. In total, 104 real estate projects reached completion in the first half, with a combined investment value of approximately Dh111 billion. The completed developments represent an estimated increase of 52% in project completions. Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the data highlights the sector’s ongoing expansion after reviewing the report on real estate projects completed in Dubai in the first half of 2026. The 104 finished projects brought more than 24,000 units into Dubai’s housing and property stock, marking a notable uptick in new supply over the corresponding period last year. Sheikh Hamdan linked the latest numbers to sustained investor confidence in Dubai’s property market and broader business environment. He praised the city’s leadership, saying the results reflect the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and underline the strength and resilience of Dubai’s real estate sector. The results add further confirmation of the emirate’s ability to attract large-scale development and investment, reinforcing the authorities’ ambition for continued growth.
Most Dubai Homes Slated for 2026 Handovers Already Bought, Villas Lead Absorption
A fresh analysis by fäm Properties shows that almost 83% of the 96,585 homes slated for completion in Dubai this year have already been purchased, with villas achieving a 95% absorption rate. Of the total 96,585 units due in 2026, 80,127, or 82.9%, are sold. That total comprises 91,209 apartments (82% absorbed) and 5,376 villas (95% sold). Dubai’s construction pipeline remains large at 564,072 residential properties under development, most due for handover by 2028, and 425,863 of those, or 75.5%, have been pre-sold. Demand is strongest in the villa segment: of 68,297 villas under construction, 58,349 are sold, an 85.4% absorption. Apartments dominate the pipeline with 495,775 units being built and 367,514 already purchased, a 74.1% rate. DXBinteract data show several areas at full absorption: Al Wasl has 100% of 637 apartments due in 2026 sold, while villa communities Wadi Al Safa 5 (854 villas), Nad Al Sheba First (235) and Al Hebiah Sixth (476) are fully sold. Palm Jumeirah has sold 93.5% of 2,397 apartments due this year and Jumeirah Lakes Towers 92.8% of 2,324 units. Downtown has 6,248 apartments under construction with 92.2% sold and 96.6% absorption for 3,981 units due in 2026. Business Bay’s 30,317-unit pipeline is 82.8% sold, rising to 88.7% for 16,938 units due this year. Other hotspots include Ras Al Khor (93.5% of 6,950) and Al Barsha South 2 (85% of 12,655). High villa absorption continues in Al Hebiah Fifth (98.7% of 2,060), Nad Al Sheba First (98.2% of 1,569), Wadi Al Safa 5 (96.4% of 8,216), Al Yufrah (94.7% of 6,429) and Dubai South (94.5% of 5,698). Al Msaddi noted Dubai’s population has now surpassed 4.58 million and that it’s now home to more than 80,000 millionaires, reinforcing its global appeal. Dubai Land Department figures show 24,537 new units completed in H1 2026, up more than 36% from 18,043 a year earlier. A total of 104 projects finished in six months versus 75 in H1 2025, an increase of more than 38.7%, with combined investment value exceeding Dh111 billion, up 52% from Dh73 billion. Completed built-up area rose by more than 23.4% to 1.95 million square metres from 1.58 million, and land allocation value climbed to Dh19.46 billion from Dh8.27 billion, an increase of more than 135%.
Power outage spurs exodus from iconic Toyota Building ahead of 2027 demolition
Dubai’s landmark Toyota Building on Sheikh Zayed Road has seen about 70% of its tenants leave, the property’s management said, attributing the departures to cuts in the electricity supply rather than formal eviction. Management told Gulf News tenants were vacating “in their own willingness because the power supply was cut,” and that those holding valid rental contracts had been informed they could stay until December 2026. Gulf News earlier reported the building is scheduled for demolition in 2027. The management said it did not know why power had been disconnected and pointed to Dubai Municipality; Gulf News sought comment from Dubai Municipality but had not received a response by filing. The electricity disruption surfaced after residents began moving out, and the real estate division said some who left had their supply cut by authorities. An agent linked the problem to partitioned apartments, though that remained unconfirmed. Management added that regulations bar it from entering rented flats once handed over, explaining why partition issues were not addressed earlier, and it did not specify how many units lost power. Nasser Rashid Lootah Real Estate, which manages the property, has confirmed the 2027 demolition. Social media clips show residents packing and recalling memories of the 15-storey block, completed in 1974 and long known for its neon Toyota sign. Himanshu SK, an Indian expatriate and travel agent who lived there for three years, said affordable central rents will be hard to replace. On-site businesses are preparing to close; a restaurant expects eventual closure and a minimart said it would shut within days. The building, home to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, will end more than five decades as a Sheikh Zayed Road landmark when demolished in 2027.
Hudayriyat Island Dominates Abu Dhabi Residential Sales for Second Consecutive Quarter of 2026
Hudayriyat Island led Abu Dhabi’s property market for a second straight quarter of 2026, registering Dhs19 billion in residential sales, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Report for the first half of 2026 published by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). The island represented 27% of the emirate’s overall residential sales value during the period, underscoring its rising prominence as new housing projects expand across key investment neighbourhoods. Saadiyat Island posted the second-largest residential sales total in the first half of the year at Dh13.3 billion. Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island together recorded Dh10.5 billion, while Yas Island logged Dh7.3 billion. These results point to sustained demand across several of Abu Dhabi’s main residential and investment locations. Investment zones made up more than 22% of Abu Dhabi’s total residential stock in the first half of 2026, equal to approximately 72,000 residential units. Al Reem Island had the greatest share of homes within these zones, with around 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in terms of residential stock. The latest data reflect continued enlargement of Abu Dhabi’s housing market, with Hudayriyat Island preserving its top position in sales value for a second consecutive quarter. Abu Dhabi real estate to add 71,000 homes by 2030 ADX adds 30,000 investors, dividends hit Dh49.9 billion Bayut H1 2026 report shows Abu Dhabi's resilience Dh1.25b worth of Bashayer homes sell out in one day
ORA Group launches BluBay in Karjat, names Suryakumar Yadav ambassador for #T60Life
Fri, Aug 21, 2026 | Rabi al-Awwal 8, 1448 | Fajr 04:34 | DXB 32.6 °C As infrastructure reshapes India’s financial capital, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) across the GCC are shifting investment focus away from expensive, established Mumbai neighbourhoods toward higher-growth, better-value locations. The Mumbai 3.0 corridor—anchored by projects such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Panvel-Karjat Rail Corridor, Navi Mumbai Metro expansion and the proposed Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor—is redefining the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and creating fresh opportunities. Karjat has emerged as a standout beneficiary, drawing buyers for second homes, luxury villas and land investments thanks to improved connectivity, scenic surroundings and comparatively affordable entry points. Unnati Varma, director, ORA Land (by ORA Group), says NRIs now prefer destinations that pair future-ready infrastructure with lifestyle and sustainable value, and she sees Karjat as ideally placed within Mumbai 3.0 for GCC-based Indians to remain connected to their roots. Buyers inspired by international villa communities seek integrated, wellness-focused living, and Karjat’s abundant land is enabling master-planned, resort-style developments. ORA Group’s new BluBay is a 60-acre luxury plotted development built around the #T60Life philosophy, featuring 325 premium villa plots, a 35,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, over 60 lifestyle amenities and a 60,000 sq ft crystal-clear lagoon. The project has visibility through ORA Group’s association with Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav, whose #T60Life campaign emphasises balance, wellness and meaningful living. With a large Indian expatriate population in the UAE and the GCC, experts expect Karjat to attract growing NRI investment as it becomes an extension of Mumbai’s metropolitan landscape. ©2026 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.
Wadan Developments launches Weston in DLRC as Phase 1 fully sells out
Fri, Aug 21, 2026 | Rabi al-Awwal 8, 1448 | Fajr 04:34 | DXB 32.6 °C Wadan Developments has unveiled Weston, a new residential tower in Dubai Land Residence Complex (DLRC), expanding its Dubai portfolio. Built around the concept "Designed For The Rhythm Ahead," Weston aims to deliver a balanced, connected lifestyle. The project was revealed at the Wadan Sales Gallery in Downtown Dubai, where brokers, partners, clients and industry guests inspected the design, amenities and location and met the Wadan team. A standout moment at the launch was the Phase 1 allocation, which was completely sold out, underscoring strong demand from buyers and channel partners. Weston rises 17 floors and comprises smart studio, studio, smart one-bedroom, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences. Units are supplied fully furnished, equipped and fitted, with layouts optimised for space and integrated smart features for everyday convenience. Amenities span two dedicated levels: the podium (Play level) and rooftop (Sky level). The Play level focuses on recreation with a jogging track, mini golf, table tennis, climbing wall, trampoline, landscaped greenery and seating spaces. The Sky level prioritises wellness and relaxation with an infinity pool, kids’ pool, cabana, BBQ area, an outdoor reading area, indoor gym, pilates, yoga and sauna. Work-from-home facilities include a co-working lounge and soundproof mobile offices. Technology is led by the AI-powered Wadan App and products from Apple, Bosch, Laufen, IW, UniFi and Amazon. Weston is around five minutes from the future Dubai Metro Blue Line and close to schools, hospitals and clinics; Silicon Central Mall is approximately six minutes away, Global Village and Academic City around ten minutes, Dubai Outlet Mall approximately 15 minutes and Downtown Dubai around 20 minutes. Wadan continues to apply its "A Vision Beyond Luxury" philosophy. ©2026 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.