In a survey conducted by W Capital Real Estate Brokerage, the current pace of launches in Dubai has put it on course for one of its biggest real estate years in history. The value of prospective and new development projects across the emirate since the beginning of 2026 is expected to surge over AED 275bn ($75bn).
Data indicates the continued momentum in Dubai’s real estate sector, and reinforces the entry into the largest half-year cycle of new real estate project launches in its history.
The announcements made during the first half of 2026 mention 250 new real estate projects launched and registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) valued at almost AED 75bn – as well as the mega-project announced by Emaar Properties in June, valued at up to AED 200bn.
W Capital’s report also highlights projects launched during the first five months of the year – which includes 59,400 residential units and 10,800 villas, reflecting the persistent focus on the residential sector as the primary driver of real estate growth in Dubai. This is coupled with strong demand from local and international buyers and investors.
The current figures reflect ongoing real estate growth, which has been underway for several years, driven by population growth, strong demand for property ownership, and the influx of global capital looking for a stable investment environment and attractive returns.
Historical contrasts indicate that Dubai saw the launch of 648 new real estate projects by 258 developers in 2025, with over 167,000 residential units and an estimated value of AED 463bn. This contrasts with 145,000 units valued at AED 360.1bn in 2024, representing a 15.2% increase in the number of units and a 28.4% increase in the total project value.
