Dubai, UAE - Dubai’s property market has once again outperformed expectations through the traditionally quieter summer season, with residential transactions up 22.7% year-on-year and commercial sales value climbing 31% in the third quarter of 2025, according to Engel & Völkers Middle East, a leader in premium residential and commercial real estate services. The results reaffirm the city’s position as a global real estate powerhouse driven by investor confidence, end-user demand, and a population now surpassing four million.

“Dubai’s property market has reached a new level of maturity,” said Daniel Hadi, CEO of Engel & Völkers Middle East. “We’re seeing not just investor activity, but long-term commitment from people who view Dubai as home, a place to build their lives, careers, and legacies.”

In the residential market, off-plan properties continued to dominate, accounting for nearly 70% of all sales, while resale activity remained brisk in established neighbourhoods where supply is tight and lifestyle appeal strong. Apartments made up 87% of total transactions, with 47,705 units sold for AED 91.4 billion — up 26.4% from a year earlier. The luxury segment also remained robust, with 1,388 transactions above AED 10 million, marking the second-strongest quarter on record. Standout deals included a AED 350 million off-plan villa at Jumeirah Asora Bay and a AED 173.6 million apartment at Aman Residences in Jumeirah.

New off-plan communities such as Dubai Science Park, Damac Riverside, and DLRC gained traction among investors for their long-term potential, while established districts like Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai led secondary market activity. Rising rents and a growing sense of permanence among residents are also fueling a shift from renting to homeownership, particularly among families and professionals seeking long-term stability.

The commercial market mirrored this momentum, recording 3,418 transactions worth AED 30.4 billion, up 31% year-on-year. Every category posted double-digit growth — offices (+45%), retail (+37%), land (+36.8%), and buildings (+50%) — reflecting strong institutional appetite for income-generating assets. Business Bay led activity with AED 3.4 billion in transactions, followed by Ras Al Khor with AED 2.9 billion in large-scale land deals.

The office segment was particularly strong, with 1,151 offices sold for AED 3.1 billion — nearly double last year’s total — as demand for premium, well-located workspaces continued to rise. A defining trend is the sharp increase in off-plan office sales, which jumped from just 69 in Q3 2024 to 389 this year, underscoring a growing preference for future-ready, sustainable work environments. “The surge in off-plan office demand shows how investors are adapting to Dubai’s next phase of business growth,” Hadi added.

Dubai’s economic fundamentals remain solid, with the IMF forecasting UAE GDP growth of 4.8% in 2025 and 5% in 2026, supported by diversification, fiscal stability, and foreign investment inflows. Inflation remains low, and anticipated rate cuts are expected to further strengthen real estate demand.

Looking ahead to Q4 and beyond, Engel & Völkers expects both residential and commercial segments to maintain their upward trajectory. “Dubai has demonstrated that sustainable growth is now embedded in its DNA,” Hadi concluded. “It is no longer just a city for investment; it is a city of belonging, ambition, and enduring value.”

Press contact:
Diana Džaka Bičo
Marketing Director
Office 21 Mezzanine Level, Golden Mile 2,
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai UAE
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
diana.dzaka@engelvoelkers.com

Flor Pamintuan 
PR Account Director   
Ishraq Communications LLC
flor@ishraqcomms.com

About Engel & Völkers:

Engel & Völkers is one of the world’s leading service companies specialized in the brokerage of premium residential property, commercial real estate, yachts and aircrafts. For over 45 years now, the wishes and needs of private and institutional clients have had top priority, giving rise to the ongoing development of a range of services relating to all aspects of real estate. Sales and leaseholds, as well as consultancy for various investment opportunities in the real estate segment are among the core competencies of more than 16,700 people operating under the Engel & Völkers brand. The company is currently operating in over 35 countries on five continents. Intensive training schemes in its in-house real estate Academy and the high level of quality assurance governing its systematically structured service provision are key factors that account for the company’s success. Engel & Völkers develops digital tools and IT products on an ongoing basis in order to keep its service as efficient as possible. In doing so, the company is setting new standards in digital solutions for property brokerage. www.engelvoelkers.com

About Engel & Völkers Middle East:

Established in 2014, Engel & Völkers Middle East has its offices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The team consists of over 200 trusted agents, each focusing on premium residential and commercial properties, serving as experts in their respective areas. The company recently established a separate entity for commercial real estate (Engel & Völkers Commercial Middle East). Engel & Völkers Commercial serves as an entry point to exceptional commercial real estate opportunities in Dubai, from attractive office spaces to industrial complexes. The Private Office provides services for affluent clients and has access to premium real estate globally. Whether you're in the market to rent, buy, or sell a property, Engel & Völkers Middle East is a perfect choice to achieve your real estate goals. www.engelvoelkers.com/ae/en