2026

The UAE's real estate sector is entering a new phase of digital transformation as PropTech, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) become increasingly integrated into property development, sales and asset management. The UAE PropTech market is forecast to grow from approximately $678 million in 2025 to $1.62 billion by 2032, more than doubling over the period. The forecast represents a compound...

Buying a first home in Dubai has become more accessible as the emirate expands its First-Time Home Buyer Programme, giving eligible residents greater access to properties, preferential pricing and tailored financing options. The programme, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in July 2025, was designed to reduce some of the barriers faced by...

The UAE's property development sector is extending its international footprint, with Dubai-based developer Arada announcing a major residential project in Australia's Gold Coast. The development, valued at approximately $1.36 billion (AED 5 billion), represents Arada's first major expansion into Queensland and its largest Australian commitment to date. The twin-tower project is planned for Broadbeach, one...

Dubai’s population has reached another major milestone, crossing 4.74 million residents in July 2026 after adding more than 161,000 people since the beginning of the year. The rapid population growth is putting renewed attention on one of the biggest concerns for residents and investors: what happens to Dubai rents when more people compete for homes? The latest population figures reinforce Dubai’s...

The UAE’s property market is entering a new phase as Etihad Rail’s passenger network begins transforming the way people move between emirates. The first passenger services officially began on 30 June 2026, connecting Fujairah with Abu Dhabi, while additional stations are being introduced in phases across Dubai, Al Dhaid, Al Dhafra and Sharjah. For the UAE real estate sector, the significance of Etihad...

Reselling a branded residence can look straightforward on paper: an owner decides to sell, a buyer makes an offer, and the property changes hands. In practice, however, branded residences involve a much more complex transaction structure than a conventional apartment or villa. One of the most important elements is the No Objection Certificate (NOC). The NOC confirms that the relevant developer, master...

Dubai’s luxury property market continues to evolve, but only a select number of developments manage to combine an iconic location, internationally recognised architecture, exceptional privacy and hotel-level service. Orla by Dorchester Collection is designed to sit firmly within that category. Developed by OMNIYAT at the apex of Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, Orla is an ultra-luxury residential development...

Dubai’s property market is showing renewed momentum as sales activity strengthens, investor confidence improves, and demand for residential and luxury real estate continues to attract buyers from around the world. The latest recovery signals suggest that Dubai remains one of the most closely watched real estate markets globally, supported by population growth, international investment, economic...

Nigeria is positioning itself for another major push to attract international capital as global investors, business leaders and investment professionals prepare to converge around the country’s growing investment opportunities. According to the promotional material provided for the Nigeria Investment Summit 2026, the event is scheduled for November 2026 and is expected to bring together investors and...

Buying a home in the UAE is one of the biggest financial decisions many residents and international investors will make. While property price, location and down payment usually receive the most attention, the UAE mortgage offer can have an equally significant impact on the total cost of ownership. Different banks can assess the same borrower and property in very different ways. Mortgage rates,...