Dubai “ultra-luxury” real estate records 269 deals worth 16.57 billion dirhams in the first half

The ultra-luxury real estate market in Dubai witnessed a remarkable transformation during the first half of 2026, with a clear division between the performance of villas and apartments in the housing segment whose value exceeds 36.7 million dirhams (about 10 million dollars).

While villas lead the growth, in terms of number of transactions and value, apartments continue to maintain their price strength in established locations and branded projects.

According to monitoring conducted by Emirates Today, based on open data on the DXBinteract real estate platform, the total deals in this segment reached 269 deals, with a value of 16.57 billion dirhams, during the first half of the year, an increase of 11.2% in the number of deals, and 11.5% in value, compared to the same period in 2025.

Villas and apartments

Villas recorded the strongest performance, after the number of deals increased from 124 deals in the first half of 2025 to 166 deals in the same period of 2026, a growth rate of 34%. The total value of the deals also increased from 7.28 billion dirhams to 9.42 billion dirhams, while the average price of the villa reached 49.31 million dirhams.

This growth reflects the expansion of the supply of luxury villas in new projects, especially those that are still off the map, which suggests that the numbers may rise as the registration of late deals is completed.

On the other hand, luxury apartments recorded 103 deals, compared to 118 deals, during the same period last year, while the total value decreased to 7.16 billion dirhams, compared to 7.58 billion dirhams in 2025.

Despite the decline in the number of transactions, the market showed consistency in prices, as the average price of apartments rose to 53.17 million dirhams, and the period also witnessed the recording of the highest sale transaction for an apartment, at a value of 422 million dirhams.

Geographical distribution

In terms of geographical distribution of deals, the lead moved from Palm Jumeirah to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens area, which recorded 43 deals worth 2.49 billion dirhams.

The “Eden Hills” project was the main driver of activity within the region, after it recorded 32 deals worth 1.94 billion dirhams, with an average price of 60.2 million dirhams. Palm Jebel Ali also emerged as a new destination for ultra-luxury villas, with the number of deals rising to 26 deals compared to 10 deals a year ago, while Palm Jumeirah maintained its position among the highest areas, in terms of value and scarcity.

Unlike villas, luxury apartment activity remained concentrated in traditional destinations, with Palm Jumeirah topping the list with 30 deals, followed by Jumeirah II with 21 deals, then Jumeirah I and Downtown Dubai with 13 deals each.

At the projects level, the “Aman Residences” project topped the market with 17 deals, worth 1.84 billion dirhams, while the “Baccarat Hotel and Residences” project in downtown Dubai recorded 11 deals, in addition to continued activity in projects, such as “Como Residences and Bugatti Residences.”

Housing market

Indicators reflect that the housing market worth more than $10 million in Dubai is not moving at the same pace, as villas lead growth driven by the launch of new projects within planned communities, while luxury apartments continue to maintain their high price levels, thanks to the scarcity of supply on the waterfront and branded projects.

Thus, the data for the first half of 2026 paints a picture of two parallel markets within the luxury real estate market in Dubai, the first led by villas that expand trading volume and drive growth, and the second is represented by apartments that maintain the highest prices and strong qualitative demand.

183 thousand millionaires

The number of millionaires in the Emirates increased to 183,000 millionaires with net assets of more than one million dollars, at the end of 2025, which witnessed the attraction of 6,277 new millionaires, with a growth rate of 3.5% on an annual basis, according to the annual global wealth report for 2026.

The UAE has strengthened its position as one of the most prominent global destinations to attract wealthy individuals and high-net-worth individuals, as it achieved one of the highest rankings globally within the “Global Mobility of Wealth Framework,” despite the geopolitical challenges and tensions that the region has witnessed during the past months.

• 34% growth in ultra-luxury villa deals to 166 deals during the first half of 2026.