UAE living market dynamics, Q3 2026

While annual sale transactions remain below last year's exceptional highs, a quarterly uptick of 19.8% in Dubai’s secondary market transactions helped limit near-term volume drops. This quarterly increase in ready sales balanced a quieter off-plan sector, which saw lower transaction volumes in line with fewer new project launches.

Rental transaction volumes saw a strong quarterly lift in Q3, driven by contrasting occupier dynamics in each city. Dubai experienced a robust wave of relocation activity, resulting in a 48.6% quarterly surge in new lease registrations. In contrast, Abu Dhabi's rent freeze encouraged tenant retention, triggering a 29.1% quarterly rebound in contract renewals.

While projects in the final stages of construction are largely delivering on schedule, early-phase developments are seeing timelines adjust due to rising material costs and longer lead times. These on-going procurement pressures have also deferred the commencement of construction on select projects launched earlier this year.

For additional context on findings in the latest report, download the prior Q2 2026 UAE living market dynamics report.