September 2025

As Dubai’s real estate market continues to outperform its global counterparts, Dubai Islands is quickly rising on the radar of investors and homeowners alike, with sales surging to nearly AED 3.5 billion in May 2025 alone. Once known as Palm Deira, the reimagined archipelago is now capturing investor attention with its waterfront lifestyle, strategic location, and a new wave of integrated, design-forward developments. This is further highlighted as Dubai’s real estate market shattered previous records by achieving AED 151.8 billion in total sales value in Q2 2025, a 46 per cent year-on-year increase across 50,485 units sold. “Dubai Islands is a natural

Construction costs in the UAE continue to rise as demand for skilled labour and building materials intensifies amid a surge in infrastructure and real estate projects, according to construction consultancy services provider Currie & Brown. The firm noted in its latest ‘UAE Market Overview’ that average costs are tracking closely with a projected annual construction inflation rate of 3-4 percent, with quarterly increases of 1-2 percent in line with earlier forecasts. Tender price inflation for 2025 is projected at 2-5 percent, driven mainly by material and labour pressures. According to the report, residential build costs in the UAE currently range from AED 3,830 per

Dubai-based Sobha Realty is marketing a US dollar-denominated five-year green sukuk, with initial price thoughts in the 7.75%–7.875% area. Sobha Sukuk I Holding is the trustee for the senior Reg S trade. PNC Investments rated Ba2 by Moody’s / BB by S&P (both with a Stable outlook) is the obligor. Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, JP Morgan, Mashreq and Standard Chartered are the global coordinators as well as lead managers and bookrunners with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Arqaam Capital, Bank ABC, Deutsche Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank,  Rakbank, Sharjah Islamic Bank and Warba Bank. Deutsche Bank

JioStar, a leading global media & entertainment company, with flagship channels such as Star Plus, Colors TV and Asianet, has collaborated with Danube Properties across India & Middle East for the recently launched Hindi reality show Bigg Boss. Building on its successful track record in connecting brands with the Indian diaspora, this association will provide Danube Properties with access to Bigg Boss’s unmatched reach. Hosted by megastar Salman Khan, the show continues to deliver impactful viewership and high audience engagement year after year, making it a powerful platform for brands to engage with diverse audiences. Showcasing its unmatched leadership in the entertainment

Barco Developers, an emerging real estate company in the UAE, has officially launched with ambitious plans to deliver over 2 million sq. ft. of community-centric residences in Dubai and other emirates. First of their upcoming properties, Livia Residences, has now been officially launched at one of the city’s fastest-growing residential and business hubs - Dubai South. Designed as a modern, lifestyle-focused community, Livia Residences brings together spacious interiors, thoughtful layouts, and over 20 premium amenities, redefining the concept of “Curated Living.” The six-storey development comprises 71 units, with starting prices at AED 555,000 - expected to be handed over in Q4

Lotus Living, a dynamic new developer in Dubai, has officially broken ground on its latest project, a G+4 residential building in Dubai South, marking the company’s first foray into the UAE property market. The project represents an important milestone both for Lotus Living and for Dubai South, one of the city’s fastest-growing communities. The land for the development was acquired through ASICO, which facilitated the transaction and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping new investment opportunities across Dubai. Rajiv Nehru, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Living, commented: “This groundbreaking marks Lotus Living’s first step into Dubai’s thriving real estate market.

In the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis, The Hillgate by Ellington Properties is redefining what it means to live and invest in the city. As Ellington’s first residential development in this rapidly evolving district, The Hillgate introduces a blend of design excellence, wellness-focused amenities, and community living – crafted for those seeking a meaningful and lasting lifestyle in one of Dubai’s most promising new corridors. While Dubai has long been known for iconic skylines and architectural ambition, demand is increasingly shifting toward homes that offer livability, community, and long-term value. The Hillgatemeets this growing expectation with timeless design and smart functionality

Knight Frank MENA’s Exclusive Project Sales division is proud to announce its appointment to lead the launch of the latest phase of SHA Residences Emirates Island - the world’s first private island dedicated to healthy living and longevity. This visionary development combines exceptional private residences with seven-star hospitality and unparalleled access to world-class health and wellness services at SHA Emirates. Situated on the captivating coast of Sahel al Emarat – the ‘Riviera of the Emirates’ – SHA Residences Emirates Island is being brought to life by renowned developer IMKAN. The island offers a transformative wellness and longevity-focused lifestyle that supports healthier, more

In a standout moment for Dubai’s prime property market, Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty has closed the most expensive secondary villa sale on Palm Jumeirah this year, for the total price of AED 161 million. This was also the second-highest sale on a per square foot basis this year, at AED 14679.39 per sq ft. The Signature Villa, developed by acclaimed property developer 25 Degrees, masterfully blends contemporary architecture and refined interior detailing. The residence is set across a built-up area of 10,900 sq ft and comprises multiple living spaces, six expansive bedroom suites, a private cinema, and a rear pool deck

The UAE’s real estate sector has continued its robust performance since the beginning of the year, supported by the resilience of both oil and non-oil sectors and a surge in foreign investment inflows. This has driven notable growth across all segments of the property market, from residential to commercial and industrial. Latest global reviews and specialised reports confirm the sustainability of the UAE’s economic momentum throughout 2025, highlighted by the launch of major real estate projects, record-breaking sales, and rising occupancy and rental rates across multiple sectors. Ismail Al Hammadi, Founder and CEO of Al Ruwad Real Estate, stated that property transactions