January 2026

Whether you arrive by road or by sea, the transition is deliberate. Set on Jumeirah Bay Island, this gated enclave softens the boundary between the outside world and what lies beyond. You're greeted by the sea upon entry, revealed through a full-height glass façade and the sense of Dubai as a bustling city begins to fade. This is the environment Jana Zapletalová chose to introduce to her client — without photographs, without price and without preamble. The result was an AED 340 million transaction, the fourth largest villa transaction ever recorded in Dubai history. Letting the property speak for itself In a market shaped by previews,

Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer in Dubai, has announced a continuation of its special bonus program for its employees, reaffirming its commitment to recognizing their dedication and hard work. In recognition of the unwavering contributions of its team members, the company allocated an AED260 million bonus in FY2025, for employees not already covered by incentive programs. This initiative, which spans multiple departments, reflects Sobha Realty’s acknowledgment of the collective efforts driving its continued success. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group, said: “Our people are at the heart of Sobha Realty’s journey and achievements.

Dubai's rental market absorbed one of its strongest demand cycles on record in 2025 without triggering inflationary pressure, according to the betterhomes Full-Year Dubai Residential Market Report 2025. Leasing transactions at betterhomes rose 60% year-on-year, while tenant enquiries increased 36%, yet average rents across the city held at AED 207,000 per year. According to betterhomes, this divergence between volume and pricing reflects a market that is no longer reacting to short-term pressure, but redistributing demand across a wider pool of communities and property types. The shift is being led by families. Townhouse tenant enquiries surged 200% year-on-year, with leasing transactions up 66%, as

In a strategic move that reflects a shared commitment to supporting homeownership in the UAE, Sobha Realty has announced a new partnership with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) to offer innovative home finance solutions for off-plan property buyers. Under this collaboration, UAE residents will be able to access Sharia-compliant home financing facilities upon just 35% construction completion of Sobha off-plan properties. This initiative is designed to make homeownership more accessible by reducing the financial entry barrier for buyers. For Sobha Realty, known for its ‘Backward Integration’ model and meticulous delivery standards, this financing framework complements its commitment to customer trust. The offering

Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems. The initiative will be delivered through a local and international consortium led by Dubai Municipality and comprising more than 25 advanced technology companies and academic institutions. The pioneering project represents a global first and reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to developing practical, scalable models for the future of construction that enhance productivity, sustainability and quality, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global platform for the deployment of advanced construction technologies. The robotic villa project will be implemented in partnership with

ADE Properties has unveiled Barari Gate, a mixed-use residential development located in Majan, Dubai, adjacent to the Al Barari area. The project was officially introduced to the market during a launch event held at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, where the developer presented the project’s design, concept and commercial details. The development marks ADE Properties’ latest entry into Dubai’s mid-to-upper residential market, targeting end-users and long-term investors seeking quality-driven projects in emerging well-connected locations. Barari Gate will comprise 274 residential units spread across a total built-up area of 442,580 square feet, with unit sizes ranging from 438 to 3,840 square feet. The project integrates residential living with curated retail

Despite ongoing speculation of a market slowdown, sales value rose 26.9% year-on-year to AED 541.52 billion in 2025, with haus & haus agents noting increased family-led purchasing, higher property values and longer ownership periods as buyers prioritised stability – with a focus on established communities and renovation opportunities. Residential leasing remained stable throughout the year, with performance varying by affordability, location and handover activity. Contract renewals outpaced new leases, with 369,574 renewals recorded versus 214,369 new contracts across the year. As a company, haus & haus noted a 35% increase in registered tenants and buyers, now comprising over 140,000 clients. The commercial property sector also recorded notable growth, with total

The branded residences sector across the Middle East continues to gather momentum, with Dubai and the wider Gulf emerging as key drivers of global expansion, according to Savills Global Residential Consultancy’s Branded Residences 2025/2026 report. Savills analysis shows that the Middle East & North Africa region has recorded one of the fastest growth rates worldwide over the past five years, rising by 187%, supported by strong development pipelines across Dubai and the wider Gulf. Globally, the number of branded residential schemes is expected to reach 910 by the end of 2025, representing 19% year on year growth, with more than 220

Prescott has announced that The Caden, its upcoming residential development in Meydan Horizon, has achieved WiredScore certification a globally recognised benchmark for digital connectivity. This achievement, combined with the project’s LEED and WELL certifications, reflects Prescott’s commitment to creating homes that deliver meaningful, everyday benefits for residents rather than simply meeting industry labels. At The Caden, each certification has been selected for its direct impact on how people live. WiredScore ensures that residents enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, seamless streaming, and the ability to integrate more advanced smart‑home features than standard buildings typically support. The certification also guarantees resilient digital infrastructure designed to minimise

Dubai Land Department (DLD) has unveiled the agenda for PropTech Connect Middle East 2026, a leading international platform dedicated to real estate technology, which will be held under DLD’s supervision and hosted by the emirate for the first time in the Middle East on 4–5 February 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.The landmark event will be hosted by the emirate for the first time in the Middle East on 4 and 5 February 2026 at Grand Hyatt Dubai, in partnership with the conference organiser, reinforcing the emirate’sposition as a global hub for real estate innovation and future-ready urban development. The announcement