In short
In May 2026 Dubai recorded 10,218 real estate transactions worth AED 28.51 billion: 9,507 residential (of which 7,079 off-plan worth AED 14.18bn) and 711 commercial (AED 6.5bn). The figure consolidates 2026 growth: in Q1 alone, the Dubai Land Department had already certified AED 252 billion in total transactions, +31% year-on-year.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) certified 10,218 real estate transactions in May 2026, for a total value of AED 28.51 billion (approximately USD 7.76 billion). The figure consolidates the growth trajectory of the Emirati market, already certified in Q1 2026 with AED 252 billion in total transactions — a 31% jump compared to the same period last year, according to DLD's official release.
Residential: 74% of transactions are off-plan
The residential segment generated 9,507 transactions worth AED 22.01 billion. Within this segment, the off-plan market dominated with 7,079 contracts — 74% of the total by number of operations — for a value of AED 14.18 billion, equal to 64% of monthly residential turnover. The secondary market (resale) recorded 2,422 operations worth AED 7.74 billion, with a higher average ticket reflecting the quality of assets traded.
The structural gap between primary and secondary markets reflects international buyers' preference for the deferred payment plans offered by developers: many Emirati developers offer 70/30 or 60/40 schemes (percentage to pay during construction versus on handover), making off-plan accessible even to those without immediate liquidity.
Commercial: offices lead by value
The 711 commercial transactions generated AED 6.50 billion. Offices confirm themselves as the top sub-segment by value (AED 2.52 billion), followed by whole-buildings — the purchase of the entire building as an asset — (AED 1.77 billion) and land transactions (AED 1.18 billion). The demand for office space reflects the continued relocation of multinationals and family offices to Dubai, attracted by the 0% tax regime and the logistical position between Europe and Asia.
The context: a 2026 of structural expansion
May's figure is not an exception. In Q1 2026, the DLD had already communicated AED 252 billion in total transactions, +31% year-on-year. Analysts attribute the growth to three converging factors: inflow of new residents with high disposable income (the Golden Visa programme has accelerated significantly in 2025), an active infrastructure pipeline (Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, new metro lines), and rental yields that remain on average higher than in major European capitals.
- 10,218 total transactions in May 2026 (residential + commercial)
- AED 28.51 billion in total value (≈ USD 7.76 bn)
- Residential off-plan: 7,079 operations worth AED 14.18 bn (74% by number)
- Secondary market: 2,422 operations worth AED 7.74 bn
- Commercial: 711 operations worth AED 6.50 bn (offices: AED 2.52 bn)
- Q1 2026 cumulative: AED 252 billion total, +31% year-on-year (source: DLD)
Original source
Article based on Dubai records Dhs28.51b in property deals as economic growth on track — Gulf Today · 7 Jun 2026. Reading, analysis and commentary are original.
Frequently asked
How many transactions did Dubai record in May 2026?
10,218 transactions worth AED 28.51 billion (approximately USD 7.76 billion), according to Dubai Land Department data.
How much is the off-plan residential market worth in Dubai in May 2026?
7,079 contracts worth AED 14.18 billion, equal to 74% of total residential transactions by number of operations.
How is Dubai's real estate market growing in 2026?
In Q1 2026, the DLD certified AED 252 billion in total transactions, up 31% from Q1 2025.
How do off-plan payment plans work in Dubai?
Emirati developers typically offer 60/40 or 70/30 plans: the larger share is paid during construction in instalments linked to construction milestones, the balance is settled on handover. No mortgage is required during the construction phase.
Is it worth investing in Dubai real estate in 2026?
DLD data shows a liquid and structurally growing market, but every decision must be evaluated on the specific property, developer and investment objective. Estimated gross rental yields range between 5% and 9% per year in the most sought-after areas, but are not guaranteed.
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