The UAE residential market demonstrated relative resilience during Q1 2026 despite regional conflict impacting transaction activity from late March. Dubai's total sales value reached AED 137.3 billion, with transaction volumes up 3.9% year-on-year, though weekly transaction values declined nearly 50% at the conflict's peak compared to pre-conflict averages.
Sales prices continued growing but at a decelerating pace, with Dubai's average prices increasing 9.0% annually, moderating from previous 16-19% appreciation rates. Abu Dhabi's off-plan market drove transaction volumes to more than double year-on-year, supported by new project launches, while rental rates showed strong momentum with apartments up 14.3% and townhouses rising 17.8%.
With approximately 59,000 units under construction scheduled for delivery in 2026, the conflict heightened risks to supply-demand equilibrium. Developers began offering incentives including cash discounts, flexible payment plans, and waived fees to maintain sales momentum, though these remained constrained to specific segments. The off-plan market showed relative resilience compared to the secondary market, which experienced sharper declines as uncertainty challenged buyer sentiment in certain segments.
For detailed market analysis and insights, download the full Q1 2026 UAE Living Market Dynamics report.




