Dubai's real estate market posted AED 68.56 billion ($18.67 billion) in transactions during April 2026, a jump of more than 20 per cent on the previous month, according to data released by the Dubai Land Department (per Economy Middle East). The headline number spans 8,812 transactions, up from 8,152 deals worth roughly AED 18 billion in March (per Economy Middle East; per IndexBox).
Off-plan apartments lead the surge
April recorded the highest monthly value of off-plan residential apartment sales so far this year, reaching AED 19.7 billion (per Economy Middle East). Dubai Islands extended its lead as the top-performing area for off-plan apartment sales for the fourth consecutive month, registering AED 2.6 billion across 691 transactions (per Economy Middle East).
Trophy deals lift the average
Two off-plan apartment transactions in April exceeded the AED 100 million mark. A unit at Aman Residences Dubai sold for AED 171 million across approximately 10,000 square feet of built-up area, translating to around AED 17,100 per square foot. A second deal at Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai changed hands for AED 121.8 million (per Economy Middle East). Residential transactions alone reached $10.18 billion in April, with the off-plan segment continuing to anchor activity (per Economy Middle East).
Quarterly context
The April figures arrive on the back of a strong first quarter. The Dubai Land Department reported that Q1 2026 transactions surged 31 per cent year-on-year to AED 252 billion (roughly $68.6 billion), with international investor confidence cited as a primary driver (per Dubai Land Department). Local reports indicated Q1 sales of AED 176.7 billion, noting that off-plan demand and pricing held firm across the quarter (per local reports).
Market read
The combination of record off-plan apartment volumes, sustained ultra-prime deals, and a 20 per cent month-on-month rebound suggests that Dubai's post-rate-cut absorption window is still open, with developers continuing to bring inventory to market. The Dubai Land Department data does not yet show price moderation in the prime segment, where supply remains constrained relative to demand from international buyers.
