Highlights of the week | 30th June – 6th July 2025

New community ‘Hayat’ brings 2,500 residences to Dubai South (30th June)
Dubai South Properties has unveiled Hayat, a new master-planned community spanning 10 Mn sqft in the Golf District of Dubai South, near Al Maktoum International Airport. Hayat will feature around 2,500 residential units designed to meet growing demand in the area. Strategically positioned, the development offers seamless access to major roads and key business hubs, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Jebel Ali Free Zone, and the Dubai South Free Zone. With its prime location and comprehensive amenities, Hayat is set to become a sought-after destination. The first phase is expected to be completed by Q2 2028.
Read more at Dubai South launches 10-million-square-foot ‘Hayat’ community | Zawya
Strategic agreement unveiled for major developments in Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (1st July)
Dubai Holding and Select Group, in partnership with Emirates Strategic Investments Company (ESIC), have announced a strategic agreement to develop landmark projects at Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (D3). This marks Dubai Holding’s first strategic land sale at Palm Jebel Ali, highlighting its focus on creating dynamic communities that enhance Dubai’s global appeal. Select Group will deliver upscale residential and hospitality offerings at Palm Jebel Ali and a vibrant mixed-use development in D3, blending culture, innovation, and urban living. Both partners emphasized their shared vision to set new standards in luxury, lifestyle, and investment opportunities in Dubai.
Read more at Dubai Holding enters strategic agreement with Select Group to develop landmark projects at Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Design District | Zawya
Aldar expands logistics portfolio with AED 530 Million acquisition in Almarkaz Industrial Park (1st July)
Aldar has acquired logistics and commercial assets in Abu Dhabi’s Almarkaz Industrial Park for AED 530 Mn from Waha Land, expanding its logistics portfolio by 182,500 sqm of net leasable area. The properties, nearly fully occupied by a mix of international, regional, and government tenants, are located within a 6 million sqm special economic zone. This deal strengthens Aldar’s presence in the logistics sector, complementing existing assets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and opens the door for future collaboration with Waha Land at Almarkaz.
Read more at In Abu Dhabi, Aldar buys more logistics assets for hefty Dh530 million | Gulf News
Dubai’s high-end property market booms with AED 125 Million Akala penthouse deal (3rd July)
A penthouse at the upcoming ‘Akala’ development off Sheikh Zayed Road has sold for AED 125 Mn, ranking among Dubai’s Top 10 apartment sales in 2025. Known as ‘The Observatory,’ the six-bedroom duplex spans the top floors of one of Akala’s 220-metre twin towers, offering panoramic views, a rooftop terrace, private pool, and art gallery. Akala, a wellness-focused project by Arada near DIFC, features 534 branded residences and a 5-star hotel with advanced air, water, and lighting systems. Shared amenities cover 13,000 square meters, including a wellness center and spa. Construction begins in 2026, with completion set for late 2029.
Read more at Dubai: Penthouse at new ‘Akala’ skyscraper sells for Dh125m | Gulf News
Dubai becomes the global leader in branded residences market (3rd July)
Dubai has emerged as the world’s leading branded residence capital, setting the global standard for luxury real estate where lifestyle, prestige, and brand appeal rival traditional factors like size and views. A Betterhomes report reveals over 140 branded projects are set for delivery in Dubai by 2031, marking 160% growth over the past decade. In 2024 alone, the city sold more than 13,000 branded homes worth AED 60 Bn, reflecting a 43% year-on-year surge. Buyers are paying 40% to 60% premiums for branded units, attracted by concierge living, brand prestige, and strong investment potential, making Dubai the global benchmark for branded residences.
Read more at Luxury real estate boom: Dubai outshines London, Miami, Phuket | Gulf News
Dubai real estate hits AED 327 Billionn in record-breaking H1 2025 (3rd July)
Dubai’s real estate market hit record highs in H1 2025 with 98,603 property sales worth AED 327 Bn (US$ 89 Bn), a 40% year-on-year increase. Q2 saw the strongest quarterly performance with 53,118 transactions valued at AED 184 Bn, surpassing previous peaks. All sectors grew, led by plot sales rising 49% in volume to AED 32.2 Bn. Villa and apartment sales also surged, with villas reaching AED 66.5 Bn and apartments AED 81.6 Bn. The median price rose to AED 1,607 per sqft. Top sales included a AED 365 Mn villa on Palm Jumeirah and an AED 170 Mn apartment at Peninsula Dubai Residences. Developer sales dominated at 66%.
Read more at Dubai property sales in H1 soars to record $89bln, says report | Zawya
STAMN launches Nautis Residences on Dubai Islands with luxury living (3rd July)
STAMN Real Estate Development has launched Nautis Residences, a mid-rise project on Dubai Islands featuring 63 luxury units, from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom townhouses. Designed by Horizon, Nautis draws inspiration from Arabian Gulf waves and offers amenities like an infinity pool, gym, yoga studio, and social barbecue areas. Located on Island A near the upcoming Dubai Islands Mall, it’s close to retail, dining, marinas, schools, and healthcare facilities. Prices range from AED 1.74 Mn to AED 6.6 Mn, with handover planned for Q4 2027. STAMN aims to rival Palm Jumeirah’s popularity with this prime waterfront development.
Read more at STAMN launches prime residential development on Dubai Islands | Zawya`
Dubai launches region’s first PropTech hub to drive Real Estate innovation (3rd July)
The DIFC Innovation Hub and Dubai Land Department have launched the Dubai PropTech Hub, the region’s first platform dedicated to real estate technology. Located in DIFC, the hub aims to support over 200 start-ups, create 3,000+ jobs, and attract $300 million in investment by 2030.Designed as a collaborative ecosystem, it brings together developers, regulators, tech firms, and investors, offering licensing support, incubators, pilot programs, and innovation-friendly infrastructure. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033 and features founding partners like Binghatti, Majid Al Futtaim, and Sobha Realty. It positions Dubai as a global leader in PropTech, enhancing transparency, accessibility, and innovation in the real estate sector.
Read more at Dubai launches PropTech Hub, to support 200 firms, create 3,000 jobs | Gulf News
Wadeem on Hudayriyat Island sells out in just 72 hours, hitting AED 5.5 Billion (4th July)
Modon Holding has announced the complete sell-out of Wadeem, a prime residential development on Hudayriyat Island, within just 72 hours of its launch. The sales generated an impressive AED 5.5 Bn, making Wadeem the highest-valued real estate release in Abu Dhabi for 2025 to date. The rapid sell-out reflects strong demand for high-quality real estate in prime locations and highlights Modon’s ability to deliver exceptional residential communities. This achievement reinforces Hudayriyat Island’s position as one of Abu Dhabi’s most desirable residential destinations. The project’s popularity underscores the growing interest in innovative, well-planned communities that combine luxury living with strategic location advantages. This milestone is a key step in Modon’s ongoing mission to shape dynamic, thriving neighborhoods that meet the evolving needs of Abu Dhabi’s residents and investors alike.
Read more at Modon sells out ‘Wadeem‘ on Hudayriyat Island for $1.49bln | Zawya


