Highlights of the week | 4th August – 10th August 2025

​Dubai real estate records strong growth in H1 2025 (4th August)​

Dubai’s real estate sector showed strong growth in H1 2025, completing 24 projects worth AED 4.5 Bn and advancing 726 developments. The market added 90,337 units, with 75,347 sold for AED 151 Bn, including 7,167 villas worth over AED 28 Bn, reflecting demand for standalone homes and integrated communities. Rentals remained stable, with 465,738 contracts worth AED 42 Bn, up 5% year-on-year. New leases rose 7% to 232,928. These results highlight investor confidence, effective regulation, and Dubai Land Department’s digital initiatives, aligning with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 to enhance transparency, attract investment, and position the emirate as a global leader in quality living. ​

Read more at Dubai Land Department: 24 real estate projects worth $1.2bln completed in H1 2025| Zawya​

Binghatti’s US$ 500 Million sukuk oversubscribed fivefold amid strong demand (4th August)​

Binghatti Holding’s debut US$ 500 Mn sukuk was oversubscribed five times, with orders exceeding US$ 2.5 Bn, leading to a profit rate tightening to 8.125%. Part of a US$ 1.5 Bn sukuk programme, the 5-year senior unsecured sukuk will be dual-listed on Nasdaq Dubai and the London Stock Exchange. Binghatti’s net profit more than tripled to AED1.82 Bn in H1 2025, driven by strong Dubai real estate demand. The developer launched seven projects and completed five in six months, managing a portfolio worth AED 70 Bn, including 20,000 units across 30 projects, and recently acquired land for a new AED 25 Bn master-planned community ​

Read more at Binghatti’s $500m sukuk oversubscribed fivefold | MSN​

AED 10.9 Million crowdfunding opportunity targets Burj Khalifa view penthouse (5th August)​

SmartCrowd, Mena’s first regulated real estate crowdfunding platform, has launched a rare Downtown Dubai Flip opportunity, a top-floor three-bedroom penthouse with panoramic Burj Khalifa views. With a target raise of AED 10.9 Mn and a nine-month exit timeline, the project offers strong value-add potential through renovation. The Flip model enables investors to co-own prime properties for short-term gains, complementing long-term investments. Backed by Nawy, SmartCrowd has launched over AED 207 Mn in Flip projects, delivering an average 28% net return. This launch follows record demand for earlier Flips, underscoring growing investor appetite for accessible, high-potential real estate in Dubai’s booming AED 33 Bn market. ​

Read more at SmartCrowd launches luxury Dubai Downtown penthouse Flip | Zawya​

Dubai records landmark AED 3 Bn land deal (5th August)​

Dubai’s property market is showing strong investor confidence with the successful brokerage of one of the emirate’s largest land deals, valued at over AED 3 Bn including transfer fees. The landmark transaction involved a prime plot near Emaar Creek Harbour and is the largest land sale ever handled by a broker in Dubai, ranking third in the city’s direct real estate history. This milestone highlights Dubai’s enduring global appeal and investor trust in its strategic vision and infrastructure-led growth. The deal underscores the city’s promising long-term development trajectory and the resilience of its real estate sector.​

Read more at Dubai sees one of its biggest real estate deals, topping Dh3 billion |Gulf News​

Tomorrow World launches landmark commercial tower in Dubai’s International City (6th August)​

Tomorrow World Properties, the boutique real estate arm of Tomorrow World Group, has unveiled Tomorrow Commercial Tower in Dubai’s International City. Strategically located 400m from the upcoming International City 1 Metro Station, the tower offers prime connectivity to key districts. Featuring an all-glass façade, a five-star double-height lobby, and four high-speed OTIS elevators, it blends elegance with functionality. Each office includes private bathrooms, pantries, and smart systems for energy, climate, and security efficiency. Hosting Tomorrow World Group’s global HQ, the tower promises sustainable, future-ready workspaces for SMEs and multinationals. ​

Read more at Tomorrow World launches new commercial tower in Dubai | Zawya​

Emaar profits surge 33% in H1 2025 on record property sales (6th August)​

Emaar Properties reported a net profit of AED 7.08 Bn (US$1.9 Bn) for H1 2025, up 33% year-on-year, driven by strong property sales. Revenue rose 38% to AED 19.8 Bn, with all segments, development, retail, hospitality, and international performing robustly. The company’s property sales backlog jumped 62% to AED 146.3 Bn. Emaar Development, its majority-owned subsidiary, posted a 50% rise in net profit to AED 5.5 Bn, with revenue up 35% to AED 10 Bn and backlog up 59% to AED 117.7 Bn. Property sales for the build-to-sell unit surged 37% to AED 40.6 Bn, reflecting sustained demand in Dubai’s real estate market. ​

Read more at Dubai-listed Emaar Properties reports 33% YoY profit growth in H1 | Zawya​

Ellington Properties launches Eaton Square, Dubai’s new commercial landmark (6th August)​

Dubai’s Ellington Properties is launching Eaton Square, its first commercial project in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, marking its entry into the commercial real estate sector. Set for completion in Q2 2028, Eaton Square will feature an 11-floor office tower with premium retail spaces, designed for single-tenant occupancy and panoramic city views. The development meets growing demand for modern workspaces driven by Dubai’s rising business activity. Amenities include an on-site daycare, quiet zones, EV charging, bicycle storage, and advanced smart building technologies like facial recognition and destination control lifts, fostering a productive, connected, and sustainable work environment. ​

Read more at SmartCrowd launches luxury Dubai Downtown penthouse Flip | Zawya​

Shamal Holding introduces ultra-luxury coastal estate off Jumeirah (6th August)​

Shamal Holding has unveiled Naïa Island Dubai, an ultra-luxury private estate set to redefine high-end living in the region. Anchoring the development is the Middle East’s first Cheval Blanc Maison, featuring exclusive suites and private villas embodying contemporary elegance and serene luxury. The island will also offer limited branded beachfront residences and estate plots with private beach access. Located off the Jumeirah coastline with seamless city connectivity, Naïa Island combines coastal-inspired architecture, open green spaces, and skyline views. Residents will enjoy bespoke dining, spa experiences, a private marina, and immersive natural surroundings, delivering a lifestyle of exclusivity, privacy, and tranquility.​

Read more at Shamal unveils ultra-luxury with Naïa Island Dubai | Gulf News​

Azizi Developments launches Azizi Abraham in Jebel Ali Free Zone (7th August)​

Azizi Developments has launched Azizi Abraham, a vibrant residential project in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), offering studios to three-bedroom apartments with modern interiors and stylish exteriors. Amenities include rooftop infinity pools, cinema, fitness centre, kids’ play areas, saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms, BBQ zones, and jogging and cycling tracks. Located near Sheikh Zayed Road with metro access, it provides easy connectivity to key destinations like Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Marina. As one of Jafza’s few freehold residential options, Azizi Abraham targets professionals and families, blending lifestyle and strategic location. ​

Read more at Azizi launches new luxury residential development at Jafza | Zawya​

Strong leasing drives Dubai residential REIT’s AED 622 Millon net profit (8th August)​

Dubai Residential REIT, managed by DHAM Investments, reported a 10% increase in net profit to AED 622 Mn (US$ 169 Mn) in H1 2025, driven by strong residential leasing. Revenue rose 10% to AED 958 Mn, with adjusted EBITDA up 11% to AED 718 Mn, maintaining a 75% margin. Portfolio occupancy averaged 98%, and rental revenue per leased area grew 6%. The REIT focuses on premium properties in Dubai’s top locations. The board approved an interim cash dividend of AED 550 Mn, reflecting confidence in long-term value. Dividends will be paid semi-annually in April and September. ​

Read more at Dubai Residential REIT delivers $169mln profit in H1| Zawya​

Abu Dhabi rental market booms with highest apartment rent growth (9th August)​

Abu Dhabi property prices rose 2.2% QoQ and 8.1% YoY in Q2 2025, with villas leading gains at 2.6% QoQ and 10.1% YoY, while apartments increased 1.7% QoQ and 5.9% YoY. Saadiyat Island saw the highest villa price growth at 21.2%, while apartment prices rose most in Saadiyat (+8%) and Al Reef (+7.3%). Rents surged 9.5% YoY, driven by apartments with a record 12.5% increase. Average apartment rents ranged from AED 65,000 (studio) to AED 183,000 (3-bed), while villa rents averaged AED 249,000. Gross rental yields remain strong at 8.1%, with occupancy at 88.1%. ​

Read more at Abu Dhabi rents soar, home prices steady as fewer homes hit the market | Gulf News​

Dubai home prices up nearly 24% YoY in Q2 2025 (9th August)​

Dubai property prices rose 4.7% in Q2 2025, slightly slower than Q1, but up nearly 24% year-on-year. Villas led growth with a 28.7% annual increase, especially in Jumeirah Islands (+284%) and Palm Jumeirah (+249%). Villa prices in Q2 jumped 8.5% in Jumeirah Islands and Palm Jumeirah. Apartment prices grew more modestly, 3.4% QoQ and 19.1% YoY, with notable gains in Remraam and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Rental growth was moderate: overall rents rose 1% QoQ and 6.2% YoY, with average apartment rents at AED 95,500 and villa rents flat QoQ but up 4.8% YoY, averaging AED 428,000. ​

Read more at Dubai home prices still rising, but buyers, renters to soon get a breather | Gulf News​

Dubai Ranks among global elite’s favorite second-home destinations (10th August)​

A 2025 Altrata analysis reveals shifting preferences among ultra-wealthy second-home buyers, moving beyond traditional hotspots like Monaco toward cities blending luxury, investment appeal, and strategic benefits. Top U.S. cities include Miami, New York, and Naples, Florida, while globally, London, Beijing, and Dubai rank highly. Dubai, 10th worldwide, attracts 1,288 ultra-wealthy homeowners due to its tax advantages and “golden visa” program. Naples boasts 95% of luxury homes as second residences, and Aspen has one billionaire per 77 residents. Lisbon is rising in popularity, especially among U.S. buyers, thanks to its cosmopolitan vibe and affordable luxury, despite recent residency program changes. ​

Read more at Dubai joins the world’s top 10 cities where the ultra-wealthy buy second homes | Gulf News​

Dubai real estate sector sees over 4,000 new activities in H1 2025 (10th August)​

Dubai’s real estate sector saw 4,049 new activities in H1 2025, led by property sales brokerage (2,301) and leasing brokerage (1,279), according to Dubai Land Department (DLD). Other activities included land trading, property management, mortgage brokerage, and consultancy. Growth is driven by the DLD’s Trakheesi System, a mandatory digital platform for registering real estate services, streamlining licensing and approvals. This integrated digital approach enhances market transparency, supports investor needs, and boosts sector diversity. These efforts align with Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, aiming to establish Dubai as a global property hub through professional, flexible, and efficient real estate services. ​

Read more at Dubai sees 4,049 new property activities in H1 as e-licensing system pays off | Gulf News​