If you’ve been wondering whether the UAE’s property market is still booming; the answer is a resounding yes. According to Colliers’ latest report, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are seeing record activity, while the Northern Emirates and Al Ain are also gaining traction.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters to you.
Abu Dhabi: Strongest Performance Since 2009
Abu Dhabi’s property market is on a roll.
- New Homes: Around 3,250 units were handed over in Q2, with another 2,150 expected by year-end in hotspots like Yas Island, Masdar City, Saadiyat Island, and Jubail Island.
- Rising Rents: Apartment rents are up 6% in one quarter and 13% over the year. Villas also climbed steadily.
- Sales Boom: Over 2,000 homes were sold in Q2, mostly ready properties. That’s a 46% jump from Q1.
- Prices Up: Apartment prices rose 25% year-on-year, with some luxury communities topping 35% growth.
Real-world example: Imagine buying a high-end apartment on Saadiyat Island a year ago. If you paid AED 2 million, that same property could now be worth around AED 2.7 million.
Dubai: Record Development and New Buyer Programs
Dubai continues to lead the UAE property market with unmatched development activity.
- New Supply: About 12,500 units were completed in Q2, including 3,900 villas (a big jump).
- Projects Galore: Over 200 projects have been launched this year, adding roughly 60,000 new homes.
- Rents Steadying: Apartment rents grew just 1%, while villas rose 2%, as more luxury units hit the market.
- Sales Rising: Home prices grew 3%, with off-plan projects driving demand.
Big news for buyers: Dubai’s new First-Time Home Buyer Programme (launched July 2025) offers:
- Discounts of up to 10% on selected off-plan units.
- Tailored mortgages up to AED 5M.
- Easier payment plans for DLD fees.
This program makes it easier for both expats and Emiratis to get onto the property ladder.
Northern Emirates & Al Ain: Gaining Momentum
It’s not just Abu Dhabi and Dubai – other regions are picking up pace too.
- Northern Emirates: About 8,000 new units launched in Q2. Rents rose 12% annually, led by Ras Al Khaimah (+18% in sales prices).
- Sharjah & Ajman: Also seeing steady growth, with rental and sales prices climbing.
- Al Ain: Stable and growing, with apartment rents up 10% year-on-year. New retail centers are on the way, boosting community living.
What This Means for Buyers & Investors
- End-users (home seekers): With government support programs like Dubai’s new initiative, buying is becoming more accessible.
- Investors: Strong demand, rising rents, and steady price appreciation point to long-term value across the UAE.
- Regional Diversification: It’s no longer just about Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are proving their strength too.
Final Thought
The UAE property market in Q2 2025 shows resilience, diversity, and opportunity. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, invest in rental income, or diversify across regions, the market’s fundamentals are strong and the window to benefit is wide open.