Dubai plans around 350,000 new homes by 2030, backed by Dh1.1 trillion of real estate investment within a wider Dh2.1 trillion pipeline of projects announced on 13 October 2026. The plan pairs new supply with major investment in aviation, transport and business districts. For buyers it means more choice, for investors it makes location more important than ever, and for landlords it means tenants will keep comparing options.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai has Dh2.1 trillion of projects underway, including Dh1.1 trillion allocated to real estate development through 2030 and around 350,000 new homes.
- Dubai recorded AED 574.12 billion of property transactions between January and September 2026, the second-highest nine-month total on record.
- Emaar led Dubai developers by sales value in the first eight months of 2026 at AED 32.3 billion, while Azizi recorded the most individual sales.
- S&P Global Ratings expects Dubai’s housing stock to grow by around 20% through 2028, mostly apartments.
- Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center concluded 2,350 amicable settlements worth AED 401 million in the first nine months of 2026, in an average of six days each.
Table of Contents
- Today’s Big Story: 350,000 New Homes in Dubai by 2030
- Second-Best Nine Months on Record
- Emaar Leads Dubai’s Developers
- S&P Flags More Apartment Supply
- Rental Disputes Settled Faster
- Rental Registrations Head for a Record Year
- What It Means for You
- The Sherwoods View
- Frequently Asked Questions
Today’s Big Story: 350,000 New Homes in Dubai by 2030
Speaking at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum at Dubai World Trade Centre on 13 October, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Dh2.1 trillion of active projects across the emirate.
More than half of that, Dh1.1 trillion, is allocated to real estate development through 2030, with around 350,000 new homes planned. He said Dubai is “building a city within a city,” with further projects to be announced, and described this as “the ideal time to invest in Dubai and its infrastructure.”
The wider pipeline includes Dh128 billion for Al Maktoum International Airport, Dh328 billion for the Emirates and flydubai fleets, a Dh100 billion expansion of DIFC, and major investment in roads and the Metro network.
Why it matters for property
More choice for buyers. 350,000 new homes will add significant supply over the coming years. Buyers will have more options, and established, well-located communities are likely to hold their value best.
Support for long-term demand. New homes are being paired with the infrastructure that draws people and businesses to a city: a much larger airport, larger airline fleets, an expanded financial district and better transport.
Location will matter more than ever. Communities close to the new infrastructure are best placed to benefit, including Dubai South near Al Maktoum International Airport, areas along the future Metro Blue and Gold lines, and districts around DIFC. Rail is already changing the map, as the new Etihad Rail Dubai to Abu Dhabi service shows.
Second-Best Nine Months on Record
Dubai recorded AED 574.12 billion of property transactions across 165,018 deals between January and September 2026, according to Dubai Land Department data. That is the second-highest nine-month total on record, behind only 2025.
The total covers sales, mortgages and gifts. Property sales alone accounted for roughly AED 380 billion. The third quarter was noticeably slower than the first half, as regional uncertainty made some buyers more cautious.
Our view: The pace has eased from last year’s record, as our August 2026 transactions report showed, but buyers and investors remain active, particularly for well-priced homes in established communities.
Emaar Leads Dubai’s Developers
Emaar recorded AED 32.3 billion of property sales in Dubai between January and August 2026, according to DXBinteract data, well ahead of DAMAC at AED 18.2 billion and Azizi at AED 10.6 billion.
By number of sales the order changes completely. Azizi recorded the most individual transactions, followed by DAMAC and then Emaar, reflecting Azizi’s focus on lower-priced homes and Emaar’s on higher-value ones.
Our view: Value and volume tell different stories, a pattern our Dubai developer performance ranking explores in detail. In a more selective market, buyers at the upper end are favouring developers with long delivery records, while entry-level demand is concentrated in specific well-priced projects.
S&P Flags More Apartment Supply
S&P Global Ratings estimates that Dubai’s residential stock could grow by around 20% through 2028, with apartments making up a large share of new supply. It notes that some segments are already seeing moderate price corrections.
S&P’s base case is that regional disruption continues into 2027, which together with new deliveries could extend the correction in investor-driven apartment segments. It also says that if geopolitical risk eases in 2027, Dubai’s fundamentals and regulatory framework could see prices stabilise despite the added supply.
Our view: This is a reminder that location and quality matter more than ever. Well-located homes in established communities tend to hold their value better when new supply arrives.
Rental Disputes Settled Faster
Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center concluded 2,350 amicable settlement cases worth AED 401 million between January and September 2026, taking an average of six days per case.
These were cases resolved through the centre’s conciliation process, where landlord and tenant reach an agreed solution rather than proceeding to a full hearing. The six-day average applies to those settlements, not to every rental dispute filed.
Our view: A fast, reliable route to resolving disagreements gives both landlords and tenants confidence in the rental market.
Rental Registrations Head for a Record Year
Dubai registered 298,984 freehold rental contracts in the first nine months of 2026, up 6.8% on the same period last year. That puts 2026 on course to pass the 2025 full-year record with three months still to go.
One-bedroom apartments accounted for around 42% of contracts, showing where tenant demand is deepest.
Our view: Demand for rented homes remains strong even as sales activity has eased, which supports landlords who price realistically and present their properties well.
What It Means for You
Buyers: The 13 October announcement shows how much Dubai still plans to build. With more supply ahead, buyers can take their time, compare carefully and focus on communities set to benefit from new transport links.
Investors: Large-scale government investment in transport, aviation and business districts tends to support long-term demand. At the same time, 350,000 new homes and S&P’s supply forecast mean choosing the right location and unit matters more than ever. Apartments in heavily supplied areas carry more risk than well-located homes in established communities.
Landlords: Record rental registrations and faster dispute resolution support a healthy rental market, but more new homes mean tenants will keep comparing options. Realistic pricing and good presentation will help you let quickly.
The Sherwoods View
In almost four decades, we have seen Dubai grow from a trading city into a global one, and each phase of growth has been led by bold investment in infrastructure. This announcement is another chapter in that story.
The short-term market is still adjusting, with transaction volumes down from last year’s record and some apartment segments correcting. The long-term direction is clear, and the opportunity lies in choosing carefully rather than waiting on the sidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new homes are planned in Dubai by 2030?
Around 350,000 new homes are planned by 2030, supported by Dh1.1 trillion allocated to real estate development. The plan was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on 13 October 2026.
What is Dubai’s Dh2.1 trillion project pipeline?
It is the total value of active projects across Dubai, covering real estate, aviation, transport, infrastructure and quality of life. It includes Dh1.1 trillion for real estate, Dh128 billion for Al Maktoum International Airport and a Dh100 billion expansion of DIFC.
Will 350,000 new homes cause Dubai property prices to fall?
More supply gives buyers more choice and can weigh on prices in heavily supplied segments. S&P Global Ratings expects apartment segments to be most exposed as housing stock grows by around 20% through 2028. Well-located homes in established communities, and areas close to new infrastructure, are generally better placed to hold their value.
How much property was sold in Dubai in 2026?
Dubai recorded AED 574.12 billion of property transactions, including sales, mortgages and gifts, between January and September 2026. Property sales alone were roughly AED 380 billion.
Which developer has sold the most in Dubai in 2026?
By sales value, Emaar led with AED 32.3 billion between January and August 2026. By number of sales, Azizi recorded the most transactions over the same period.
How long does it take to settle a rental dispute in Dubai?
Cases resolved amicably through the Rental Disputes Center’s conciliation process took an average of six days in the first nine months of 2026. Disputes that go to a full hearing can take longer.
Talk to Us
Whether you are buying, selling, investing or letting, our team can help you make sense of what the new pipeline means for your property.
UAE: +971 4 355 0094 or +971 50 591 5762 UK: +44 20 3962 9980 Email: info@sherwoodsproperty.com Web: sherwoodsproperty.com
Sherwoods Property, since 1988.
Sources: Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum announcements; Dubai Land Department; DXBinteract; S&P Global Ratings; Dubai Rental Disputes Center; The National; Khaleej Times. Figures correct as of 14 October 2026. This article is general information and not investment advice. Sherwoods International Property, RERA registration number 1238.
