Real estate activity in the UAE reached new heights in the first quarter of 2025, as total transactions across five key emirates exceeded AED239 billion, official figures show. This sharp increase reflects growing investor confidence, supported by favourable regulations and the steady rollout of new developments.
From January to March, more than 94,700 sales, purchase, and mortgage transactions were recorded across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. This strong performance highlights the robust start of the year for the country’s property sector.
Strong Results in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai led the market with AED193 billion in total real estate transactions. The emirate recorded 58,039 deals, showing a 16.2% rise in value and a 31.5% increase in volume compared to the first quarter of 2024. Sales alone reached AED142 billion across 45,077 transactions, which is a 30% year-on-year jump. Additionally, mortgage activity added AED41 billion from nearly 11,000 transactions, while the remainder included grants and exchanges.
Abu Dhabi followed with AED25.3 billion in real estate transactions, reflecting a 34.5% growth from the same period last year. The capital saw 3,819 sales deals worth AED15.51 billion, marking a 26.7% increase. Mortgage activity also grew significantly, reaching AED9.8 billion from 3,077 transactions—a 49% year-on-year rise.
According to Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar Properties, the UAE’s real estate boom is fuelled by the country’s broader economic and cultural progress, making it one of the world’s most attractive destinations for living, working, and investing. He noted that Aldar recorded AED8.9 billion in Q1 sales, a 42% increase compared to 2024, with portfolio occupancy surpassing 95%.
Growth Extends Across Northern Emirates
In Sharjah, total property transactions reached AED13.2 billion from 24,597 deals, representing a 31.9% increase year-on-year. Ajman followed with AED5.55 billion in overall deals, up 29%. Of that, AED3.69 billion came from 3,132 sales transactions, while AED905 million came from mortgages. The remainder came from grants and exchanges.
Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah recorded over 1,300 off-plan residential transactions, valued at more than AED2.4 billion, according to CBRE. This trend highlights the continued demand for housing in the northern emirates, particularly for new developments.
With real estate growth accelerating across all five emirates, the UAE continues to position itself as a top global destination for investors, residents, and businesses alike.
