Dubai Real Estate Sales Up in Luxury & Affordable Segments

While many developers are active, three names controlled a huge chunk of the market. Interestingly, they all "won" in different ways.

• Emaar Properties (The Revenue King): Emaar remains the undisputed leader in total money earned, generating AED 65.8 billion. They are the "safe bet" for many, with over 51,000 homes currently under construction, where their new projects include EMAAR Palace Residences Hillside B, EMAAR Serro , EMAAR Valoria The Oasis, EMAAR Mereva 2 The Oasis and many more were launched
• Damac Properties (The Luxury Challenger): Damac took the second spot with AED 35.9 billion in sales. They’ve successfully pivoted toward "branded residences" (partnering with luxury fashion and car brands), which has attracted high-spending international investors. And this time, they have launched island-based projects such as DAMAC Tahiti, DAMAC Bahamas, DAMAC Cuba 2, offering an island theme inspired living for the new generation
• Binghatti (The Volume King): This is the biggest surprise of the year. While Emaar made more money, Binghatti actually sold more individual homes. They completed 17,061 deals (beating both Emaar and Damac in quantity). They have become the "go-to" for the affordable-luxury segment. And to lead the race, Binghatti Developers launched Binghatti Etherea JVC, Binghatti Luxuria, Binghatti Skyflame, and more in different communities

If you feel like everyone is moving to the same five neighborhoods, you’re right. The data shows that buyers are gravitating toward areas that offer either high rental returns or future growth potential.

1. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – The ROI Favorite

JVC was the most active area for transactions. Why? Because you can still buy an apartment here for a reasonable price and rent it out for a 7-8% return. It is the top choice for first-time buyers and "landlord" investors.

2. Business Bay – The Professional Hub

Business Bay saw the highest value of transactions. It’s no longer just offices; it has become a luxury residential hotspot for people who want to be five minutes away from the Burj Khalifa.

3. Dubai South – The Future Bet

With the expansion of the Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai South has exploded. It saw a nearly 26% jump in property values this year alone. If you are looking for long-term growth, this is the area to watch.

4. Palm Jumeirah – Still the Gold Standard

For the ultra-wealthy, the Palm remains the place to be. It led the luxury sector (homes above AED 15 million), with developers like Nakheel bringing in AED 16.9 billion from just a few hundred high-end sales.

• For Buyers: Don't just look at the big names. While Emaar offers prestige, smaller agile developers like Binghatti are delivering units faster. If you need a home quickly, check the developer’s "handover track record."
• For Investors: The "sweet spot" right now is the AED 1M to AED 3M price range. This segment accounted for over half of all deals in 2025. Areas such as Arjan and Dubai Hills Estate are showing great resilience.
• Off-Plan vs. Ready: About 70% of buyers are still choosing off-plan (under construction) properties because of the flexible payment plans. However, ready homes in established areas are seeing higher price growth because there simply aren't enough of them available.