Dubai’s off-plan office market recorded a strong H1 2026, with sales more than doubling the combined value of transactions over the previous seven years, as demand for premium commercial space accelerated across the emirate.

Off-plan office sales reached Dhs13.1bn in the first six months of 2026 across 1,668 transactions, compared with Dhs5.48bn generated between 2019 and 2025, according to an analysis by real estate data platform Al Masdar Al Aqaari based on Dubai Land Department transactions.

The surge reflects growing demand for Grade A office space as multinational companies, regional headquarters and startups continue to expand their presence in Dubai, where office vacancy rates in prime business districts have tightened in recent years.

Real estate office sales: Areas in Dubai that were most popular

Business Bay remained the largest market for off-plan office sales, generating Dhs6.8bn across 476 transactions, accounting for about 52 per cent of the total sales value during the period.

Trade Centre Second ranked second with Dhs1.7bn in sales, followed by TECOM Site A with Dhs1.4bn, while Dubai Maritime City recorded more than Dhs1bn in transactions.

The market has expanded rapidly from a relatively small base. Dubai Land Department data showed off-plan office sales amounted to Dhs65.9m in 2019 and Dhs39.4m in 2020 before falling to Dhs825,000 in 2021.

Sales recovered gradually to Dhs11.5m in 2022 and Dhs69.9m in 2023 before climbing to Dhs664.4m in 2024 and Dhs4.63bn in 2025.

Higher-value transactions dominated activity in the first half of 2026. A total of 212 office sales exceeded Dhs20m, with transactions priced between Dhs20m and Dhs50m accounting for Dhs6.11bn across 201 deals.

Eleven transactions valued above Dhs50m generated a further Dhs629.9m.

Meanwhile, the Dhs2m to Dhs5m segment recorded the highest transaction volume, with 765 sales worth Dhs2.23bn.

Five commercial developments accounted for 71.7 per cent of the total value of off-plan office sales during the period and just over half of all transactions.

The projects included Lumena and Lumena Alta by Omniyat, AHS Tower, Shahrukhz by Danube and 31 Above by Beyond, which together generated more than Dhs9.4bn in sales.

Dubai’s commercial property market has seen robust demand over the past two years, supported by an influx of businesses relocating to the emirate, government initiatives encouraging foreign investment, and a limited supply of premium office space, prompting developers to accelerate new commercial projects.

After a volatile opening half to the year, gold enters the second half of 2026 at a critical juncture, with performance increasingly shaped by shifting geopolitical risks, evolving interest rate expectations, and changing investor positioning dynamics, according to the Gold Mid-Year Outlook 2026 released by the World Gold Council.

The precious metal recorded more than 12 all-time highs during the first half of the year, peaking at a record $5,405/oz in late January before retreating sharply to a low of $4,002/oz in June. The swing resulted in a 7 per cent year-to-date decline and a rise in average volatility to 30 per cent. Despite the correction, gold remains among the strongest-performing major asset classes over the past year, underpinned by sustained structural demand.

Volatile first half driven by geopolitics and positioning

Elevated geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, emerged as the dominant driver of gold’s performance in the first half of 2026. According to the World Gold Council’s Gold Return Attribution Model (GRAM), price action was also influenced by momentum-driven investor positioning and subsequent profit-taking as markets reacted to shifting macro expectations.

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The opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold presented a mixed influence, as investors recalibrated expectations around interest rates and US dollar strength. Trading patterns also highlighted a structural shift in global liquidity flows, with a significant proportion of gold’s price discovery occurring during Asian and US trading hours, underscoring the growing influence of Asian investors in global bullion markets.

Macroeconomic signals shape the outlook

Looking ahead, the World Gold Council indicates that gold is likely to remain a key barometer of global macroeconomic conditions. Unlike assets driven primarily by domestic fundamentals, gold reflects a synthesis of global demand from consumers, institutional investors, and central banks.

At current levels, the gold price broadly aligns with consensus macro assumptions. These include expectations of at least one Federal Reserve rate hike in 2026, likely by October, alongside parallel tightening cycles from the Bank of England, Bank of Japan, and European Central Bank. Inflation in the United States is projected to peak near 3.9 per cent in the second quarter.

Under these conditions, the World Gold Council suggests gold may trade within a narrow range of approximately ±5 per cent around $4,100/oz through the end of the year, assuming macroeconomic stability persists.

Scenario risks: Upside and downside pressures

The outlook for gold remains highly sensitive to changes in macro and geopolitical conditions. A deterioration in global growth or renewed escalation in geopolitical risk could reignite upward momentum. However, the World Gold Council notes that a sustained breakout above $4,500/oz would likely require a pronounced global economic slowdown or a significant shift in interest rate expectations.

On the downside, stronger-than-expected US dollar performance, tighter monetary policy than currently priced in, and renewed risk-on sentiment across equity markets represent key headwinds. A sustained break below $4,000/oz could trigger additional downside pressure. However, historical patterns suggest that declines of more than 10% from current levels tend to attract renewed physical and institutional demand across multiple regions, reinforcing gold’s longer-term support base.

Juan Carlos Artigas, regional CEO, Americas and global head of Research at the World Gold Council, commented:

“The gold market has made something clear this year: it is a genuinely global asset. The gold price reflects macroeconomic and geopolitical dynamics around the world, not just in the US, which is part of what makes it such a valuable lens for investors. Rates matter, and we expect them to be a key variable in the second half. But gold’s performance is not driven by a single factor. Gold has come under pressure near US$4,000/oz this year and previously rebounded, supported by organic demand from long-term buyers across multiple geographies. That structural demand from central banks, institutional investors, and consumers worldwide is what underpins gold’s resilience.”

Precious metals under pressure amid geopolitical uncertainty

Broader precious metals markets have remained under pressure as renewed US-Iran tensions add to inflationary concerns. Both gold and silver declined by 1–2 per cent in the previous session, reflecting heightened volatility across commodities.

In intraday trading, gold briefly slipped below the $4,000 level before recovering, while silver traded near $59. Market sentiment has been influenced by conflicting diplomatic signals between Washington and Tehran regarding potential negotiations. The US indicated that discussions with Iran are scheduled to begin in Doha, while Iranian officials signalled limited engagement, stating that only a delegation of experts would be sent and ruling out direct talks.

At the same time, a stronger US dollar, supported by a more hawkish Federal Reserve stance, has added pressure on precious metals. Policymakers have indicated willingness to tighten monetary conditions further in response to persistent inflationary pressures. Upcoming US labour data, particularly non-farm payrolls (NFP), are expected to play a key role in shaping near-term policy expectations. A stronger-than-expected reading could reinforce a restrictive policy bias and weigh further on bullion prices.

Investor flows have also weakened, with holdings in bullion-backed exchange-traded funds declining to their lowest levels since September. According to market participants, recent outflows have intensified bearish sentiment. Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial, noted that the previous week alone saw ETF outflows of $4.39bn, equivalent to 36 tonnes, highlighting sustained institutional de-risking.

Technical landscape: Key levels in focus

From a technical perspective, gold has broken below its descending channel, signalling near-term weakness and increased sensitivity to key resistance levels. Immediate resistance is seen between $4,070 and $4,100, a zone reinforced by the 200-period exponential moving average on the four-hour chart.

A failed retest of this range could present renewed downside pressure, with potential targets near the $4,000 level. Conversely, a sustained breakout above US$4,100 would shift focus toward the $4,200–$4,250 range, where additional resistance aligns with the 20-day exponential moving average. On the downside, support is expected around $3,930, followed by $3,880.

For silver, resistance is projected in the $61–$62 range, a zone also reinforced by the 50-period EMA on the four-hour chart. A retest of this resistance band may attract selling pressure, with downside targets near $56. Support is expected around $55–$56, consistent with last week’s lows, according to Valecha.

The 29th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) officially gets under way on July 2, with the launch of the Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDDS), headlined by the popular 12 hour sale and a chance for shoppers to become a SHARE Millionaire.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the annual summer festival will run until August 30, 2026, delivering more than 60 days of shopping, dining, entertainment, hospitality and family-focused experiences across Dubai. Held under this year’s theme, “Make it a Dubai Summer,” the programme is designed to boost consumer spending, support businesses across multiple sectors and further strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global retail and tourism destination.

Read more-Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 calendar: Mega discounts, exclusive rewards revealed

The Great Dubai Summer Sale opens with exclusive discounts of up to 90 per cent across more than 100 participating brands at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and other participating locations. The 12 hour sale will take place on Thursday, July 2, from 10am to 10pm, offering residents and visitors significant savings across a wide range of retail categories.

Millionaire prize draw adds to shopping incentives

In addition to substantial retail discounts, shoppers spending Dhs300 or more at participating outlets in Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira will have the opportunity to enter a raffle draw for a chance to become a SHARE Millionaire.

Entry into the promotion is subject to customers registering their purchases through the approved SHARE mechanic and complying with the campaign’s terms and conditions.

The campaign forms part of a broader strategy to encourage retail activity during the summer period while rewarding shoppers through exclusive promotions and prize opportunities.

Extensive programme of events across the emirate

Beyond its retail promotions, Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 will feature a packed calendar of citywide events, including live entertainment, family attractions, culinary experiences, luxury shopping activations, hotel packages and exclusive offers at leading attractions.

Among the festival’s returning highlights are the Great Dubai Summer Sale, Back-to-School promotions, Summer Restaurant Week, 10 Dirham Dish, Beat The Heat, Modesh World, as well as a range of hotel and attraction offers.

The 2026 edition will also introduce several new initiatives, including DSS Luxe Edition, Performing Arts Fest, Back-to-School Carnival, Win Your Home in Dubai, Dine Shop Win, and an expanded portfolio of raffles and shopping rewards.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 strategic partners include Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Marsa Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira), and talabat.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has issued its 50th Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence, marking a milestone in the emirate’s efforts to build a regulated and globally competitive virtual assets ecosystem.

The 50th licence has been awarded to Tribe Tokenisation FZE, bringing the total number of licensed VASPs operating under VARA’s regulatory framework to 50.

Established in 2022, VARA has developed a dedicated regulatory regime for virtual assets in Dubai, overseeing firms operating across different segments of the digital asset value chain.

The regulator said the milestone reflects more than the number of licensed firms, highlighting Dubai’s growing appeal as a destination for regulated virtual asset businesses. Licensed companies contribute to the local economy through technology investment, high-skilled employment, office expansion, professional services demand, international capital inflows and the development of financial market capabilities.

The latest milestone also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai as a global hub for innovation, finance and technology while accelerating the growth of future-focused industries.

VARA said its regulatory approach is based on enabling sustainable growth through clear and transparent rules that give businesses the confidence to invest and scale while protecting consumers and strengthening market integrity.

The authority’s licensing process evaluates applicants across governance, ownership, financial resilience, operational capability, technology, cybersecurity, risk management, compliance and anti-money laundering controls. Licensed firms remain subject to ongoing supervision and regulatory requirements after authorisation.

Tribe Tokenisation FZE will be added to VARA’s public register of licensed VASPs, allowing consumers and market participants to verify the regulatory status of virtual asset businesses operating in or from Dubai.

Emirates is preparing for one of the busiest travel periods of the year as the summer holiday season gets underway, with the airline forecasting a significant increase in passenger departures from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) beginning this weekend.

The airline expects particularly high traffic between July 3 and 5, marking the start of what is anticipated to be a consistently busy travel period throughout the summer. Against this backdrop, Emirates is encouraging customers to plan their journeys well in advance by allowing additional travel time and making full use of its expanding portfolio of digital and remote check-in services to minimise waiting times and ensure a smoother airport experience, an Emirates advisory said.

Read more-Dubai airport forecasts busiest travel day in July: What passengers must know

With thousands of travellers expected to depart daily during the holiday period, Emirates said customers should account for additional time required for road traffic approaching Dubai International Airport, parking, immigration formalities, security screening and transfers between airport concourses before boarding their flights.

The airline has issued clear guidance recommending that passengers arrive at the airport three hours before departure, complete immigration procedures 90 minutes before departure, and reach their boarding gate at least one hour before departure.

Metro offers efficient access to Terminal 3

As passenger traffic increases across Dubai’s road network during the holiday period, Emirates is advising customers to consider public transport as an efficient alternative to travelling by car.

The airline highlighted the Dubai Metro as one of the most convenient options for accessing Emirates Terminal 3 while avoiding potential traffic congestion.

Metro operating hours are as follows:

• Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5:00am to 12:00am
• Friday: 5:00am to 1:00am
• Sunday: 8:00am to 12:00am

By using the Metro, customers can reduce journey uncertainty while arriving directly at the airport terminal.

Digital services designed to streamline travel

As part of its broader digital-first customer strategy, Emirates is encouraging passengers to complete as many travel formalities as possible before arriving at the airport.

Through the Emirates mobile application, customers can access a comprehensive range of travel services, including booking and modifying flights, downloading digital boarding passes for eligible destinations, receiving flight notifications, checking onboard meal options, pre-ordering hot meals in Business Class, booking chauffeur-drive services and selecting inflight entertainment through the airline’s ice entertainment platform before departure.

Customers may also complete online check-in via Emirates.com, with both website and app-based check-in available 48 hours before scheduled departure.

The airline said these digital services are intended to reduce airport processing times while giving customers greater flexibility throughout their travel journey.

Early baggage drop provides greater flexibility

To further improve the customer experience during peak travel periods, Emirates continues to offer complimentary early baggage drop facilities for passengers departing Dubai.

Customers can check in and drop their luggage up to 24 hours before departure, while passengers travelling to the United States can complete the process up to 12 hours before departure.

This allows travellers to arrive at the airport on the day of departure carrying only their hand luggage before proceeding directly to immigration.

The initiative forms part of Emirates’ wider efforts to improve operational efficiency while reducing congestion during busy travel periods.

City check-in facilities offer added convenience

Emirates is also encouraging customers to make use of its remote city check-in facilities, allowing travellers to complete airport formalities before arriving at Dubai International.

The Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) enables customers to check in and drop off luggage between 24 hours and four hours before departure.

Located within Dubai’s central business district, the facility operates daily between 8:00am and 12:00am until August 10, offering travellers access to both self-service kiosks and dedicated Emirates service desks.

Customers travelling from the Northern Emirates can also utilise Emirates City Check-in Ajman, located at Ajman Central Bus Terminal. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing customers to check in between 24 hours and four hours before departure.

These facilities are designed to provide greater flexibility while easing passenger volumes at the airport.

Home check-in expands personalised travel services

For customers seeking additional convenience, Emirates continues to offer its Home Check-in service across Dubai and Sharjah.

Under the service, Emirates agents visit a customer’s home, hotel or office to complete check-in formalities, collect baggage and transfer luggage directly to the aircraft, allowing passengers to travel to the airport later carrying only cabin baggage.

The service must be booked at least 24 hours before departure and is provided complimentary for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members.

The initiative reflects Emirates’ continued investment in premium customer services and personalised travel experiences.

Self-service technology supports faster airport processing

Passengers travelling through Terminal 3 are also encouraged to make use of Emirates’ self-service check-in and baggage drop facilities.

The airline’s self-check-in kiosks, bag-drop counters and Emirates Check-in Ports provide customers with quicker processing options while helping to manage passenger flow during periods of high demand.

In addition, Emirates Skywards members can register for Emirates Biometrics through the Emirates app before travelling, enabling facial recognition technology that allows eligible passengers to move more efficiently through various airport touch points.

The airline said these investments continue to enhance operational efficiency while improving the overall customer experience.

Airport transport services simplify terminal connections

Recognising the scale of Dubai International Airport, Emirates reminded customers that complimentary transport services remain available between airport concourses.

Passengers travelling between Concourse A and Concourse B can utilise the complimentary train service within Terminal 3.

Meanwhile, a dedicated shuttle bus operates continuously between Concourse A and Concourse C every 20 minutes, with an average journey time of approximately 20 minutes.

Collection points are located adjacent to the Central Connection Desk on the Arrivals Level in Concourse A and at Connection Desk E on the Duty Free Level in Concourse C.

First Class customers may also request dedicated Emirates buggy services throughout the airport, while Dubai Airport Buggies are available free of charge for all passengers, with priority given to elderly travellers, families with children and People of Determination.

Packing guidance aimed at reducing travel disruptions

Emirates is also reminding customers to familiarise themselves with baggage regulations before travelling in order to avoid unnecessary delays during airport security checks.

The airline noted that power banks are permitted only in cabin baggage and are prohibited in checked luggage.

Similarly, smart bags may be carried onboard provided their batteries are removable and comply with applicable cabin baggage size and weight requirements. Where batteries remain installed, the smart bag must be completely powered off.

Electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, electric portable incense burners and other battery-powered personal vaporisers must also be carried in hand luggage and protected against accidental activation.

The airline said compliance with these requirements contributes to a smoother airport experience for all passengers.

Inflight shopping available before departure

Passengers wishing to reduce onboard shopping time can also pre-order duty-free purchases through EmiratesRED.com before travelling.

The service is available on most Emirates flights from 21 days up to 40 hours before departure, allowing customers to browse a catalogue of more than 200 products and have purchases delivered directly to their seat during the flight.

The current summer catalogue includes brands such as Hermes, Parfum de Marly, Tom Ford, Creed and Jo Malone. Customers using the pre-order service can also benefit from a 10% discount by applying the promotional code RED10 during checkout.

Dedicated assistance for People of Determination

Emirates reaffirmed its commitment to accessible travel by highlighting the range of services available for People of Determination travelling through Dubai International Airport.

Support includes trained Emirates and airport personnel, a dedicated airport pre-planning guide, up to two hours of complimentary airport parking, priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security screening and boarding where required.

The airline also encourages customers to consult the Accessible Travel section on Emirates.com or contact their local Emirates office for additional assistance before travelling.

As passenger numbers continue to build across the summer holiday season, Emirates said early preparation, digital planning and use of its expanded check-in options will play a key role in helping customers navigate one of the busiest periods of the year while maintaining a smooth and efficient travel experience.