Dubai’s real estate market has recorded a blockbuster first half of 2025, with the latest statistics from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) revealing that the city attracted approximately 94,700 investors, a robust 26 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Of these, nearly 59,000 were first-time investors, representing a 22 per cent year-on-year rise. UAE residents made up 45 per cent of the new investors, a figure that underlines the strong domestic confidence in the sector.

Residential transactions soar in value

This influx of investors fuelled a notable rise in residential property activity. The sector registered 91,900 transactions amounting to Dhs 262.1 billion, marking a 22.9 per cent increase in volume and an impressive 36.4 per cent rise in transaction value compared to the first half of 2024.

Read-Dubai’s commercial property boom: Areas you should be investing in

While there was a marginal 2.4 per cent dip in transaction volumes when compared with the second half of 2024, mainly due to a slower first quarter, the market showed a strong rebound in Q2, powered by solid demand from both local and international investors, as well as genuine end-users seeking long-term assets.

Alongside this transaction growth, supply has also picked up pace.

Approximately 17,200 residential units were completed in the first six months of 2025, with 42.4 per cent of these concentrated in key neighbourhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Sobha Hartland, and Mohammed Bin Rashid City.

Looking forward, the market continues to anticipate substantial development. Over 61,800 units are under construction and slated for delivery before year-end. However, only 21 per cent of these projects have reached 75 per cent or more in construction progress, suggesting that delivery timelines may be at risk, according to Cavendish & Maxwell’s latest Dubai Residential Market Performance report.

Market leaders: Top developers by sales volume

The dominance of major players like Emaar, DAMAC Properties, and Sobha Group remained evident in H1 2025. Emaar maintained strong sales, particularly in The Valley and Emaar South. DAMAC Properties recorded significant volumes from its DAMAC Islands and DAMAC Hills 2 developments. Meanwhile, Sobha Group experienced consistent demand for Sobha Solis and Sobha Orbis in Motor City.

Emerging developers also made their presence felt. Binghatti and Danube Properties retained strong positions among the top players, while new entrant Beyond debuted in the top 10. Its projects in Dubai Maritime City captured growing buyer interest, highlighting the diversification in developer landscape and buyer preferences.

These shifts indicate that buyers are increasingly looking for high-quality, competitively priced properties with flexible payment structures — and developers delivering on these fronts are gaining traction.

Dubai’s global standing a key driver

Dubai’s strategic global positioning and progressive visa policies have played a pivotal role in converting international interest into investment.

Initiatives such as the Golden Visa and the 10-year investor visa have bolstered buyer confidence by offering long-term security, lifestyle access, and freedom to conduct business.

“This combination of lifestyle and legal certainty has been a game-changer,” said Daniel Hadi, CEO of Engel & Völkers Middle East. “It has significantly expanded our international client base and converted leads into serious, long-term investors.”

Amid global economic volatility, Dubai has emerged as a “safe haven” for capital. The city’s economic fundamentals, including its regulatory transparency, the Dhs-USD peg, and zero income tax policy, provide a stable and lucrative investment environment.

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly directing funds into Dubai’s real estate sector, drawn by its low-risk, high-return proposition. “There’s growing confidence among our HNWI clients that Dubai offers a stable and rewarding market, especially in uncertain global times,” Hadi added.

Freehold vs. leasehold: Strategic decisions

Investors in Dubai continue to weigh the benefits of freehold versus leasehold ownership. Freehold properties offer full ownership rights, including the ability to resell, lease, or pass properties on to heirs, making them attractive to long-term investors.

Leasehold options, on the other hand, usually come with lower upfront costs and can still offer strong returns for those with short- to mid-term investment goals. Investment consultants are increasingly tailoring recommendations based on individual investment timelines.

Upcoming mega-developments and masterplans are reshaping Dubai’s urban fabric. Projects in areas such as Al Jaddaf, Dubai Islands, and various waterfront zones are attracting investor attention, thanks to their integration of lifestyle, wellness, and tech infrastructure.

“These developments are not just real estate projects; they’re future-proofed ecosystems,” said Hadi. “Early investors often see significant capital appreciation as these communities grow and infrastructure matures.”

Infrastructure mega projects to boost demand

Infrastructure plays a critical role in sustaining real estate momentum. Major projects like the Dubai Loop and the Etihad Rail network are opening up new development corridors and boosting demand in emerging zones.

“With improved connectivity on the horizon, we expect renewed interest from both end-users and investors. These projects are significant value drivers and will play a big role in shaping the next phase of Dubai’s property landscape,” Hadi concluded.

A 2.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Khor Fakkan at 20:35 (UAE time) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, according to the National Seismic Network of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

As far as the weather conditions in the country is concerned, as the UAE steps deeper into August, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has released its five-day weather forecast, offering a glimpse into the atmospheric shifts expected from Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, a WAM report said.

Read-UAE’s summer nears its end: Relief from extreme heat soon

The country remains under the influence of a weak surface low-pressure system extending from the east, accompanied by an upper air trough. This setup is expected to bring a mix of clear skies, cloud build-ups, and localised rain, alongside the more familiar summer heat and dusty breezes.

The NCM also issued an alert on Tuesday, August 5, advising precautions during strong convective cloud activity associated with rainfall and strong winds over some eastern areas. Loose objects and weak structures may pose hazards due to strong winds and reduced visibility. Residents are advised to avoid areas with accumulated rain.

Hazy and hot midweek start

Wednesday, August 6, kicks off with generally fair to partly cloudy skies.

As the afternoon approaches, there’s a chance for convective cloud development, especially over eastern regions, potentially triggering brief showers.

Daytime winds, southeasterly to northeasterly, will be light to moderate, occasionally picking up speed and stirring blowing dust, particularly in inland and open areas. Wind gusts could reach up to 40 km/h, making for hazy conditions at times. On the coast and over the islands, wind speeds are expected to peak at 35 km/h.

Despite the atmospheric instability, sea conditions will remain slight, both in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Temperature-wise, it’s shaping up to be another scorcher. Inland regions could see highs nearing 49°C, with humidity dipping as low as 10 per cent.

Coastal and island areas will be slightly milder, ranging between 40°C to 45°C, though with higher humidity levels of up to 90 per cent. Mountain areas will offer some respite, with temperatures topping out around 39°C, coupled with moderate humidity.

Shifting skies and afternoon surprises

The days that follow carry a familiar rhythm, but with subtle daily shifts.

On Thursday and Friday, skies will remain fair to partly cloudy, with increased chances of convective cloud formation over the eastern and southern parts of the country. Afternoon rain showers are likely in these areas, providing brief but welcome relief from the intense heat.

Winds during these days will continue to blow from the southeast to northeast, ranging from 10–25 km/hr, but occasionally picking up to 40 km/h, especially during the hottest parts of the day. This may stir dust and sand, reducing visibility in some locations.

Sea conditions are expected to remain slight, offering safe navigation for coastal activities.

Weekend outlook: Cloud cover and light breezes

Heading into the weekend, Saturday and Sunday promise similar weather patterns, with skies remaining mostly clear to partly cloudy. There’s a continued possibility of convective clouds forming in the east by the afternoon, with chances of isolated rainfall persisting.

Winds will maintain their southeasterly to northeasterly direction, peaking around 35–40 km/hr, enough to stir up occasional dust without significantly affecting daily life. The sea remains slight, ensuring relatively calm waters for maritime activities.

What to expect and prepare for

While much of the UAE will experience typical summer heat, residents in eastern and southern areas should be on the lookout for sudden weather changes, especially in the afternoons. Scattered rain, even if brief, may affect driving conditions or outdoor plans.

Dusty winds may also reduce visibility during peak hours, particularly in open desert regions. It’s advisable to take necessary precautions if traveling during the hotter parts of the day.

The NCM continues to monitor the conditions closely and urges residents to stay informed through official updates, especially when planning outdoor or marine activities.

Milad Monshipour, the founder and CEO of AIR (AI Realtor), is no stranger to disrupting established sectors. After leading mobility app TAPSI to a historic IPO, he has now set his sights on real estate. With AIR, he is introducing an AI-native brokerage model, designed not just to digitalise, but to fundamentally restructure how property transactions work in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets: Dubai.

“Unlike surface-level system integrations that merely layer AI-based features onto traditional systems, AIR is AI-native,” says Monshipour. “It has been designed from the ground up to employ artificial intelligence as the core engine driving the entire property journey.”

AIR comprises three proprietary tools—AIR Brain, AIR Match, and AIR Value—that guide the user journey, from discovery to closing, using Dubai-specific data sets. “AIR was trained specifically on Dubai’s real estate data with advanced algorithms, enabling a level of localisation and precision unmatched by generic global tools,” he adds.

Fixing a fragmented market

Monshipour believes real estate is the Middle East’s next big tech disruption—not fintech, not mobility. The reason is clear: property transactions across the region remain opaque, heavily manual, and fragmented. “AIR aims to fix this by streamlining discovery, automating admin-heavy tasks, and providing real-time information to both buyers and agents,” he says.

Dubai’s market conditions make it ripe for this transformation. It is highly digital, fast-growing, and backed by clear regulations and data transparency. Yet the industry still depends heavily on brokers navigating inconsistent, time-consuming workflows. “In a dynamic and fast-growing market like Dubai, it is the right time to rethink how real estate operates and to give buyers and brokers a smarter, faster, and more transparent experience.”

Built inside-out, not adapted top-down

Monshipour argues that startups in the region must build with local DNA. “In markets like the UAE, and Dubai in particular, the nuances are too complex for imported models to succeed without significant adaptation,” he says. “Dubai is, in many ways, ahead of the curve globally, with advanced regulation, data transparency, seamless digital processes, and a property market that far exceeds its population size in scale and dynamism.”

AIR’s foundation reflects that philosophy. “Our data models are trained exclusively on Dubai-specific datasets, making the platform naturally attuned to local demand, legal frameworks, and customer behaviour.”

That grounding in local insight doesn’t mean AIR lacks global ambition. The startup plans to expand to other markets, but only after proving itself in Dubai. “Our first focus is to perfect the Dubai model within 6–9 months,” he says. “From there, we see strong parallels in other high-growth, high-transparency real estate markets within the GCC region, and regulatory advanced markets—Australia and the UK.”

Not replacing brokers—empowering them

Unlike narratives around AI eliminating jobs, AIR is positioning itself as a broker-enablement platform. “AIR is designed not to replace brokers, but to supercharge them,” says Monshipour. “Our AI assumes control for tasks that machines can do best… so that agents can focus on where they deliver the most value: negotiations, personalised advice, and human connection.”

He explains how AIR dynamically adjusts its involvement. “The system steps back when a human touch is needed and steps in when efficiency is paramount.”

A smarter customer journey

AIR isn’t just about flashy tech. Its tools are built for utility. AIR Brain tracks user preferences from the first point of contact. AIR Match recommends listings in real time, and AIR Assistant manages follow-ups, CRM inputs, and even viewing schedules. Meanwhile, AIR Value helps agents negotiate with real-time pricing logic.

“All this happens in the background, ensuring a seamless experience journey for the client, while the agent stays focused on relationship building and strategy,” he says.

Consumers, Monshipour notes, are rarely resistant to such innovation. “They’re actively craving better experiences and are quick to recognise when a product like AIR delivers that.”

Lessons from TAPSI

As a second-time founder, Monshipour has approached AIR with a refined playbook. “At AIR, we’re building with global scalability in mind and not limiting ourselves to traditional growth trajectories—speed and ambition matter,” he says.

“Another key shift is rethinking conventional approaches. The real estate industry is full of legacy practices, and we’re intentionally challenging those by leveraging technology in new ways.”

He’s also more deliberate about team building. “I know that having top-tier talent from the outset can significantly accelerate execution and innovation.”

Enabling a new infrastructure layer

Monshipour is clear that AIR isn’t aiming to become just another listing platform or brokerage. “We’re not just building a unicorn; we’re reimagining the entire real estate ecosystem,” he says.

“Agents will remain essential, but their roles will evolve and be significantly augmented by AI. A few high-performing, tech-enabled firms will emerge as dominant players, delivering consistent, transparent, and superior customer service, often at lower costs.”

He envisions a future where listing platforms and brokerages blur, and AIR operates as the connective tissue powering both. “That’s where the real disruption lies… becoming a unicorn is simply the starting point.”

Why Dubai?

For AIR, Dubai isn’t just a launchpad—it’s the ideal testbed. “The real estate market is large, fast-moving, and supported by some of the most advanced regulations anywhere in the world,” Monshipour says.

Read: Dubai PropTech Hub launches at DIFC Innovation Hub

He also credits the UAE’s investment climate and growing appetite for tech talent. “From an investment perspective, the success of companies like Souq, Careem, Noon, and more recently, Tabby and Huspy, has shifted investor confidence towards tech ventures.”

AIR hopes to play a role in attracting top-tier AI talent to the UAE. “Our current team reflects that ambition, and we expect this trend to accelerate as the ecosystem continues to evolve.”

Qatar is setting its sights on becoming a key player in global tokenisation frameworks as the market heads towards a potential $16tn by 2030.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has unveiled a new report, produced with Global Stratalogues and the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), outlining the regulatory and infrastructure priorities needed to unlock the potential of tokenising real‑world assets.

The projection for a $16tn market comes from Boston Consulting Group and ADDX, which estimate tokenisation could represent around 10 per cent of global GDP by the end of the decade.

Drawing on insights from the inaugural Digital Assets Policy Roundtable held in Doha alongside the Qatar Economic Forum earlier this year, the report, entitled From Regulation to Realisation: Shaping the Future of Digital Assets, captures consensus among regulators, financial executives and industry experts from across multiple jurisdictions.

The findings highlight five priorities: align cross‑border regulations, invest in core infrastructure, embed financial inclusion, coordinate AI‑blockchain governance and establish public‑private “tokenisation labs” to validate real‑world use cases.

“Tokenisation can unlock real value by making assets more accessible and easier to transfer,” said Yousuf Mohamed Al‑Jaida, CEO of the QFC.

“To realise this potential, we need a clear system that combines robust regulation, secure custody and practical application. This will create a trusted environment that enables institutional adoption and drives sustainable market growth.”

Pragmatism before perfection

The report urges a measured, infrastructure‑first approach to tokenisation.

“Tokenisation must serve a purpose,” said Henk J. Hoogendoorn, QFC’s chief financial sector officer.

“It should democratise access and create real‑world value. Qatar is committed to making tokenisation of real‑world assets a success.”

Maha Al‑Saadi, head of regulatory Affairs at QFC and moderator of the roundtable, added: “Regulatory clarity is not a luxury, it is a prerequisite for scalable tokenisation. Our goal is to bridge global standards with local implementation to ensure digital assets can operate within a trusted and secure environment.”

Co‑author of the report and founder of Global Stratalogues, Oscar Wendel, said: “This report distils the collective intelligence of global thought leaders, financial experts and regulators. It is designed to help lay the policy foundations for inclusive and interoperable digital asset markets worldwide.”

Regional momentum

The Gulf is emerging as a testbed for tokenisation innovation.

In Dubai, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has introduced a regulated framework for asset‑referenced virtual assets, enabling tokenised real estate offerings. One recent example saw Prypco Mint sell out a Dh1.75 mn tokenised villa in under five minutes. The home was tokenized by 169 investors from 40 nationalities, with an average investment size of Dh10,355.

In January, Dubai‑based DAMAC Group signed a $1bn deal with blockchain platform MANTRA to tokenise real estate projects. Both initiatives reflect a broader shift in the region towards regulated, institution‑ready tokenisation models.

The QFC’s report, available online, positions Qatar to lead regional efforts in setting digital asset standards.

With a focus on clear rules, strong infrastructure and inclusion, Doha is making a play to turn tokenisation’s promise into a lasting pillar of Gulf and global finance.