Land Sales Dominate 63% of Commercial Market Value in Dubai’s Real Estate Sector

The Dubai commercial real estate market started 2026 on a robust note, recording 1,446 transactions in January, with a total sales value of AED 17.06 billion. This surge in activity reflects strong investor confidence across multiple asset classes, with land transactions emerging as the dominant force in the market.

According to recent data, land acquisitions accounted for 63.4% of the total transaction value, totalling AED 10.82 billion. This figure underscores the continued high demand for development opportunities within the emirate. While land sales led the market in terms of value, other sectors also contributed to a diversified transaction mix. Office sales followed with 19.2% of the total value (AED 3.27 billion), while whole buildings, retail assets, and hotel apartments collectively maintained steady activity.

The January 2026 figures highlight a substantial year-on-year increase in both volume and value. Compared with January 2025, which saw 917 transactions totalling AED 9.34 billion, the current market performance reflects a marked acceleration in capital deployment. Furthermore, momentum has continued to build, with activity rising to 1,262 transactions worth AED 15.90 billion in December 2025.

Specific category breakdowns show that while land transactions generated the highest value, the office sector recorded the highest volume, with 679 transactions. Whole buildings contributed AED 1.18 billion (6.92%), retail assets added AED 673 million (3.95%), and hotel apartments accounted for AED 660 million (3.87%).

Overall, the commercial market performance at the start of 2026 indicates a healthy environment for investment, driven largely by significant land acquisitions and supported by sustained interest in income-generating assets across the board.