Dubai Commercial Real Estate Market Report – H1 2026
Explore the latest trends shaping Dubai’s commercial real estate market, including office and retail sales, off-plan investment, leasing performance and the outlook for H2 2026.
Download the H1 2026 Dubai Commercial Property Market Report
The H1 2026 Dubai Commercial Real Estate Market Report provides an in-depth analysis of investment and leasing activity across the emirate, including office and retail performance, off-plan development and the changing priorities of commercial property investors.
Record H1 investment across Dubai’s commercial real estate market
Dubai’s commercial property market remained highly active during the first half of 2026, recording 6,470 sales transactions worth AED 62.2 billion. This represented the highest sales volume and value recorded during a first half, despite activity becoming more measured compared with the exceptional levels reached during H2 2025.
Office and retail property were standout areas of growth. Office sales increased 35.3% year-on-year to 2,570 transactions, while retail sales rose 50.2% to 853 transactions. Rising transaction values and average prices across both sectors reflected continued investor appetite for high-quality commercial real estate.
One of the most significant trends was the rapid expansion of off-plan commercial property investment. Off-plan transactions increased from 1,239 in H1 2025 to 3,123 in H1 2026, while their combined value surged from approximately AED 3.0 billion to AED 17.0 billion. This reflects growing investment in Dubai’s next generation of Grade A offices, premium retail space and mixed-use commercial developments.
Dubai’s commercial leasing market also remained highly active, with 163,356 rental transactions recorded during the first half of the year. While average rents showed some variation across asset classes, occupier demand continued to be supported by Dubai’s expanding business ecosystem and its position as a global centre for trade, finance and entrepreneurship.
The full report explores these trends in greater detail, including office and retail sales performance, off-plan and secondary transactions, commercial rental activity, pricing across key business districts and the outlook for Dubai’s commercial property market during H2 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
The report provides an overview of Dubai’s commercial property market during the first six months of 2026. It covers sales transactions and values, office and retail performance, off-plan and secondary market activity, commercial leasing, pricing across key locations and the outlook for H2 2026.
Dubai recorded 6,470 commercial property sales worth AED 62.2 billion during H1 2026, representing year-on-year increases of 7.2% in transaction volume and 6.1% in sales value. This made H1 2026 the strongest first half on record for both commercial sales volume and value.
Dubai’s office sales market recorded significant growth during H1 2026, with 2,570 offices sold, up 35.3% year-on-year. Approximately 4.4 million sq.ft. of office space changed hands, while the average sales price reached AED 3,203 per sq.ft. Demand was particularly strong for high-quality and future-ready office developments.
Yes. Off-plan commercial activity expanded considerably during H1 2026. A total of 3,123 off-plan commercial properties were sold, compared with 1,239 during H1 2025, while transaction value increased from approximately AED 3.0 billion to AED 17.0 billion. The growth reflects strong investor appetite for Dubai’s pipeline of new office, retail and mixed-use developments.
Retail property recorded 853 sales during H1 2026, an increase of 50.2% year-on-year. Approximately 1.1 million sq.ft. of retail space was sold, while the average sales price reached AED 3,486 per sq.ft. Activity remained supported by Dubai’s expanding residential communities, population growth and demand for well-positioned commercial space.
Dubai recorded 163,356 commercial rental transactions during H1 2026, remaining broadly in line with the exceptionally active H1 2025 market. Average rental performance varied by property type, with retail and warehouse rents increasing year-on-year while average office rents were lower. Leasing activity nevertheless remained strong across the wider commercial market.
Dubai’s commercial property market enters H2 2026 with strong underlying fundamentals. Activity may remain more measured during the traditionally quieter summer period, but improving confidence, continued business expansion and investment in new commercial developments provide a positive foundation for the longer-term outlook.
The report is designed for commercial property investors, landlords, business owners, occupiers and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Dubai’s commercial real estate market. It combines market data with analysis of the trends influencing investment, leasing and commercial property performance across the emirate.