Dubai is on track to record its highest annual residential handover volume since 2008, with approximately 55,600 units expected to be completed in 2026, according to Cushman & Wakefield Core’s H1 2026 report.
About 32,000 units are projected for delivery in the second half of the year, following more than 13,218 completions in the second quarter. Major apartment handovers included Crest Grande at Sobha Hartland, Skyhills Residences 1 and City Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. Villa completions were concentrated at Damac Lagoons and Jebel Ali Village.
More than 60,000 additional units are projected for delivery in 2027. However, the report noted that supply chain constraints, contractor capacity and softer market conditions could slow future completions. Only around 186,000 of nearly 525,000 units planned through 2030 have passed 20% construction progress.
New launch activity also declined sharply in the first half of 2026. Apartment launches fell about 58% year-on-year, while villa launches dropped approximately 78%. According to the report, geopolitical uncertainty led developers to defer planned releases, with new projects largely focused on mid-market and end-user segments.
Source: Gulf Economist
