In May 2025 alone, a staggering 18,700 real estate deals were closed in Dubai, totalling a staggering 66.8 billion dirhams, equivalent to around 18.2 billion dollars.
This indicates a 6% surge in transactions and a staggering 44% surge in total value compared to May of last year. These impressive figures indicate growing investor confidence and stable interest in the market, both in new construction and in completed properties.
The figures are primarily driven by transactions involving primary real estate, i.e. properties that are under construction or have just been completed. The total value of these transactions was almost AED 17.9 billion (US$4.88 billion). This is four times more than in May 2024, with a 314% surge in value and a 145% jump in transactions.
The secondary market also performed well. A total of 6,000 transactions were recorded, amounting to AED 24 billion (equivalent to approximately US$6.55 billion). This represents a significant increase of 8% in terms of number and a notable 21% in terms of value when compared to the previous year.
The primary market saw a surge of 65%, reaching a total volume of AED 37 billion (equivalent to US$10.1 billion). The secondary market was also stable, with almost AED 29 billion (US$7.9 billion) and 8,471 transactions.
Business Bay was the clear investment priority among the districts.
It is clear that, despite only 3% of transactions being concluded there, 5% of the total value was accounted for. The Al Barsha district also dominated, accounting for 5% of all transactions. The sale of a plot of land on Palm Deira for 1.5 billion dirhams (about $409 million) is a clear sign of the confidence large investors have in the future of this area.
As before, apartments were in the highest demand. It is clear that about 78% of rental requests and 60% of purchase interest were related to them. Studios accounted for 21% of rental searches, but only 15% of buyers are interested in them. The evidence is clear: one-bedroom apartments are the most popular choice. 38% of those looking for rental accommodation and 35% of buyers choose them.
This suggests that many people want more space and consider such properties to be a good long-term investment. May's results have even surpassed April, widely regarded as the most successful month on the Dubai real estate market. In April, the total value of transactions amounted to 62.1 billion dirhams.
The Dubai market will continue to grow in 2025. Foreign investors are showing strong interest, construction is active, and premium properties are enjoying high resale rates.