Dubai rental market grows strong in 2025 with record contracts and new projects
UAE: Dubai’s rental market grew strongly in 2025 as more people chose the city as their home.
New data from the Dubai Land Department shows clear growth in rental contracts, property sales, and new real estate projects. As a result, the market remains stable and active.
More rental contracts signed
In 2025, people signed 1.38 million rental contracts. This marks a 6 percent increase compared to 2024. At the same time, the total value of these contracts reached AED 126.4 billion, which is 17 percent higher than last year.
Because more families and workers moved to Dubai, demand for homes increased. Therefore, the rental sector recorded strong results across the city.
New rental contracts rose to more than 513,000, up 10 percent. Meanwhile, tenants renewed over 514,000 contracts, which is 3 percent higher than the previous year. This shows that many residents feel comfortable and satisfied with their homes.
Government plans support the market
This growth supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. It also supports the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033.
These plans aim to improve quality of life and keep the market balanced between renting and owning. In addition, they focus on clear rules and better services for customers.
Because of these clear policies, investors and residents feel more confident. As a result, the real estate sector continues to grow in a steady and healthy way.
More projects completed
In 2025, developers completed 124 real estate projects. This is 7 percent more than in 2024. The total value of these completed projects reached AED 27.5 billion, showing a strong 23 percent increase.
At the same time, developers started and continued more projects. The number of projects under construction reached 937, up 25 percent. Therefore, developers clearly show strong confidence in Dubai’s future.
Property sales jump
Property sales also increased sharply in 2025. Buyers purchased 147,500 units, which is 25 percent more than the year before. Moreover, the total value of these sales reached AED 280 billion, up 30 percent.
Although fewer villas were sold, the total value of villa sales increased by 12 percent. This means buyers chose larger and more expensive homes.
Record growth in licences
The real estate business sector also expanded quickly. In 2025, authorities registered 4,122 new real estate offices. This represents a 102 percent increase. Now, Dubai has 10,182 active real estate offices.
During the same year, authorities issued 14,364 real estate licences. These included 6,009 licences for property sales brokerage and 3,513 licences for rental brokerage. In addition, officials issued licences for transaction services, property development, land sales, mortgage brokerage, and property management.
Because the government keeps clear and strong rules, the market remains organized and transparent.
Strong outlook for 2026
Overall, Dubai’s rental growth, rising sales, and increase in projects show that the real estate market has become more mature and stable.
Furthermore, clear regulations and strong demand continue to support long-term growth. For this reason, Dubai remains one of the top global cities to live, work, and invest in 2026.
