Dubai: 37,429 sales in Q3 2026 and the launch of Bay Estate

Off-plan accounts for over 68% of Dubai property sales in Q3 2026

With 37,429 sales worth nearly 23 billion euros between July and September 2026, Dubai is keeping up a strong pace, and off-plan is what drives it: more than 68% of transactions. Buying off-plan means acquiring a property before or during construction, paying in instalments as the build progresses. For investors, that means a staggered entry ticket and access to the earliest sales phases, often the best positioned.

Another signal: Dubai South remains the top area for off-plan purchases for the seventh consecutive month. This corridor, built around Al Maktoum Airport, draws lasting demand, confirming that buyers are looking beyond the city's historic central addresses.

In Abu Dhabi, the nearly 40 billion euros of transactions recorded in eight months already exceed the 2025 total. The two emirates are moving forward together, with distinct profiles: Dubai relies on volume and liquidity, Abu Dhabi on a more targeted supply and projects with a strong identity.

With Bay Estate, Nakheel launches the first residential district on Dubai Islands

Bay Estate is the very first residential district on Dubai Islands, the archipelago Nakheel is developing off Deira. Unveiled on 6 October 2026, the project is a fully gated community of around 360 three- and four-bedroom villas and townhouses, with 2.4 km of beach and 6.5 km of waterfront, for 12,000 residents expected over time.

This launch is the first building block of a master plan set to transform the whole of Dubai Islands. For an investor, entering the opening phase of a new district means getting in before infrastructure, shops and community life are in place. The scarcity of beachfront villas, at around 360 units, also weighs in that decision.

Manchester City Yas Residences: Ohana's phase 2 launch with a sporting flavour

With phase 2 of Manchester City Yas Residences, Ohana Development continues a residential project on Yas Island built around the football club's brand. The 7 October 2026 launch at the Etihad Arena gathered 4,000 guests, the Lucretia team among them. Pep Guardiola attended as ambassador, and Erling Haaland was announced as a buyer.

Branded residences pair a recognised name with a property development. They give a project instant international visibility and a strong identity at resale. What to look at next is always the fundamentals: build quality, the services actually included, service charges and the delivery schedule.

What it means for investors

For us, these announcements confirm that the Emirati market is still driven by new-build, with projects that stand out either through location (the Dubai Islands waterfront) or through brand (Manchester City on Yas Island). In Dubai, individuals pay no tax on rental income or on property capital gains, so net yield depends mainly on the entry price, service charges and the quality of rental management. A well-chosen property bought at launch can also open the way to the Golden Visa, depending on its value.

We keep a close eye on a few points. Off-plan, the payment plan, the developer's track record and the escrow account must be checked every time. In the first phase of a new district, reselling before handover requires a careful reading of the contract terms. And record volumes are no substitute for rigorous, project-by-project selection: no future performance is guaranteed.

We have just moved into our new offices in Business Bay, at the heart of the market. To compare Dubai Islands, Dubai South or Yas Island against your goals, our guide Investing in Dubai lays the groundwork, and our advisers then support you from property selection through to key handover.

Source: Original Instagram post (@lucretia_immobilier) — 12 October 2026