Welcome to our weekly roundup of the latest real estate news and property transactions in Dubai. From notable launches to market trends, here's a recap of the most significant developments from the week of May 5th - 9th, 2025
Recent Launches:
Sobha Central
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Developer: Sobha Realty
Unit Types: 1 & 2-bedroom apartments
Starting Price: Information not specified
Overview: Sobha Central is a landmark development featuring six premium residential towers, including JLT's tallest tower at 360 meters. Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road, it offers residents panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and easy access to key areas like Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai. The project blends luxury living with commercial spaces, open parks, and retail facilities.
Selora Residences
Location: Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City), Dubai
Developer: Swank Development
Unit Types: 4, 5 & 6-bedroom standalone villas
Starting Price: AED 9.1 million
Overview: Selora Residences is an exclusive gated community offering luxurious G+2 villas designed with contemporary architecture and premium materials. Each villa comes with a private pool and landscaped garden, providing a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility. The development is scheduled for completion in Q2 2027.
Playa Viva
Location: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
Developer: Uniestate Properties
Unit Types: Studios, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments
Starting Price: AED 850,000
Overview: Playa Viva is a beachfront development offering fully furnished smart-home apartments with direct sea views. The project features contemporary architecture, expansive glass designs, and resort-style amenities, including retail outlets and lifestyle facilities. With a 40/60 post-handover payment plan over 5 years, the development is set for completion in Q1 2026
Market Trends This Week:
Disney Theme Park Set to Boost Abu Dhabi Property Market: Abu Dhabi’s property market is expected to see a sharp rise in demand and prices following the announcement of the region’s first Disney theme park on Yas Island. Already a premium real estate hotspot, Yas Island and surrounding areas like Saadiyat and Al Jubail Islands are set to attract more buyers and renters as tourism and infrastructure expand.
In April alone, real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi rose nearly 16%, with off-plan sales making up over 70%—a strong signal of investor confidence. The new Disney resort is likely to accelerate this trend, driving interest in both sales and rentals while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a top global destination.
With the project aligning with the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, this could mark the beginning of a new growth phase for the capital’s real estate market.
Dubai Office Rents Climb 45% as Demand for Prime Space Intensifies: Dubai’s office market saw a sharp 45% year-on-year increase in rental prices in Q1 2025, driven by growing demand, reduced vacancy, and strong occupier activity across key districts. Areas like DIFC, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and TECOM remain top choices for regional and international companies, with DIFC office occupancy reaching 98%.
According to Savills, the city now ranks eighth globally for total prime office occupancy costs, averaging nearly $149 per sq ft annually. Core industries—such as finance, consulting, tech, and media—are fueling this surge, alongside a growing presence of startups and agile firms in emerging areas like Dubai South and Expo City.
With premium office space in short supply and pre-leasing on the rise for upcoming developments, competition for high-spec commercial real estate is expected to remain strong throughout the year. Dubai’s evolving office landscape highlights the city’s growing role as a global business hub with long-term appeal.
Dubai Real Estate Hits $17 Billion in April as Market Momentum Accelerates: Dubai’s property market reached new heights in April 2025, recording AED62.4 billion ($17 billion) in real estate sales—the highest monthly value on record. This marks a 95% increase compared to April 2024, highlighting the continued surge in investor demand.
With nearly 18,000 transactions completed, villa sales more than doubled in volume, totaling AED23.7 billion, while apartment transactions exceeded AED26.7 billion. Plot and commercial property deals also saw strong year-on-year growth.
Notably, first sales from developers made up 67% of all transactions, showing continued confidence in new developments. High-end properties led the way, with standout sales on Palm Jumeirah and Bulgari Lighthouse.
Top-performing areas in April included Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, Al Yelayiss 1, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Dubai Marina—each contributing significantly to the month’s impressive sales volume.
These figures not only signal robust market performance but also reinforce Dubai’s status as a top global destination for real estate investment.
As the week comes to a close, Dubai's real estate market continues to showcase resilience, innovation, and investment opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we track the dynamic developments in Dubai's property landscape.