Weekly Real Estate Rundown №45

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 19th - 23rd, 2025

Recent Launches:

The Lofts by Zaya
Location: Al Barari
Starting from: AED 2.9M
Bedroom Options: 1 to 3 bedrooms

Nestled within the lush surroundings of Al Barari, The Lofts by Zaya offers a curated collection of contemporary residences designed for those who value privacy, wellness, and connection to nature. With clean architectural lines and a biophilic approach, these homes blend modern living with serene outdoor elements, creating a peaceful community retreat in one of Dubai’s most prestigious green neighborhoods.

Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers by Meraas
Location: Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
Starting from: AED 3.51M
Bedroom Options: 1 to 4 bedrooms

Bringing a new level of sophistication to the JLT skyline, Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers combines luxury design with a central location. These residences offer spacious floor plans, panoramic views of the city, and seamless access to DIFC, Downtown, and Sheikh Zayed Road. Designed with refined taste and urban convenience in mind, it’s a standout address for modern city living.

Akala Hotel & Residences by Arada Properties
Location: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Starting from: AED 3.79M
Bedroom Options: 1 to 3 bedrooms

Located in the heart of DIFC, Akala Hotel & Residences presents an exclusive lifestyle opportunity where hospitality meets premium real estate. Offering a selection of fully serviced 1 to 3-bedroom residences, the development caters to discerning professionals and investors seeking both luxury and location. With high-end amenities and a refined design, this is a rare chance to own in Dubai’s most dynamic business and cultural district.

Market trends this week:

Umm Al Quwain: The UAE’s Next Emerging Investment Hotspot: Umm Al Quwain is fast becoming one of the UAE’s most exciting new real estate destinations. With prime developments like Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ by Sobha Realty, the emirate is undergoing a transformation that positions it as a natural alternative for buyers and investors priced out of more mature markets.

Strategically located and known for its natural coastal landscape, Umm Al Quwain offers compelling early-stage opportunities. Downtown UAQ is a standout development—a 25 million sq. ft. masterplan with over 50% dedicated to green space, 11 km of coastline, and a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment zones. Units start from AED 1.11M, with strong expected rental yields between 7-9%, making it a promising entry point for first-time buyers and savvy investors.

With improved infrastructure, free trade incentives, and long-term vision from both developers and the government, the emirate is clearly on a growth trajectory. For those seeking lifestyle-led investment or value-driven real estate options, Umm Al Quwain is definitely a market to watch.

Dubai Residential REIT IPO Closes at AED 1.10 with $3.9 Billion Valuation: Dubai Residential REIT has officially set its IPO price at AED 1.10 per unit, valuing the company at AED 14.3 billion ($3.9 billion) as it prepares to list on the Dubai Financial Market. The offering saw overwhelming demand, with total subscriptions exceeding AED 56 billion and an overall oversubscription of 26 times.

In response to the strong interest, the offering size was increased to 15% of the REIT’s issued capital, raising AED 2.145 billion ($584 million). The REIT’s portfolio includes over 35,000 residential units across various segments, boasting near-full occupancy and high retention rates—positioning it as a benchmark for Dubai’s residential leasing sector.

Dubai Residential REIT plans to distribute dividends semi-annually, with the first payments scheduled for September 2025 and April 2026. The initial distributions will total either AED 1.1 billion or 80% of annual profits, whichever is higher.

The REIT is expected to begin trading on DFM around May 28, 2025, further reinforcing investor confidence in Dubai’s robust and maturing real estate investment landscape.

Abu Dhabi Property Market Set to Surge After Disney Theme Park Announcement: Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is poised for a major uplift following the announcement that the emirate will be home to the Middle East’s first Disney theme park. The new development will be located on Yas Island, already known for its world-class attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.

With the theme park set to become Disney’s seventh global destination, property prices on Yas Island and in surrounding areas are expected to rise sharply. The announcement comes amid an already active market—April saw AED 2.9 billion in real estate transactions, up nearly 16% from March.

Off-plan sales continue to dominate, accounting for over 70% of all deals, while premium areas such as Saadiyat Island and Al Jubail Island are commanding top-tier interest. The rental market is also seeing a boost, with over 18,000 new contracts signed in April alone.

The Disney development is part of a broader push to diversify Abu Dhabi’s economy through cultural and leisure initiatives. Yas Island’s strategic location positions it as a hub for regional and international tourism, further enhancing its investment potential.

As demand for future-facing, high-quality properties grows, this project is expected to elevate Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape and solidify its standing on the global stage.

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.