Emaar outpaces Dubai’s developers: Dh30.6bn in deals in six months

Dubai’s off-plan market has posted its mid-year results for 2026. As of 22 July, Emaar had sold Dh30.6 billion worth of homes — around $8.3 billion, and 83% more than second-placed DAMAC on Dh16.7 billion. Together, the ten largest developers closed 36,808 deals worth Dh86.8 billion. The figures show that demand is holding across several price segments, not just in luxury. And by the number of flats sold, a different developer comes out on top — Azizi.

In brief: the leader in each segment

How to read the ranking

The ranking measures two different things, and it is important not to mix them up. The first is sales value in money terms: it shows who took the most revenue, and here the developers of high-end homes come out ahead. The second is the number of deals: it shows who sold the most flats, and here the mass-market developers lead. That is why Emaar is first by money and Azizi by count. Separately, the market is split by unit price: luxury means deals above Dh15 million, while the affordable segment covers homes up to Dh2 million.

Luxury: Emaar, Omniyat and H&H

In the high-end segment — deals above Dh15 million, around $4 million — Emaar is again in front. Omniyat and H&H follow. The whole luxury segment came to 1,248 units worth Dh35.16 billion over the half-year, some $9.6 billion. Demand for pricey waterfront residences and homes in Dubai’s prestige districts stays high — part of the deals close while a project is still at the foundation stage.

Affordable homes: Azizi leads by number of deals

By the number of flats sold, Azizi leads with 8,411 deals, mostly in the affordable segment up to Dh2 million (around $545,000). Binghatti follows with 4,268 deals and DAMAC with 2,247. It is the affordable flats that make up the bulk of deals and keep the market liquid: they bring to Dubai buyers on a more modest budget, for whom luxury is out of reach.

• Azizi — 8,411 deals
• Binghatti — 4,268 deals
• DAMAC — 2,247 deals

Who builds and launches the most

The ranking covers not only sales but construction too. On handovers Emaar is again first: 9 completed projects, 3,819 units handed over and 150 projects under way. The most active on new launches is Reportage — over 2026 the developer brought 16 projects to market and made the top ten both by overall sales volume and in the affordable segment.

What the market leaders are known for

• Emaar — the developer of Downtown Dubai with Burj Khalifa, as well as Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour and Emaar Beachfront
• DAMAC — premium and branded homes, the DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Lagoons communities
• Azizi — affordable and mid-market homes, with the large Azizi Riviera project in MBR City
• Binghatti — a fast-growing developer known for bold façades and branded towers
• Omniyat — ultra-luxury, with projects on the level of One at Palm Jumeirah and The Opus
• Reportage — an affordable-housing developer, among the most active by number of new launches

Context: what is happening in the Dubai market

The developers’ records come against a calmer market. In the first half of 2026, price growth in Dubai slowed — from around 12% in January to under 4% by May. Analysts call this not a downturn but a shift to a healthier pace after the rapid growth of 2024–2025. Demand still holds across several segments, and high-end housing keeps setting records for the number of premium deals. Demand is supported by population inflows, Dubai’s status as an international hub and residency visas for investors: buying a home from Dh2 million gives the right to apply for a long-term visa, and that keeps foreign buyers interested even in a calmer market.

What it means for the buyer

For the buyer, the ranking is a guide to reliability. Strong demand across several segments means there is choice both in luxury and in affordable housing. It is worth looking not only at the brand but at the specific project: its construction stage, location and the developer’s track record of handovers. The ranking is handy as a first filter, with the final decision made on a particular building. One more marker is the segment: it is easier to pick within your budget among the developers who are genuinely strong in it.

“Emaar’s lead is simple to explain: the company has the largest ready portfolio and a strong reputation among overseas investors,” say analysts at Emirates.Estate.

“Volume is driven by the mass market: affordable homes up to Dh2 million bring in buyers on a limited budget,” market observers add.

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