Dubai's Real Estate Market Soars: Brokers Earn AED 3.23 Billion in Six Months
Dubai's real estate market is witnessing unprecedented growth in 2025, with AED 431 billion in transactions and brokers earning a record AED 3.23 billion in commissions in the first half of the year.
Real Estate News:Dubai’s real estate market is not just having a good year; it’s having its best one yet. In the first six months of 2025, the market recorded its strongest mid-year performance to date.
Total real estate transactions reached over AED 431 billion (approx. $117 billion), representing a 25 percent year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by property sales and a wider set of real estate procedures, reflecting a healthy and active market.
Government strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the First Time Home Buyer Program have made it easier for residents and new investors to enter the market. Improved digital infrastructure and regulatory clarity have also reduced friction in buying and selling property. This is not a short-term trend; the numbers show increasing participation from UAE residents, first-time buyers, and professionals working in real estate services, indicating that the market’s growth is built on a broad base.
Real estate brokers have played a central role in Dubai’s property surge this year. In the first half of 2025, 42,181 transactions were completed through brokers. These deals generated more than AED 3.23 billion (approx. $880 million) in commissions, nearly double the AED 1.62 billion ($440 million) earned in the same period in 2024. This marks a 99 percent increase year-on-year.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) now lists 29,577 registered brokers, including 6,714 newcomers who joined in H1 2025 alone. This influx reflects growing trust in the sector and in brokerage as a viable, high-value profession contributing meaningfully to the city’s real estate infrastructure.
One standout development in the brokerage landscape is the rise of female participation. Today, 10,100 women are actively working as brokers, contributing to 13,424 transactions and generating nearly AED 1.43 billion (approx. $390 million) in commissions. Their growing presence highlights a shifting dynamic in deal-making, with women playing increasingly central roles in sales, negotiations, and client relationships.
The brokerage ecosystem now includes 1,223 registered brokerage offices and 78 property valuation offices employing 118 licensed valuers. In addition, 2,426 registered real estate services offices continued to play a pivotal role in the sector. During the first half of the year, Real Estate Registrations and Services Trustees Offices facilitated 114,848 transactions, serving 86,398 customers, marking a 15% increase in the number of customers compared to the same period last year.
These offices handle key functions such as documentation, transaction processing, and regulatory compliance, forming a reliable bridge between buyers, sellers, and developers. This support network reinforces Dubai’s position as a transparent, well-regulated, and investor-friendly real estate market.
Zooming out, the broader real estate landscape in Dubai is thriving at every level. H1 2025 marked the strongest mid-year performance on record, with 125,538 real estate transactions. This is a 26 percent increase compared to the 99,947 transactions during the same period last year. The total value of these transactions rose from AED 345 billion (approx. $94 billion) in H1 2024 to AED 431 billion (approx. $117 billion) in H1 2025, reflecting a 25 percent annual increase. Over 1.3 million procedures were logged, ranging from property sales to leasing and renewals, illustrating a deeply liquid and dynamic market.
Investor participation has also increased. A total of 94,717 investors were active in the market in H1 2025, up 26 percent from the previous year. These investors carried out 118,132 investments with a combined value of AED 326 billion, equivalent to approximately 88.8 billion US dollars. This compares to AED 234 billion, or 63.8 billion US dollars, in H1 2024, reflecting a 39 percent increase in value. Within this group, 59,075 were first-time investors, marking a 22 percent rise from last year. These new participants contributed AED 157 billion, or 42.8 billion US dollars, to the market, which represents a 40 percent increase in investment value year-on-year. Notably, nearly 45 percent of these first-time investors were UAE residents, showing that government incentives and housing programs are succeeding in turning long-term residents into property owners.
In the first half of 2025, Dubai attracted diverse capital inflows from key investor groups including foreign investors, Arab (non-GCC) nationals, and GCC citizens. The market also saw strong participation from women investors. A total of 30,487 women executed 34,792 transactions, with a total value of AED 73.2 billion ($19.9 billion). This reflects increasing involvement of women in wealth-building and property ownership, aligning with the broader trend of inclusive economic growth.
Dubai’s property boom is geographically diverse. While traditional hotspots remain strong, newer zones are emerging with high transaction volumes and investment value. Top by number of deals are Al Barsha South Fourth, Al Yalayis 1, Wadi Al Safa 5, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina. Top by transaction value are Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa Area, Palm Jumeirah, and other notable areas like Al Yalayis 1, Meaisem Second, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, each logging over AED 14 billion ($3.8 billion+).
Dubai’s real estate success story in 2025 isn’t accidental. It's the result of deliberate strategies, both legislative and visionary. Key drivers include the D33 Economic Agenda, the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, the First Time Home Buyer Program, digital reforms, and a stable environment. Together, these efforts have redefined Dubai from a transactional real estate market to a structured, investor-driven hub rooted in public-private partnership and long-term urban development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of real estate transactions in Dubai in H1 2025?
The total value of real estate transactions in Dubai in H1 2025 was over AED 431 billion (approx. $117 billion).
How much did real estate brokers earn in commissions in H1 2025?
Real estate brokers earned AED 3.23 billion (approx. $880 million) in commissions in H1 2025.
What government programs have contributed to the growth of Dubai's real estate market?
Key government programs include the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the First Time Home Buyer Program, and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.
How many women are actively working as brokers in Dubai?
There are 10,100 women actively working as brokers in Dubai, contributing to 13,424 transactions and generating nearly AED 1.43 billion (approx. $390 million) in commissions.
Which areas in Dubai saw the highest transaction values in H1 2025?
The areas with the highest transaction values in H1 2025 include Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa Area, and Palm Jumeirah.