Dubai’s retail real estate market recorded a remarkable performance in the first half of 2026, with property sales increasing 177% year-on-year to Dh3.8 billion, according to a report by property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell.
The growth highlights strong investor interest in Dubai’s retail property sector, particularly in the off-plan segment, which accounted for a significant share of overall transactions.
850 Retail Transactions in Six Months
Dubai recorded around 850 retail property sales transactions between January and June 2026, marking a 56% increase compared with the same period last year.
The average transaction value also rose by 77% to Dh4.4 million, showing that investors are not only more active but are also participating in higher-value transactions.
Off-Plan Retail Properties Lead the Growth
Off-plan properties were one of the biggest drivers of Dubai’s retail real estate market during H1 2026.
They accounted for nearly 60% of all retail transactions and approximately 70% of total sales value.
This strong demand is particularly visible in emerging and high-growth communities, where new developments are attracting investors looking for future growth opportunities.
Top Off-Plan Locations
The leading locations for off-plan retail transactions included:
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
- Majan
- Dubai South
- Motor City
- Sobha Central
Together, these five locations represented nearly half of all off-plan retail sales during the period.
Ready Retail Properties Continue to Attract Investors
The ready-property segment also recorded strong activity.
International City led with approximately 22% of transactions, followed by:
- Business Bay — 13.4%
- Azizi Riviera — 10%
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers — 7.4%
- Jumeirah Village Circle — 6.8%
The variety of locations attracting buyers reflects the depth of Dubai’s retail property market, from established commercial hubs to emerging communities.
Retail Rents Rise 4.5%
Rental performance also added to the positive outlook.
Average retail rents increased by nearly 4.5% year-on-year in H1 2026, with rental growth recorded across all locations monitored by Cavendish Maxwell.
For investors, rising rents can create an additional opportunity through potential rental income, alongside long-term capital appreciation.
What Makes Dubai Retail Real Estate Interesting for Investors?
The latest figures highlight three important trends:
Strong demand: Retail property sales have grown significantly, indicating increased investor activity.
Off-plan opportunity: Nearly 70% of sales value came from off-plan properties, making new developments an important part of the market.
Growing rental values: A 4.5% annual increase in average rents points towards continued demand for retail spaces across Dubai.
Final Takeaway
Dubai’s retail real estate market has started 2026 on a strong note, with Dh3.8 billion in sales, 850 transactions and a 177% annual increase in transaction value.
For investors, the opportunity goes beyond simply buying a retail property. The right location, developer, entry price and payment structure can play an important role in determining the potential of an investment.
As Dubai continues to expand its residential communities, tourism infrastructure and business ecosystem, its retail real estate market remains a segment worth watching.