Dubai’s rental sector recorded solid growth in 2025, reflecting sustained demand and a maturing regulatory environment, according to data released by the Dubai Land Department.

Registered tenancy contracts increased 6% in volume and 17% in value compared with 2024, reaching 1.38 million contracts with a combined value of $34.4 billion. The figures indicate continued residential and commercial activity across the emirate.

New tenancy contracts rose 10% to more than 513,000, while renewed contracts increased 3% to over 514,000, pointing to stable occupancy levels and strong tenant retention.

The performance supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aim to enhance the quality of life and strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness. It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to promote a sustainable and well-regulated property market balanced between ownership and renting.

Beyond rentals, 2025 also saw a rise in development activity. The number of completed real estate projects increased 7% to 124, with a total value of $7.5 billion, up 23% year on year. Projects under construction climbed 25% to 937, underscoring continued developer confidence.

Property sales expanded as well. The number of units sold grew 25% to 147,500, while total transaction value rose 30% to $76.2 billion. Although the volume of villa sales declined, their total value increased 12%, suggesting growing demand for higher-priced properties.

Regulatory activity accelerated in parallel. Newly registered real estate offices surged 102% to 4,122, bringing the total number of active offices in Dubai to 10,182. This expansion reflects rising demand for brokerage, property management, development, and consultancy services.

A total of 14,364 real estate licenses were issued in 2025, led by sales and purchase brokerage licenses at 6,009 and leasing brokerage licenses at 3,513, alongside permits for transaction follow-up, property trading, and development.