Dubai prepares for a delivery-driven cycle in H2 2026 as developers focus on handovers

As many as 47,000 units are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. However, a market report by property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell estimates between 14,000 and 23,500 units will actually be ready for handover in H2, based on historical materialisation trends. Apartments are likely to make up the bulk of the projected supply, accounting for more than 82 percent of deliveries, with Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, Dubai Science Park, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Healthcare City collectively contributing nearly 37 percent of scheduled completions. In H1 2026, 24,800 units were delivered, a 38 percent uptick from the H1 2025 and 12 percent increase from H2 2025, marking one of the strongest delivery periods in recent years.

Ronan Arthur, Director, Head of Residential Valuations at Cavendish Maxwell, said, “Dubai’s residential market is showing clear signs of transitioning to a new cycle following exceptional levels of activity over the last two years. The fundamentals that drive real estate demand in the emirate remain intact, but the near-term outlook is being shaped by a combination of factors – including the impact of fewer launches, regional uncertainty, and a broader normalisation in buyer activity – that are likely to influence transaction levels and price performance.”

The number of new projects declined in H1 2026, with 28,000 new units across 124 launches compared to 102,000 units across 410 launches in H1 last year. With launch activity dropping, developers are now focusing on delivering units in the second half of 2026.

Danube Properties, one of Dubai’s leading property developers, will deliver 11 projects within a year. The delivery pipeline includes Elitz 1 & 3 in Jumeirah Village Circle, Sportz in Dubai Sports City, Viewz 1 & 2 in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Oceanz 1, 2, & 3 in Dubai Maritime City, Fashionz in Jumeirah Village Triangle, and Oasiz 1 & 2 in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Altogether, the projects will add nearly 5,800 homes to Dubai’s residential supply.

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said, "Over the next 12 months, we are proud to hand over 11 projects, reflecting our commitment to delivering quality developments on time despite the recent regional uncertainty. These handovers represent the trust thousands of families have placed in my company and the incredible city of Dubai."

Despite recent geopolitical developments in the GCC, which doubled the building material costs, the developer remained committed to delivering every project as promised, supported by Danube Building Materials.

"We absorbed the increased cost of procuring construction materials because keeping our promise to customers has always come first," Sajan added. "Delivering on time is part of our DNA, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of new homeowners to the Danube family in the months ahead."

The property market’s resilience is reflected in Danube’s sustained operations which continued as usual at the height of the regional uncertainty. The developer launched its first integrated masterplan Greenz in International Academic City in April. The masterplan features villas and townhouses with sky gardens in addition to over 50 amenities for residents. It is slated for handover in the final quarter of 2029.

Community developer Sobha Realty has recently announced its plan to deliver 6,819 units, marking its largest annual delivery to date. Located in five projects, the units boast a combined sales value of Dh21.6 billion, exceeding the company’s combined previous handover sales record.

Damac Properties, one of the UAE’s mega developers, is set to deliver 8,800 homes this year across Damac Hills, Damac Hills 2, Damac Lagoons, Chic Tower and Elegance Tower.