Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Dubai’s real estate sector is witnessing continued activity despite geopolitical developments, with developers maintaining construction momentum and project delivery without interruption.
S&P Global Ratings said in a recent assessment that the Dubai real estate sector is expected to remain resilient and withstand the headwinds arising from the current geopolitical situation. The agency noted that developers it rates — Emaar, Damac, Omniyat and Sobha Realty — have sufficient headroom and cash buffers to manage any potential slowdown.
Aletihad spoke to leading developers to assess their operational preparedness, with companies highlighting strong liquidity, disciplined execution and continuity of construction activity.
Deyaar Development said construction and development activities across its portfolio are progressing in line with planned timelines, reflecting the strength of its operational framework and project management. The company is also preparing to hand over around 2,000 residential units across Dubai.
Our work is continuing smoothly and without interruption. We are closely monitoring developments and following all official directives, while remaining flexible to ensure that construction continues responsibly,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, Chief Executive Officer of Deyaar.
He added that the company remains focused on the safety and well-being of its teams and partners, while expressing confidence in the UAE’s ability to manage evolving conditions.
“The UAE has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, and we have full confidence in the procedures being followed,” Al Qatami said.
Sobha Realty also underscored the strength of its financial position and operational model in ensuring continuity.
“Our sustained sales momentum has translated into strong collections and substantial escrow balances, providing us with the financial strength to comfortably cover construction costs and ensure uninterrupted project delivery across our portfolio,” said Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty.
He added that the company’s Backward Integration Model — which provides full control over design, construction and delivery — allows it to maintain consistency and timely execution without reliance on third-party contractors, even during periods of uncertainty.
OMNIYAT, another leading developer in Dubai, said it remains confident in the UAE’s resilience and long-term fundamentals, continuing its development activities despite short-term uncertainty.
“Whilst the current situation may understandably introduce short-term uncertainty, we are confident that the core fundamentals remain unchanged. We continue to build,” said Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT.
The company said its development portfolio remains fully funded and continues to progress in line with approved schedules, supported by strong liquidity and contracted revenues. Its launched portfolio, valued at $11.7 billion, is fully funded to completion, with existing sales providing more than two times cost cover, ensuring uninterrupted project delivery.
OMNIYAT added that it has a revenue backlog of $6.1 billion, providing visibility equivalent to more than five years of revenue, while maintaining over $1 billion in unrestricted liquidity and a strong balance sheet with no near-term refinancing needs.
“Our financial position is strong and straightforward. Our entire $11.7 billion development portfolio is funded from existing resources,” Amjad said.
The company also said its supply chain remains stable, with alternative logistics routes already established and no material disruption reported, while construction activity continues across all active sites.
S&P Global Ratings also reaffirmed the UAE’s sovereign credit rating at AA, with a stable outlook during the current period.
Beyond Developments, which is also a subsidiary of OMNIYAT Group, confirmed that construction continues steadily across its Dubai Maritime City masterplan, with progress across all active developments remaining aligned with approved schedules.
“The UAE has built something rare, a market where confidence is not a sentiment, it is a structure. The leadership’s vision, the legal and regulatory frameworks, and the depth of this nation’s real estate infrastructure have created an environment where development does not waver,” said Ramzi Rahal, Chief Development Officer of Beyond Developments.
He added that the company continues to advance its projects “because the foundations of this country make it the right place, at every moment, to invest, to deliver, and to grow.”
Meanwhile, Dubai Municipality said in a statement that it issued 10,776 building permits during the first quarter of the year, marking a 12% increase compared to Q1 2025, reflecting rising demand for development projects and sustained investor confidence in the emirate’s real estate sector.
The statement added that the total volume of concrete supplied to active construction sites reached 824,381 cubic metres, indicating continued momentum in construction activity.
The total permitted built-up area approached 3.9 million square metres, representing a 48% increase compared to 2025.
In addition, 3,154 building completion certificates were issued, highlighting improved efficiency in project delivery, the municipality said.
