Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s residential property stock is projected to grow by about 390,000 units to reach 1.51 million homes by 2030, driven by strong foreign investment, population growth, and continued development activity, according to a new report by Alpen Capital.
The GCC Real Estate Industry Report 2026 said new residential supply in the UAE will be concentrated in apartment-led mixed-use developments in Dubai, alongside premium villas and waterfront communities in Abu Dhabi.
It highlights the UAE as one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the region, supported by strong foreign investment inflows and active private sector participation.
Across the Gulf, residential demand continues to be driven by population growth, expatriate inflows, and government-led housing reforms, with major cities attracting buyers through favourable tax policies, improved mortgage access, and incentives for foreign ownership.
Regional residential supply is expected to increase from around 6.26 million units in 2025 to 7.28 million by 2030. According to the report, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will account for most of the growth.
The report highlighted a broader shift across the GCC towards master-planned, sustainable and technology-enabled communities, reflecting growing demand for higher-quality and more liveable urban environments.
However, supply growth varies across markets, with some countries adjusting to scheduled project deliveries and localised oversupply.
Beyond housing, the report said GCC commercial real estate growth is being fuelled by economic diversification and multinational company relocations, with demand strongest for high-quality and environmentally compliant office space in key business hubs.
Office space across the region is projected to expand from 33.3 million square metres in 2025 to 42.4 million square metres by 2030, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounting for more than 65% of new supply.
The UAE’s office market is expected to add about 910,000 square metres focused on premium and sustainable office districts.
Meanwhile, GCC hotel room supply is forecast to rise from 345,400 rooms in 2025 to 420,400 by 2030.
The UAE’s hospitality market is expected to expand selectively, increasing room inventory from around 191,300 to 218,600 rooms, reflecting its position as a mature market focused on luxury and upscale offerings.
In the GCC’s retail space, total leasable area is projected to grow from 21.3 million square metres in 2025 to 24.5 million by 2030.
Retail stock in the UAE is expected to increase by about 1 million square metres, driven mainly by expansions of major malls and mixed-use developments.
