Dubai recorded 40,022 rental contracts in June, the highest monthly total on record, according to W Capital Real Estate Brokerage.
The company said the figures reflect continued demand for housing as the emirate attracts more residents, businesses and investors.
Rental demand
According to W Capital, 19,245 new rental contracts were registered during June, up 48.6 per cent compared with the same month last year. Renewal contracts reached 20,777, an annual increase of 28.5 per cent.
The company said the figures indicate continued population growth, expanding business activity and a rising number of international companies and skilled professionals choosing Dubai. It added that the market is increasingly supported by end-users alongside investors, contributing to long-term stability.
Easy Rental
W Capital also pointed to the Dubai Land Department’s “Easy Rental” initiative, which allows tenants to make monthly rental payments through partnerships with 11 real estate companies. The company said the initiative has improved payment flexibility and strengthened the relationship between landlords and tenants.
Walid Al Zarooni, Chairman of W Capital Real Estate Brokerage, said: “Crossing the milestone of 40,000 rental contracts in a single month is far more than a record-breaking achievement. It is a clear indication that Dubai has evolved into a fully integrated destination for living, working, and investing, reinforcing the long-term sustainability of its real estate market.”
He added: “The rental market has become one of the strongest indicators of Dubai’s economic health. Investors may purchase properties, but sustained rental demand reflects genuine end-user activity that supports market stability and reduces reliance on short-term speculation, creating a more balanced and resilient growth model.”
Market trends
Al Zarooni said the record rental activity came alongside strong property sales. Dubai recorded 13,933 property transactions worth Dhs33.2 billion in June, while property sales during the first half of 2026 reached Dhs286.2 billion.
He said the growth in both rental and sales activity reflects stronger housing demand, population growth and business expansion.
Al Zarooni also said Dubai South remained the city’s most active real estate district for the fourth consecutive month, highlighting the role of new communities supported by infrastructure and logistics projects.
During the first six months of 2026, Dubai recorded 118,385 new rental contracts and 135,607 renewal contracts. W Capital said cancelled rental contracts fell by 25 per cent, indicating a more stable leasing market.
Al Zarooni added that Dubai now has more than 10,000 licensed real estate offices operating under the emirate’s regulatory framework.
He concluded: “The current market indicators confirm that Dubai’s real estate sector has entered a more mature stage of development, supported by a diversified economy, forward-looking legislation, world-class infrastructure, and sustained population growth. These fundamentals position Dubai among the world’s most stable and attractive real estate markets for both investors and residents over the coming years.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
