Dubai’s population has grown by 226,885 since the start of 2026, with nearly 40,000 homes completed during the same period, highlighting the city’s continued expansion and demand for housing.
Dubai population growth supports housing demand
The city’s population reached 4,807,185 on September 29, according to figures provided in a market update by real estate agency betterhomes. A total of 39,670 homes were completed between January 1 and September 29.
The growth continued amid regional uncertainty and a softer second quarter for the UAE economy. The country’s economy grew by 0.4 per cent in the first half of 2026, while its non-oil economy expanded by 1.8 per cent. Dubai’s economy grew by 2.4 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter.
Housing demand has also remained steady. According to betterhomes, the company recorded its highest monthly number of completed leases on record, while median apartment rents in September were within 0.6 per cent of their level a year earlier.
More buyers enter Dubai property market
Homeownership is also attracting new buyers. More than 3,200 buyers had purchased properties worth over Dhs 5 billion through Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme as of June 8.
The programme is aimed at helping eligible residents take their first steps towards owning a home in Dubai, widening access to the property market.
More than 300,000 homes scheduled for 2027 and 2028
A further 25,477 homes are scheduled for completion during the remainder of 2026, according to the figures supplied by betterhomes.
The pipeline increases to 136,815 homes scheduled for completion in 2027 and 153,221 in 2028. Apartments account for 91 per cent of the planned supply in 2027 and 85 per cent in 2028.
These figures represent scheduled completions rather than guaranteed delivery dates, which may change.
The volume of planned housing could give buyers more options as Dubai’s population grows. However, the impact will vary across neighbourhoods, depending on the types of properties delivered, their locations and completion dates.
Richard Waind, chief executive of betterhomes, said the city’s population growth and continued housing development remained important factors for the property market.
“A softer quarter for the economy hasn’t changed the basics of Dubai’s housing market. The city keeps growing, people keep choosing to live here, and new homes keep coming to market to meet that demand. The pipeline is significant, so the questions buyers and investors should ask are local ones: what’s being built nearby, when it completes and who it’s for. Look at the evidence on the ground, not just the headlines.”
As Dubai heads into the final quarter of 2026, population growth, new housing supply and continued interest from residents are key factors shaping the property market. For prospective homeowners, the growing pipeline offers more developments to consider, although prices, locations and delivery schedules remain important considerations.
