From Palm Jebel Ali to Emaar Hills: UAE’s Most Anticipated New Homes and Waterfront Villas Revealed
- Oct 27,2025
Dubai’s property market maintained its impressive upswing through Q3 2025, largely fueled by a sharp increase in off-plan transactions and sustained international investment. According to Metropolitan Premium Properties (MPP), off-plan sales now make up 75.3% of total transactions—a 26.4% rise over the same quarter in 2024.
This surge highlights Dubai’s status as a trusted global real estate destination and demonstrates strong confidence among both regional and global buyers. Off-plan transactions totalled AED 96 billion, while the combined value of all property sales — including both off-plan and resale—hit AED 134 billion.
Apartments led the off-plan market, especially in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Business Bay, both of which have become hotspots for investors eyeing solid rental returns and long-term appreciation. Meanwhile, waterfront communities such as La Mer, Jumeirah, and Dubai Water Canal fetched the highest average prices, proving that lifestyle-driven luxury properties remain highly desirable.
Drivers of the off-plan surge
The momentum in the off-plan segment is being reinforced by enticing developer incentives, including flexible post-handover payment plans, attractive pricing, and enhanced brokerage commissions. These initiatives have widened access for both local residents and foreign investors, sustaining the market’s upward trajectory.
“Dubai’s off-plan sector continues to exceed expectations,” said Nikita Kuznetsov, CEO of Metropolitan Premium Properties. “Developers are responding with forward-thinking projects and payment flexibility that appeal to both international investors and domestic end-users.”
For many buyers, off-plan projects represent an affordable entry point into prime areas with promising appreciation potential. This aligns seamlessly with Dubai’s broader urban vision — to cultivate a diverse and future-ready real estate ecosystem catering to multiple investor profiles.
Ready-home momentum: resale market trends
While the off-plan segment drives new development, the resale market tells its own story of solid end-user demand. In Q3 2025, 84% of resale deals were for ready properties, with off-plan resales making up just 16%. Though total resale transactions fell 10.7% year-on-year, prices climbed 11.3% to an average of AED 1,656 per sq. ft., signaling firm interest in ready, livable homes.
Villas remain the star of the resale market — 97% of transactions in Q3 were for completed homes. Price growth was notable across prime areas: +18.7% on Palm Jumeirah, +20% in Arabian Ranches 3, and +17.4% in The Springs. Newer districts also showed strong momentum, including Town Square (+25.1%) and Dubai South (+18.8%).
“We’re witnessing a clear market divide,” Kuznetsov added. “Off-plan dominates investor activity, while ready villas and townhouses are increasingly rare and highly sought-after.”
Average rental rates also rose 8.8% year-on-year to AED 83 per sq. ft., despite a modest 4.2% dip in overall rental transactions — an indication of longer leases and stronger tenant loyalty. This balance between investor-driven off-plan growth and end-user-ready demand has created a dual-engine of stability for Dubai’s housing market.
Nakheel’s new icons at Palm Jebel Ali
Dubai’s passion for waterfront living continues with Nakheel’s unveiling of a premium collection of villas at Palm Jebel Ali. The project showcases 11 architectural designs across The Beach and The Coral Collections, each combining modern luxury with direct beach access.
The Beach Collection features five- and six-bedroom villas ranging from 7,500 to 8,500 sq. ft., with styles including Cyan Sky, Baia Luna, and Wave Crest. The Coral Collection offers even grander six- and seven-bedroom villas between 11,500 and 12,500 sq. ft., such as Red Aurora and Sunset Mirage.
“Palm Jebel Ali symbolizes Dubai’s limitless ambition,” said Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate. “These villas reaffirm Nakheel’s commitment to quality design and visionary community building.”
Spanning seven islands with 16 fronds and over 90 km of beachfront, Palm Jebel Ali integrates luxury living with retail, cultural, and spiritual spaces — including a 9,000 sq. m retail hub and a Friday mosque by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
Aldar’s cultural-luxury quarter in Abu Dhabi
In the capital, Aldar Development has launched The Row Saadiyat — a boutique residential quarter within Saadiyat Cultural District, home to landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the future Guggenheim.
Comprising seven mid-rise buildings, each nine stories tall, The Row features one- to three-bedroom residences designed by Kettle Collective. Ground levels will host cafes, wellness studios, and social spaces, blending community vibrancy with serene privacy.
“The Row Saadiyat captures the essence of contemporary design and Abu Dhabi’s cultural soul,” said Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development.
The project exemplifies Aldar’s strategy of creating design-led, culturally integrated communities that balance global appeal with local identity — ideal for buyers who value lifestyle, heritage, and investment growth.
Buddha-Bar floating residences redefine experiential luxury
Adding another layer to Dubai’s innovation narrative is the Buddha-Bar Hotel and Floating Residences on The World Islands — a AED 3 billion hospitality-residential concept merging luxury living with immersive design. Comprising 162 hotel suites and 24 floating homes, each spanning roughly 4,000 sq. ft., the project offers underwater bedrooms, rooftop jacuzzis, and bespoke interiors featuring Bentley Home furnishings.
“Bringing Buddha-Bar’s first floating hotel-residences to Dubai marks a milestone in experiential real estate,” said Mohamad Issa, Founder of Yieldhaüs. “We’re turning architecture into living art.”
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the development underscores Dubai’s leadership in ultra-luxury branded residences and experiential hospitality.
Emaar Hills: redefining grandeur
Emaar has once again elevated luxury living standards with Emaar Hills — a monumental AED 100 billion project comprising 40,000 elite homes. Its Dubai Mansions range from 10,000 to 20,000 sq. ft., each crafted with timeless design, bespoke interiors, and resort-like amenities. Residents will enjoy proximity to Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Hills Mall, with golf, wellness, retail, and green spaces integrated into the master plan.
“Every element at Emaar Hills reflects harmony, prestige, and world-class sophistication,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar.
This development solidifies Emaar’s position as the benchmark for master-planned luxury communities in the region.
Market outlook: balanced growth, enduring resilience
From luxury waterfront villas in Dubai to culture-infused residences in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s property market continues to display extraordinary resilience, depth, and adaptability.
Investor sentiment remains buoyed by high-end launches, strong regulatory frameworks, and lifestyle-driven communities. Analysts anticipate that the next wave of growth will center around waterfront destinations, hospitality-led developments, and mixed-use cultural hubs — cementing the UAE’s standing as a global real estate powerhouse.
“The UAE remains one of the world’s most attractive property markets,” Kuznetsov concluded. “Its ability to balance investment and end-user demand ensures continued growth well into 2026 and beyond.”
Source: Gulf Business
