Real estate news in the UAE for the month of May 2025

• Bayut Achieves Complete Compliance
• DLD Launches Property Token Ownership Certificate
• Dubai Housing Market Boom
• UAE Property Transactions Soar in Q1
• PropTech Hub Launch in Dubai
• Barwa Programme Launch in Dubai
• Agreement for Dubai Affordable Housing
• Gas Works Initiative Launched in Abu Dhabi
• FAQs

Regarding UAE real estate news May 2025, Dubai is leading the way through a surge in residential transactions and the launch of major development initiatives. Robust demand, government-backed affordability and sustainability policies and Abu Dhabi’s new safety regulations are driving momentum and fostering a thriving urban landscape.

UAE real estate news May 2025

Bayut Achieves Major Milestone

Bayut, the UAE’s leading PropTech platform, has achieved full compliance with regulations from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). This aligns with ADREC’s launch of “Madmoun,” the region’s first government-backed Multiple Listing Service, which limits listings to verified properties and licenced brokers.

Bayut’s helpful features, such as TruBroker™, help ensure listing accuracy and trust. This milestone reflects Bayut’s commitment to transparency and tech-driven standards in real estate. The achievement builds on a 2024 partnership aimed at enhancing data and digital infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.

DLD Launches Property Token Certificate

The Dubai Land Department has launched the world’s first Property Token Ownership Certificate after the swift sell-out of a tokenised real estate project on Prypco Mint, licenced by Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

The project drew 224 investors, 70% of whom were first-time entrants into Dubai’s real estate market, showing strong confidence in digital property models. Participants came from 44 nationalities, investing an average of AED 10,714. With over 6,000 waitlist requests, demand remains high. Developed in collaboration with VARA, the UAE Central Bank, and the Dubai Future Foundation, this initiative supports Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2030, aiming to expand investor access and digitise the property sector for faster, more transparent transactions.

Dubai Housing Market Booms in April 2025

Dubai’s residential market had a strong start in 2025, driven by high demand and a growing population. Transaction volumes increased by 23% year-over-year, with off-plan sales leading the way at 69%. More than 30,000 units, primarily apartments, were launched in Q1, which is over double the number compared to the same period last year. Apartments accounted for 76% of overall sales. The villa and townhouse segment grew to 24% from 18% last quarter. Prime residential sales increased by 31% year-over-year, with villas accounting for 73% of these deals.

UAE Real Estate Soars to AED 239 Billion in Q1 2025

In other real estate news, property transactions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah surged to over AED 239 billion in Q1 2025. Over 94,000 sales, purchase and mortgage deals were recorded from January to March.

Aldar Properties reported AED 8.9 billion in sales, representing a 42% year-over-year increase, with occupancy rates exceeding 95%. Abu Dhabi recorded AED 25.3 billion in transactions, a 34.5% increase, while Dubai saw AED 193 billion, representing a 16.2% increase in value and a 31.5% increase in volume. Sharjah had AED 13.2 billion in transactions, while Ajman had AED 5.55 billion. Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah’s off-plan sales reached AED 2.4 billion.

Dubai Launches PropTech Hub

In Dubai real estate news, the emirate launched the PropTech Hub to transform its real estate sector, utilise emerging innovations in PropTech and double its market value to $1.2 billion within five years.

Led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the hub aims to attract over AED 1 billion in investments by 2030, supporting 200 PropTech firms and drawing 20 investment funds. It offers incubators, AI-powered workspaces and tools for collaboration. The project aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, positioning the city for innovation and global competitiveness. Dubai’s investor-friendly environment, modern infrastructure and focus on digital transformation strengthen its appeal in real estate innovation.

Barwa Programme Launched in Dubai

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Barwa program, a socially driven real estate initiative created by the Dubai Land Department and Community Development Authority. It is the first of its kind in the region, focusing on empowering senior citizens and People of Determination by offering tailored property solutions that promote family bonds and social stability. The programme aligns with the “Year of Community” theme, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to social inclusion and care. According to the Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA), Barwa demonstrates how government entities can collaborate to support priority groups, thereby further strengthening Dubai’s inclusive and investor-friendly environment.

Dubai Crown Prince Oversees Signing for Affordable Housing

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum oversaw the signing of an agreement to deliver affordable housing projects in Dubai, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Affordable Housing Policy.

Signed by the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality and Wasl Group, the deal aims to create vibrant, connected communities for residents across income levels. The first phase spans six areas and will add over 17,000 homes for skilled professionals. The programme addresses affordability, accessibility and community well-being while fostering economic growth.

Abu Dhabi Enacts New Gas Works Regulations to Enhance Safety

In UAE real estate news from the capital, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has issued Decision No. 14, setting clear regulations for gas works in buildings across Abu Dhabi, including free zones. The move is expected to enhance technical safety and sectoral governance, with an emphasis on mandating formal permits, certified technical standards and incident reporting.

The regulations also ban the use of gas cylinders in buildings with central gas networks and restrict the installation of underground tanks. The DoE will issue a guideline document and grant oversight to inspectors and third-party agencies.

FAQs about UAE real estate news

What was the market sentiment among UAE real estate buyers in May?

As per real estate news from the UAE, market sentiments among real estate buyers in May 2025 were notably optimistic. With transaction volumes surging and off-plan sales accounting for a large share, buyers showed strong confidence in the sector’s resilience and growth potential. Demand was driven by Dubai’s booming housing market, Abu Dhabi’s robust real estate activity, and initiatives like the PropTech Hub and affordable housing projects, reflecting investor trust in the UAE’s supportive regulatory frameworks and expanding infrastructure.

How did the off-plan market perform in May 2025?

In May 2025, the off-plan property market in the UAE saw robust performance. Off-plan sales led transaction volumes, making up 69% of deals in Dubai’s housing market during the first quarter of 2025. This reflects growing buyer confidence in new developments, as well as the attractive payment plans and incentives offered by developers.

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That concludes our coverage of UAE real estate news for May 2025. Stay tuned to MyBayut for the latest updates on the country’s real estate market.