Dubai: Dubai’s population has officially surpassed four million residents, a milestone that is directly fueling housing demand and reinforcing record-breaking momentum in the emirate’s real estate market.
The surge in residents — including nearly 18,000 new arrivals in a single month by August 2025 — reflects continued job growth, business relocations and strong international migration into the city. Analysts say this demographic expansion is translating into sustained demand across both rental and ownership markets.
According to data from the Dubai Land Department, property sales in 2025 exceeded Dh680 billion across more than 200,000 transactions, marking the strongest annual performance on record. Total real estate transactions — including mortgages and gifts — climbed to approximately Dh919 billion, highlighting deep liquidity and investor confidence.
Global property consultancy Savills said population growth is now one of the most powerful drivers shaping Dubai’s housing demand.
“When Dubai adds close to 18,000 residents in a single month, it has an immediate impact on enquiry levels, viewings and transaction speed,” said Alec James Smith, Head of Residential Sales and Leasing at Savills Middle East. He noted that demand is being driven by both professionals relocating for work and investors targeting stable rental yields.
Prime Market Surges
The emirate’s prime residential segment also recorded exceptional growth, with nearly 6,000 transactions above Dh10 million completed during the year. Limited supply in established prime communities — combined with continued wealth migration — has helped sustain price strength and rental resilience.
Market momentum accelerated in the second half of 2025, with the fourth quarter alone generating over Dh187 billion in sales — the highest quarterly value ever recorded. Three consecutive record months underscored what analysts describe as sustained, end-user-led demand rather than speculative activity.
Industry observers say Dubai continues to outperform many global residential markets, supported by steady population growth, employment expansion and strong international investor appetite.
