Dubai's ultra-luxury property market has set a new record. According to Knight Frank, the city registered 296 home sales above $10 million in the first half of 2026, the highest number ever recorded for a six-month period. The combined value of those deals reached $5.1 billion, up 14% year on year, while sales volume climbed 16% above H1 2025 and a striking 49% above H1 2024.
The milestone stands out because it arrives at a moment when the wider Dubai market is moderating from the frenetic pace of 2025. At the very top of the pyramid, however, demand has only intensified, powered by off-plan branded residences and continued global wealth inflows into the emirate.
A record half-year, quarter by quarter
The $10 million-plus segment stayed strong across both quarters. There were 165 deals above $10 million in the first quarter, followed by 131 in the second. Even more telling of the depth of demand at the summit of the market, buyers closed a record 26 transactions above $25 million during the half, underscoring how the trophy-home tier is expanding rather than thinning out.
That concentration of nine-figure ambition is a signal to buyers and investors alike. For anyone tracking the market, our latest insights break down how the prime and off-plan segments continue to diverge from the mainstream.
Where the money is going
Three communities dominated the ultra-prime league table. Dubai Hills Estate led with 51 sales above $10 million, narrowly ahead of Palm Jumeirah with 50. The emerging Palm Jebel Ali followed with 40, a remarkable showing for a district still largely under construction and a clear vote of confidence in Dubai's next generation of waterfront addresses.
The single most expensive transaction of the half was a six-bedroom apartment at Aman Residences, developed by H&H, in Jumeirah Second. It sold for $114.9 million, equivalent to AED 422 million, one of the largest apartment deals the city has ever seen and a benchmark for the branded-residence category.
Why the top end keeps climbing
The record run reflects a structural shift rather than a short-term spike. Global high-net-worth individuals continue to relocate to Dubai for its tax environment, safety and lifestyle, and many are anchoring that move with property. The Golden Visa programme has made long-term residency straightforward for qualifying buyers, reinforcing the appeal of a purchase at the prime end of the market.
Supply is meeting that appetite through branded residences, where leading hospitality and fashion names lend their standards to new towers and villa communities. These schemes command a premium and have become the preferred entry point for the wealthiest buyers, which is why so much of the ultra-luxury activity now flows through off-plan projects rather than the resale market.
What it means for buyers
For prospective buyers, the data tells a nuanced story. The mainstream market is cooling, which may create more room to negotiate on standard stock. But the very top of the market is behaving independently, with limited trophy supply chasing a growing pool of global capital. Buyers targeting this tier should move decisively when the right asset appears, particularly in the three communities leading the rankings.
- 296 sales above $10 million in H1 2026, a new record.
- $5.1 billion combined value, up 14% year on year.
- Volume up 16% versus H1 2025 and 49% versus H1 2024.
- A record 26 deals above $25 million.
- Top-priced deal: $114.9 million (AED 422 million) at Aman Residences, Jumeirah Second.
Choosing the right partner matters just as much as choosing the right address. The city's most active developers are competing hard to deliver the finishes, amenities and brand cachet that define this segment, and getting early access to the best releases can make a meaningful difference to both lifestyle and long-term value.
The wider context
Reporting on the Knight Frank figures, regional outlets noted that the prime segment is being carried by off-plan branded residences and sustained global wealth inflows even as the overall market normalises from its 2025 highs. Coverage from Khaleej Times and Gulf News highlighted how resilient the top of the market remains despite the broader cooling.
Whether the record holds through the second half will depend on the pipeline of branded launches and the pace of global wealth migration into the emirate. For now, the message is clear: Dubai's ultra-luxury market is not just surviving the cooldown, it is setting records through it.
Ready to explore Dubai's prime and off-plan opportunities? Browse the latest launches and speak to our specialists at offplans.com to find your place at the top of the market.
