Khaleej Times
Emaar Properties reports a 16% jump in Q1 2026 sales to Dh22.4 billion, driven by 10 new project launches and a massive Dh134.6 billion revenue backlog.
Dubai’s real estate sector continues its upward trajectory as the city’s leading developer, Emaar Properties, announced a landmark performance for the first quarter of 2026. The company recorded property sales of Dh22.4 billion during the first three months of the year, representing a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
This growth is underpinned by a surge in demand across both established master-planned communities and fresh project launches. The financial results highlight the sustained appetite for Dubai real estate, even amid broader regional fluctuations.
Beyond property sales, Emaar’s overall revenue for Q1 2026 reached Dh12.4 billion, a 23% jump from the previous year. This revenue stream is supported by the company’s diverse portfolio, which includes international operations alongside its dominant UAE presence.
In a move that signals high confidence in its liquidity and future growth, Emaar recently distributed a dividend equivalent to 100% of its share capital. This payout, amounting to Dh8.9 billion, marks the second consecutive year the developer has rewarded shareholders at this level. Net profits for the quarter were also robust, coming in just under Dh3.5 billion—a significant 36% increase year-on-year.
Emaar Development, the group's dedicated property development arm, was a primary engine of this success. The subsidiary reported Dh20.1 billion in sales for Q1 2026, up 22% from the prior year.
Perhaps most importantly for investors and industry watchers is the company’s revenue backlog. As of March 31, 2026, Emaar’s backlog stood at a massive Dh134.6 billion ($36.6 billion). This figure has grown by 35% since last year, providing long-term visibility for the developer’s revenue streams over the coming years.
To keep pace with evolving market demand, Emaar launched 10 new residential projects within its master-planned communities during the quarter. Despite regional geopolitical challenges toward the end of March, the company confirmed that construction on all ongoing projects remains strictly on schedule.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, attributed the record-breaking quarter to the underlying strength of the UAE’s economy. Alabbar noted that the UAE continues to provide a stable, business-friendly environment that attracts global capital, even when other markets face volatility.
"The UAE’s stability is the result of decades of wise leadership, sustained investment in world-class infrastructure, and a clear, business-friendly policy environment," Alabbar stated, emphasizing that institutional continuity remains a major draw for property buyers.
For agents on the ground, Emaar’s results are a clear signal of market health. A Dh134 billion backlog suggests that the off-plan segment is not just a temporary bubble but a sustained trend with years of inventory and construction activity ahead. Agents should focus on Emaar's new project launches as a primary vehicle for international investors looking for the "safe haven" status that Alabbar highlighted. The 36% profit growth and dividend payouts also reassure buyers regarding the developer's delivery capability and financial solvency.
Based on reporting from Khaleej Times. Summary and analysis by Propilot AI.
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