Dubai commercial sales reached AED 25.1bn — but the off-plan share raises the due-diligence bar

What happened

Dubai commercial property sales covering offices and shops reached AED 25.1bn in the first nine months of 2026, according to Al Bayan's 3 October report based on Dubai Land Department data. Offices accounted for AED 20.1bn, including AED 16.1bn of off-plan office sales — about 80% of office sales value.

Sources: Dubai Land Department real estate data and Al Bayan coverage published on 3 October 2026.

Who is affected

The figures are most relevant to buyers considering an office or shop in Dubai, especially an off-plan office, and to owners comparing their completed unit with a market headline dominated by future-delivery stock. Tenants may also see more proposed supply, but sales registrations do not show how much usable space is occupied or available for lease.

Why it matters

The off-plan concentration means a large share of recorded office value depends on future delivery. A citywide total can describe market activity, but it cannot establish a fair price, achievable rent or completion risk for one unit. Buyers need project-level evidence before treating the headline as support for a purchase price.

What remains uncertain

The published totals do not establish future price growth, rental demand, net yield or delivery timing. They also do not show whether an individual transaction includes incentives, fit-out obligations or payment terms that change its effective cost. Later registrations or classification updates can revise a live DLD extract.

What to verify

Check the project's DLD registration, escrow details, construction progress and expected completion; read the sale and purchase agreement for delay, cancellation and assignment terms; confirm the permitted office use and fit-out approvals; and price service charges, financing, furnishing and vacancy. For a ready office, compare recent registered sales in the same building and verify current leases rather than relying on asking rents.

Home Pulse takeaway

AED 25.1bn signals strong recorded activity, not automatic value in every commercial unit. The practical question is whether the specific project, contract and cash-flow assumptions remain sound if delivery, leasing or resale takes longer than expected.