Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract global attention as leading developer Emaar Properties reports strong financial performance for the first nine months of 2026. The company has announced a one-time special dividend of AED 4.4 billion ($1.2 billion) following an 18% increase in pre-tax profit to AED 19.8 billion ($5.4 billion).
The latest results highlight the continued strength of Dubai’s property sector, supported by strong property sales, ongoing construction activity, new residential launches and demand for premium communities. Emaar’s performance also reflects the growing opportunities available to investors exploring Dubai Property Investment and the expanding market for off-plan developments.
Alongside its impressive financial results, Emaar reported a property sales revenue backlog of AED 158.8 billion ($43.2 billion), demonstrating substantial future revenue visibility from properties already sold but not yet recognised as revenue.
Emaar Approves AED 4.4 Billion Special Dividend
Emaar Properties’ board has approved a special dividend distribution of AED 4.4 billion, equivalent to approximately $1.2 billion. The payment represents AED 0.50 per share and is separate from the company’s regular annual dividend.
The announcement follows a strong nine-month financial performance, with the company’s revenue increasing by 13% to AED 37.5 billion ($10.2 billion). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also rose by 19% to AED 19.7 billion ($5.4 billion), representing a healthy EBITDA margin of 53%.
These figures demonstrate Emaar’s ability to maintain profitability while expanding its property development activities and strengthening its position in the Dubai Real Estate market.
The company’s continued investment in construction, residential developments and community infrastructure further supports its long-term growth strategy.
Emaar Records Strong Property Sales and Development Growth
Emaar reported total property sales of AED 34.7 billion ($9.4 billion) during the first nine months of 2026, representing continued demand across its development portfolio.
Its UAE build-to-sell property development operations generated AED 26.2 billion ($7.1 billion) in property sales. Meanwhile, consolidated revenue from UAE property development reached AED 28.3 billion ($7.7 billion), marking an 18% increase compared with the same period last year.
Emaar Development also delivered impressive results, with revenue increasing by 26% to AED 22.2 billion ($6 billion). Pre-tax profit for the division climbed 28% to AED 12.5 billion ($3.4 billion).
These results underline the importance of residential development to the company’s overall business performance.
For buyers and investors considering Off Plan Properties Dubai, Emaar’s continued development activity provides insight into the scale of construction, project launches and future housing supply entering the market.
AED 158.8 Billion Property Backlog Highlights Future Revenue Potential
One of the most significant highlights of Emaar’s financial results is its property sales revenue backlog of AED 158.8 billion ($43.2 billion) as of September 30, 2026. This represents a 6% increase compared with the previous year.
The backlog reflects properties sold to customers for which revenue is yet to be recognised, generally as construction progresses and handover obligations are fulfilled.
Emaar’s UAE development business accounted for AED 127.2 billion ($34.6 billion) of this backlog.
For the wider Dubai property market, this figure demonstrates the scale of demand for residential developments and the importance of future project deliveries.
Investors researching Off Plan Property Dubai can consider a developer’s sales performance, construction progress, financial strength and project delivery history when evaluating investment opportunities.
However, a large revenue backlog should not be treated as a guarantee of future investment returns. Buyers should also assess individual project details, payment plans, construction timelines and market conditions.
Emaar Launches 14 New Residential Projects in 2026
Emaar continued expanding its development portfolio by launching 14 projects across its master-planned communities during the first nine months of 2026.
Some of the notable launches included:
- Serro and Serro II: Residential developments introduced at Heights Country Club & Wellness.
- Valia: A new residential development at Dubai Creek Harbour.
- Alva: A residential project launched within The Valley community.
These developments reflect Emaar’s continued focus on creating integrated residential destinations with access to lifestyle facilities, green spaces and community amenities.
The company also awarded 23 main construction contracts valued at AED 13.5 billion ($3.7 billion), alongside 43 infrastructure contracts worth AED 4.3 billion ($1.2 billion).
Furthermore, Emaar reported that more than 4,800 residential units were handed over across the UAE during the first nine months of the year. More than 80% of its active UAE projects were also reported to be ahead of schedule as of September 30.
For buyers exploring New Projects in Dubai, these developments highlight the range of residential opportunities being introduced by established developers.
From family-oriented communities to waterfront apartments and premium residential destinations, the availability of different property types continues to expand the market for Off Plan Properties for Sale in Dubai.
Let’s Find Your Dubai Property
Emaar Holds Approximately 604 Million Square Feet of Development Land
Emaar’s long-term development strategy is supported by its substantial land bank. The company holds approximately 604 million square feet of development land globally, including around 315 million square feet in the UAE.
This land portfolio provides opportunities for future residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
For Dubai, the availability of development land is particularly important as the city continues to expand its residential communities and infrastructure.
The company’s development pipeline could support additional housing supply and new investment opportunities in different price segments.
Buyers searching for Affordable Off Plan Properties in Dubai should consider emerging residential locations alongside established communities. However, affordability should be evaluated in relation to the property’s location, developer, payment structure, expected handover and potential future demand.
UAE Hotel Occupancy Declines Despite Strong Property Performance
Although Emaar reported significant growth in property development and retail operations, its hospitality division experienced a decline in hotel occupancy.
Average hotel occupancy across its UAE portfolio fell to 63% during the first nine months of 2026, compared with 80% during the corresponding period in 2025.
The company’s hospitality, leisure and entertainment division generated AED 2.4 billion ($700 million) in revenue during the reporting period.
Emaar stated that domestic demand helped partially offset the impact of lower international visitor numbers.
Despite the decline in occupancy, the company continued expanding its hospitality presence. In September 2026, Emaar Hospitality Group opened Vida Aljada in Sharjah, marking the brand’s entry into the emirate.
This development demonstrates the company’s continued interest in expanding its hospitality portfolio beyond Dubai.
Dubai Mall and Retail Businesses Maintain Strong Performance
Emaar’s retail and commercial leasing operations also delivered positive results.
The company’s shopping malls, retail and commercial leasing businesses generated AED 5.2 billion ($1.4 billion) in revenue, representing a 10% year-on-year increase.
EBITDA increased by 8% to AED 4.4 billion ($1.2 billion), while occupancy across the portfolio remained approximately 98% as of September 30, 2026.
Dubai Mall continued strengthening its retail offering through the arrival of international brands, including Primark’s UAE debut and Ulta Beauty’s second UAE store. Additional luxury retail openings also contributed to the expansion of Fashion Avenue.
Across its recurring revenue businesses, including hospitality, shopping malls, entertainment and commercial leasing, Emaar generated AED 7.6 billion ($2.1 billion) in revenue.
These operations contributed AED 5.9 billion ($1.6 billion) in EBITDA, accounting for approximately 30% of the group’s total EBITDA.
The performance demonstrates the importance of Emaar’s diversified business model, which combines property development with recurring income-generating assets.
Emaar’s International Property Sales Reach $2.3 Billion
Emaar’s growth was not limited to the UAE. Its international development operations recorded property sales of AED 8.5 billion ($2.3 billion) during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 5% increase year on year.
International development revenue increased by 16% to AED 1.6 billion ($400 million), with key markets including Egypt and India.
This international presence allows the company to diversify its development activities while continuing to strengthen its position in the UAE.
The company has also indicated that future project launches and investment decisions will remain aligned with market conditions while construction progresses across its development portfolio.
What Emaar’s Latest Results Mean for Dubai Property Investors?
Emaar’s latest financial performance provides an important indication of the scale of activity taking place in Dubai’s residential property market.
Higher property sales, a substantial revenue backlog, new project launches and ongoing construction activity demonstrate the continued importance of residential development to Dubai’s economy.
For investors considering Off Plan Dubai Property, established developers such as Emaar offer opportunities to explore residential projects across different communities and price segments.
Nevertheless, selecting the right property requires more than looking at a developer’s financial results. Investors should compare project locations, construction progress, payment plans, service charges, expected completion dates and long-term rental demand.
The growing range of Dubai Off Plan Projects also means buyers can explore different investment strategies, whether they are interested in waterfront apartments, family homes, lifestyle communities or properties in emerging locations.
As Dubai continues attracting international buyers and expanding its residential infrastructure, the off-plan segment is expected to remain an important part of the city’s real estate landscape.
For anyone researching Off Plan Properties or planning a Dubai Property Investment, Emaar’s latest results offer useful insight into the development activity and financial performance of one of the UAE’s major property developers.
Explore Off-Plan Property Opportunities in Dubai
Discover residential developments, compare emerging communities and explore Off Plan Properties for Sale in Dubai with Off Plan Dubai Property. Research available projects and identify opportunities that align with your investment objectives and budget.
Source and Attribution: This article has been independently rewritten and adapted for informational and SEO purposes. The original financial results and company announcements are attributed to Arabian Business.
Enquiry
Call
Whatsapp