Construction costs in the UAE have risen sharply, now ranging between 250 UAE dirhams and AED 300 ($68.07-81.68) per square foot compared to AED 50 to 80 per square foot a decade ago, Ali Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of G J Properties, told Zawya Projects. However, construction costs in Ajman remain significantly lower than in Dubai due to lower labour costs, cheaper raw materials, reduced land prices, and lower permit fees, he said. Additionally, Ajman benefits from its proximity to the northern UAE, where raw materials are sourced, further reducing logistics expenses. “Cost-effectiveness makes Ajman a highly attractive market for developers and investors,” he stated. Interview excerpts: What market factors compelled you to earmark 4 billion UAE dirhams ($1.1 billion)…

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced the launch of a new Value Housing Programme to bolster versatility in the emirate’s real estate market. The initiative, which will be rolled out in strategic phases, aims to improve the living standards for individuals and families alike, strengthening social integration and foster community bonds– which form key elements underpinning the Year of Community. By ensuring the housing units are both affordable and of exceptional quality, the programme underscores a commitment to cultivating dynamic and inclusive communities. As part of this effort, DMT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sdeira Group (formerly KEZAD Communities) to develop a range of residential units and commercial assets. The Group…

The real estate sector in Sharjah is undergoing a major transformation with the launch of the Ajmal Makan City – Sharjah Waterfront project in Al Hamriyah, a coastal development valued at AED25 billion (US$6.8 billion). The project spans over 60 million square feet and features a mix of residential, commercial, and tourism facilities. Sultan Al Shakrah, CEO of Ajmal Makan Real Estate Development, provided an update on the project, highlighting that it will accommodate more than 60,000 residents across eight islands, integrating modern urban living with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. He stated that as construction progresses, Ajmal Makan City will contribute significantly to the expansion of Sharjah’s real estate sector and will continue to create thousands of jobs…

SOL Properties, a leading real estate developer in the UAE, has launched its latest flagship project, ‘SOL Levante’, an exquisite Gross Development Value (GDV) of AED 1 billion mixed-use development located in the thriving community of Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), with panoramic views of the Dubai Marina skyline & Bluewater Islands. A real estate development arm of the Bhatia Group, SOL said the project has been designed to set a new standard for modern living. SOL Levante will combine innovative design, top-class amenities, and seamless connectivity to create a vibrant and inspiring environment for both residents and businesses. It will feature 612 residential units, which include studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom with study, and two-bedroom with study apartments,…

Global Partners Limited, a DFSA-regulated institutional fund manager specializing in alternative investments, has signed up Dubai Contracting Company (DCC) for its premium project - Eden House The Park, featuring one- to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses set within a vibrant, walkable environment along the Dubai Water Canal. Designed to inspire connection and a balanced lifestyle, Eden House The Park features lush green spaces, top-tier wellness facilities, and a refined, contemporary living experience, said the statement from Global Partners Limited. This is its second project under Global Partners Property Fund I (GPPFI). With enabling works now completed at the project site, DCC will lead the delivery of construction on Eden House The Park, which is expected to be delivered in…

Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate (DHRE), has announced the launch of the final phase of The Acres, its exclusive standalone villa community, centrally located in Dubailand. Featuring 106 villas and 102 mansions, the final phase offers a blend of well-being, nature and elevated lifestyle amenities with a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom villas, alongside The Acres Estates, featuring the exquisite Amber and Ivory Collections with five-, six- and seven-bedroom mansions. Each residence embodies a distinct architectural style while upholding the highest standards of luxury, sustainability, and refined living, said the developer. According to Meraas, The Acres is designed with sustainability weaved into every aspect of its architecture and the community is committed to an…

- Luxury real estate builder AMIS Development has broken ground on Woodland Terraces, an AED130 million ($35 million) residential project located in District 11, Meydan.  This milestone marks the beginning of construction for the modern luxury development, which is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027, said the developer. Designed for modern living, the residences at Woodland Terraces include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments featuring en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and dedicated laundry areas to provide both style and functionality. Residents will have access to a rooftop infinity pool, sporting amenities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga area, and an outdoor theater, while the ground floor includes a kids play area, a grand lobby, and a signature AMIS…

The monthly statistical data issued by the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department revealed that the volume of real estate transactions across various regions and cities in Sharjah amounted to AED3.5 billion during February 2025, with a total of 7,768 transactions. The total area traded in sales transactions reached 11.8 million square feet. The data indicated that 7,768 real estate transactions were executed, with sales transactions accounting for 1,348 transactions, representing 17.4 percent of the total. Mortgage transactions reached 424 valued at AED711.6 million, constituting 5.5 percent of the total. Meanwhile, initial sales contract transactions recorded 941 transactions (12.1 percent), while ownership certificate transactions amounted to 3,958 (50.9 percent). Additionally,…

Dubai has approved the allocation of 1.46 million sq m of land for affordable housing, enabling the development of 17,080 residential units in line with the emirate's Affordable Housing Policy. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Wednesday approved a series of policies and initiatives aimed at expanding affordable housing, enhancing education outcomes and supporting independent legal professionals in Dubai, an Emirates News Agency (Wam) report said. Sheikh Hamdan further said: "We are committed to offering a range of housing options and we welcome all ideas that contribute to a cohesive and prosperous society that embraces diversity — Dubai is a…

Real estate expert Asma Mouafki has unveiled the top areas for property investment in Dubai for 2025, which are witnessing significant growth and are considered ideal options for investors, particularly those with limited budgets. Mouafki emphasized that these areas offer promising opportunities for investors seeking good returns while keeping costs reasonable. She noted that as Dubai’s real estate market continues to evolve, it remains essential to carefully study these options to achieve the best returns. Mouafki highlighted that Dubai Investment Park stands out as one of the best choices for real estate investment. It offers residential and commercial units in a strategic location near Al Maktoum International Airport. She pointed out that the average price of apartments in…

Dubai real estate prices fell by 0.57% in January 2025 – the first decline since summer 2022 – signalling a market shift towards stabilisation, according to leading real estate intelligence authority Property Monitor. While the first month of 2025 was the strongest January on record for transactions with 14,413 sales, average prices dropped to AED1,484 per sq ft. Sales volumes were down 4.6% compared to December 2024, stated Property Monitor in its monthly market report. Off plan launches continued to soar in January, with 53 launches from 37 developers bringing another 12,400 units to the market. Mortgage transactions also rose 6.8% month on month, with 4,134 loans secured. Loan to value (LTV) ratios also held steady despite stricter enforcement of UAE Central Bank…

Doha: Dubai’s real estate market has made a strong start to 2025, with property sales in January totalling AED44.4bn, a 24.1% increase in value on the same month last year. A market update issued today by fäm Properties reveals that last month’s total of 14,236 transactions also represented a 23.2% increase in volume over January 2024. Land sales for January showed the biggest increase, with 811 plots - a 151.9% month-on-month leap in volume - selling for AED8.6bn. Villa sales totalling AED16.4 billion also climbed sharply in volume by 89.6% to 3,117 compared with January last year, and apartment sales worth AED18.2bn were up 7.1% in volume to 9,945. A total of 363 commercial property transactions amounting to AED1.2bn represented a 17.9% increase in volume over…