He Wasn’t Thinking About Renting His Arizona Home. Then Rihanna Came Knocking.
When a big event comes to town or vacation time rolls in, A-listers turn to the privacy, security and space of private homes
8 min
Spyro Malaspinas wasn’t looking to rent out his home for Super Bowl LVII in Arizona in February 2023.
The 48-year-old cybersecurity expert initially balked at the idea of leasing his 6,400-square-foot, five-bedroom house on about an acre of land in Paradise Valley, an affluent town between Phoenix and Scottsdale, which he bought for $7.3 million in 2022. Then a property management firm he hired to manage a smaller investment property he owns called and offered Mr. Malaspinas a number that sent him packing.
“The last thing I am is a real estate baron,” said Mr. Malaspinas. But, he said, “My pride’s not that big. I don’t mind moving out for $500,000 a week.” Mr. Malaspinas, who said the rental income for that week will cover his mortgage payments for two years, later learned his tenant was Rihanna.
“My [13-year-old] daughter was absolutely thrilled,” he said. Rihanna didn’t respond to requests for comment.
When celebrities, sports stars and titans of industry come to town for vacation—or in Rihanna’s case, to headline the Super Bowl halftime show—they are often willing to shell out tens of thousands of dollars or more to stay at a private residence with more space, security and privacy than even the best five-star hotels. Finding properties that meet their criteria typically falls to travel coordinators and assistants, along with business managers and local real-estate agents who tap into closely held networks of clients with luxury homes.
The process is an extremely quiet exercise in matchmaking. “You need to know who to call,” said real-estate agent Carl Gambino of Compass. “Sometimes you know your client went to France for the year and their house is sitting there,” he said. Vacant homes that are listed for sale can be a win-win for everyone involved. And sometimes, homeowners can be persuaded to move for the right price—or person.
Before President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama’s summer vacation on Martha’s Vineyard in 2013, for example, real-estate agent Tom Wallace of Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty said he got a call around mid fall from a White House planner who shared specific criteria for a presidential rental, including privacy and security. As the son of a U.S. Naval Rear Admiral, Mr. Wallace said he advocated strongly that the first family stay at a compound in Chilmark, Mass., owned by Chicago investment banker David Schulte and his wife, Patricia Schulte, even though the property wasn’t on the rental market at the time.
Set on about 9.5 acres with ocean views, the property has a four-bedroom main residence, a separate two-bedroom guesthouse, a private driveway and ample space to set up security areas. “It wasn’t until we politely stepped on [Mr. Schulte’s] left toe and said, ‘Would you consider a particular guest?’ that he was polite enough to help us orchestrate making that happen,” recalled Mr. Wallace, who declined to say whether there was a nondisclosure agreement. He also wouldn’t disclose the price but said the tenants paid a fair-market rate at the time.
For his part, Mr. Schulte said it was never his intention to rent the house, which he described as a “labor of love,” but he did so out of pride and patriotism. “It’s often said, ‘Nobody can say no to the president.’ That’s pretty true,” said Mr. Schulte, who donated to Mr. Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign. The property has an infinity-edged pool, half-court basketball and access to a private beach. The Schultes, who rented to the Obamas several times, sold the property for $15 million in 2018, records show. The Obamas declined to comment.
In New York, former financial executive Jay Dweck said his house in Bedford Corners had been on and off the market for between $6.895 million and $9.975 million when Mariah Carey’s team reached out to his real-estate agent in June 2020. They asked if Mr. Dweck would consider renting it to her for the summer. “They wanted to be in on July 1,” said Mr. Dweck, who said the singer’s team indicated she might be interested in purchasing the home. Mr. Dweck agreed to the $125,000-a-month rental, and then went onto Airbnb and found himself a house in Greenwich, Conn., for $6,000 a month.
Built around 2006, the roughly 10,500-square-foot house has six bedrooms, a theatre, a 900-gallon aquarium and a violin-shaped swimming pool flanked by koi ponds. Mr. Dweck said terms of the rental agreement stipulated he would not disclose the terms or parties to the rental, meaning the entity that rented the home on the singer’s behalf. But he said Ms. Carey stayed at the house full time with her boyfriend, children and a nanny, while a chef, housekeeper and assistant came daily. The singer’s tour manager and recording engineer were occasionally present, too, and Mr. Dweck said the entire team operated like a well-oiled machine. He said the staff stocked the fridge, unpacked closets and cranked up the pool heater to 91 degrees before Ms. Carey’s arrival. “You could boil lobsters in the pool,” Mr. Dweck said. The only real collateral damage from the experience was the home’s wooden floors, which had pock marks from the singer’s high heels, and ultimately needed to be replaced for $90,000, which was taken out of the security deposit. “She’s not the kind of person where someone says, ‘Mariah, take your shoes off,’” he said. Ms. Carey didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Celebrities, athletes and business titans rent for any number of reasons, said Tomer Fridman of Compass. Summer rentals in the Hamptons and Malibu, for example, are highly-sought after with properties commanding prices from $100,000 to $1 million or more. Artists and entertainers may rent while they are renovating, filming a movie or participating in a show. Some lease luxury estates for recording projects.
In Joshua Tree, Calif., movie producer and artist Chris Hanley said his Invisible House, currently listed for $18 million, became a kind of “cultural icon” that he and his wife, Roberta Hanley, rented out to singers Diplo and Demi Lovato. Diplo did not respond to requests for comment. Ms. Lovato declined to comment.
Completed in 2019, the 5,500-square-foot house is 225 feet long with a reflective glass exterior that mirrors the landscape. Mr. Hanley said at first, the couple opened up the house to family and friends from the art and entertainment world. They also rented it out for music and fashion productions, starting at $10,000 a day. “It started to add up,” he said.
In 2020, the Hanleys put the home on Airbnb for $2,500 a night. In 2021, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky stayed there, said Mr. Hanley, adding, “We threw in champagne.” Mr. Chesky didn’t respond to a request for comment.
In Palm Desert, Calif., real-estate investor Glen Heggstad said he got into the rental business after a location scout left her business card at his front gate. Since then, Mr. Heggstad, a Brazilian jujitsu instructor and former member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, has rented his 4,300-square-foot contemporary villa for up to $20,000 a night during Coachella. Set on nearly 2 acres, with an infinity-edged pool and helicopter landing pad, the house has been used by singers Billie Eilish and Lizzo, who posted photos of herself by the pool on social media. Neither singer responded to a request for comment.
Mr. Heggstad said he’s also rented the house for brunches, car photo shoots and cannabis industry events. Recently, he decided to pull back from short-term rentals and weddings. “They get drunk and the in-laws fight,” he said, and because he has been burned too many times. A few years ago, he said, a guest left the house in disarray after a party and he had to fish 100 cigarette butts out of the pool.
Short of property damage, short-term rentals at the highest price points come with other quirks, including secrecy around the client’s identity, said Neal Norman of Hawai’i Life. “Typically you don’t get a straight call from those guys. It’s an assistant or travel agent. They open with, ‘I have a VIP,’ ” he said.
There is also typically very little lead time involved. “Sometimes it’s a Thursday and they want to be there for the weekend,” said Chris Cortazzo of Compass. That leaves little time to show the house, run security checks, clean the property and clear out personal belongings. “People don’t want to move in and have someone’s toothbrush there so everything has to be cleared out,” he said.
These VIPs are known to bring their preferred brand of bottled water and linens, along with flowers, air purifiers and home scents, said Mr. Norman, who said he once had a client who had their bed shipped to Hawaii for vacation.
In general, the ultra luxury rental market is as strong as it has ever been, said Tal Alexander of real-estate brokerage Official, which has agents in New York, Florida and California. In the past few months, Mr. Alexander said he’s rented five homes in New York City for $50,000 a month or more. Wealthy renters are willing to pay up for furnished homes in prime buildings and locations, he said.
Some property owners like to know their investments are generating income if they have moved or left town. “They don’t need the apartment sitting empty. It does them no good,” Mr. Alexander said.
During the 2017 Super Bowl, for example, pop star Lady Gaga stayed in a custom home in Houston after the owners relocated, said Marie Sims, whose family company, Sims Luxury Builders, completed the home around 2007. The roughly 9,700-square-foot house has five bedrooms and lots of outdoor space, Ms. Sims said. Last asking $6.5 million, the house sold in 2018, records show. Lady Gaga didn’t respond to requests for comment.
In addition to the Super Bowl, marquee events such as Art Basel and Coachella drive demand for ultra-luxe rentals, and in some cities boutique property managers and rental firms cater to the periodic influx of renters.
In Las Vegas, Bryan Ercolano, founder of vacation rental firm TurnKey Pads, said he and his business partners own a $12.5 million penthouse that they rent out for $5,000 a night during the week and $10,000 a night on weekends when there are big fights or football games. In the past, Mr. Ercolano said they have rented the 7,000-square-foot residence with four bedrooms and 10,000 square feet of terrace space to players from the Kansas City Chiefs and to Usher, who hosted an afterparty for his birthday party in the penthouse one year. The singer didn’t respond to a request for comment. Mr. Ercolano said his business is largely word-of-mouth, with referrals from casino hosts, club promoters and others. “Vegas is a very networky town,” he said. “It’s kind of who you know.”
In Georgia, the Augusta National Golf Club and Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce partnered 50 years ago to form a rental agency—the Masters Housing Bureau—to facilitate home rentals during the Masters tournament. This year’s suggested rate for a five-bedroom house is $18,000 to $22,000 for four nights and $20,000 to $25,000 or more for seven nights, according to the bureau’s website.
For the past few years, golfer Jordan Spieth has had two houses at the Masters. He rents a “sleeping house” for himself and his family, said his agent, Jay Danzi of WME Sports, and WME rents a second “entertainment house” close by where a chef cooks meals daily. In the entertainment house, “there’s no golf on the television” said Mr. Danzi, who said his team works with the Masters Housing Bureau or WME’s internal partners to find housing. Other than the Masters, Mr. Danzi said Mr. Spieth has been traveling with his wife, baby and dog in an RV.
Patrick Michael, founder and CEO of LA Estate Rentals and Brokerage, said he got into the luxury rental business in 2008 to help real-estate developers lease unsold spec homes. His company also provides concierge services such as car rentals, personal training, restaurant reservations or even tickets to Disneyland. “Very wealthy people want to pick up the phone and say, ‘I need a masseuse at 5 p.m.,’ or ‘Can you send a cleaner tomorrow at 2 p.m.’” he said. His company currently has about 85 listings on the market, and Mr. Michael said a chunk of his business comes from athletes, who rent homes when they are in town for training or after being recently traded.
In Paradise Valley, Mr. Malaspinas said he hasn’t moved back into the house where Rihanna stayed because he’s not sure what his plans are. Since the Super Bowl, people have offered him “crazy amounts of money” to sell.
In retrospect, Mr. Malaspinas thinks he could have rented the home for even more money, though at the time he said he didn’t want to push it. “The last thing you want to be is too greedy,” he said, “and then you miss the whole thing.”
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The sector posted strong growth in the first half of 2026, driven by robust investor demand, economic resilience, and business-friendly policies. With record property sales and continued foreign investment, experts expect the momentum to carry through the rest of the year.
Abu Dhabi’s construction sector is entering a new phase of growth, driven by advanced technologies, high-value projects, and stronger private sector participation, with active construction licenses surpassing 38,600.
Dubai South maintained its position as Dubai’s top-performing property market in May, recording 1,357 sales transactions worth AED1.6 billion. According to fäm Properties, residential sales in the area have surged 36.4% since late February, driven by strong demand for off-plan developments and growing investor confidence.
Dubai Land Department has won the 2025 Hamdan Flag for its Tamallak+ initiative, recognizing its leadership in digital transformation and customer-centric government services. The AI-powered platform has streamlined property transactions, cutting service completion time by 88% while further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global real estate investment destination.
2 min
Dubai Land Department (DLD) has been awarded the 2025 Hamdan Flag, part of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Programme for Government Services, in recognition of its Tamallak+ initiative in the pioneering category, marking a major milestone in DLD’s digital transformation journey. It also reflects its success in redesigning the real estate transaction registration journey, in line with the Dubai Government Services 360 policy, through an integrated, data-driven digital ecosystem that places customer needs at the center of service design.
The recognition reflects DLD’s commitment to developing proactive, seamless, and efficient government services in line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership. It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, contributing to the emirate’s ambition to become the world’s best city to live, work, and invest in.
The initiative integrates a range of advanced smart services, including AI-driven property valuation, instant sales registration, developer self-registration, support for the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, and new opportunities for fractional ownership through real estate asset tokenization, contributing to the development of a more flexible, innovative, and future-ready real estate ecosystem.
Tamallak+ is built on the principles of Dubai’s Government Services 360 policy, focusing on re-engineering processes, simplifying customer journeys, automating services, and strengthening real-time data integration between government entities and strategic partners. This enables transactions to be completed within a unified One Government model, eliminating redundant processes and repeated document submissions while delivering a secure, seamless experience accessible anytime, anywhere.
The initiative has delivered a significant shift in service efficiency, reducing service completion time by 88% and transforming property registration into a fully digital, end-to-end process requiring no in-person visits. It has also streamlined service requirements, improved operational efficiency, and achieved a 96.5% customer happiness rate.
DLD has further strengthened ecosystem integration by connecting its operational framework with 59 major real estate developers and 30 banks, enabling sales transactions to be completed in as little as five minutes. This reflects the advanced level of collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders and supports a more agile and efficient real estate market.
These advancements have further strengthened the competitiveness and investment appeal of Dubai’s real estate sector. In 2025, Dubai attracted more than 129,000 new investors, reflecting growing confidence in the emirate’s real estate ecosystem, advanced regulatory environment, and world-class government services.
Looking ahead, DLD will continue expanding proactive services while deepening the use of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics across the customer journey. These efforts support the development of a smarter, more sustainable real estate ecosystem that enhances quality of life, elevates customer experience, and reinforces Dubai’s global leadership in government service excellence.
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Ras Al Khaimah is set to add 25,600 new homes by 2030, with apartments accounting for 97% of future supply, as population growth, rising foreign investment and major infrastructure projects continue to drive demand and strengthen the emirate’s property market.
2 min
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has 25,600 new residential units in the pipeline between now and 2030, with apartments accounting for 97% of future supply, according to new insight from leading real estate advisory group Cavendish Maxwell.
About 170 homes were delivered in Q1 2026, another 1,700 are set to come to the market this year, followed by 23,900 by the end of the decade. The busiest year for deliveries is 2029, with 9,100 set for handover, the company said.
RAK’s growing population – currently around 450,000 and projected to reach 650,000 by 2030 – combined with multi-billion AED foreign direct investment, and increasing business licences, is fuelling demand for real estate in the emirate, Cavendish Maxwell said.
Last year, RAK attracted AED39 billion ($10.62 billion) in FDI across 17 projects – more than any other emirate in the country – and, in Q1 2026, economic licence capital rose 15.5% year-on-year to reach AED11.5 billion.
Yousir Habib, Associate Director at Cavendish Maxwell Ras Al Khaimah, said: “RAK is undergoing major infrastructure investment in roads, aviation and maritime, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the emirate’s 2030 economic diversification and competitiveness goals. As a result, the residential real estate sector secured AED12.3 billion worth of sales across 6,600 transactions last year, when sales prices and rental rates jumped considerably. The market is now undergoing a sustained period of new supply.”
Off-plan activity dominates residential sales, accounting for 85% of transactions and contributing AED11.2 billion in sales last year, according to the Cavendish Maxwell study. More than 40% of the 25,600 units coming to the market over the next four years will be delivered by RAK Properties, Al Hamra Real Estate and Ellington Properties, with ALDAR, BNW Developments and Source of Fate Properties also among the key developers fuelling the emirate’s real estate growth.
In the six-month period between October 2025 and March 2026, RAK’s residential property sales prices rose almost 5% for apartments and nearly 4% for villas. Rental rates climbed more than 6% for apartments and 5% for villas.
Key infrastructure projects in the emirate include upgrades to the E11 Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road and the E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, which are expected to significantly cut journey times between RAK and Dubai by 45%.
RAK International Airport, which is targeting 3 million annual passengers by 2028, is expanding with a 30,000 sq m passenger terminal, a VVIP terminal and an 8,000 sq m hangar, while Saqr Port’s upcoming deep-water, multi-purpose facility is designed to accommodate Capesize vessels, which stretch up to 290 metres and can carry up to 400,000 tons of bulk cargo.
Cavendish Maxwell also examined Ras Al Khaimah’s office market as part of the research, revealing that rental rates rose 8.6% between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026, and 5.3% between October 2025 and March 2026. The emirate’s future office supply is substantial: the new RAK Central urban hub will include 82,000 sqm of A-grade space, while the upcoming Erisha Smart Manufacturing Hub at Al Ghail Industrial Park is set to span 2.32 million sq m.
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Arada has launched Arada Capital, a new investment platform targeting real estate opportunities across the GCC and selected international markets, with a goal of managing US$5 billion in assets over the next four years.
2 min
Global master developer Arada will launch Arada Capital, a new funds management platform to develop and manage institutional-grade investment opportunities across real estate asset classes in the Middle East and selected international markets.
To be based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Arada Capital has received its In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and is in the process of seeking the final licensing approvals from the FRSA to act as a fund manager. Following that approval Arada Capital’s funds will be designed to allow institutional and qualified investors to participate directly in Arada’s pipeline and broader GCC real estate opportunities. The platform’s proposed target will be US$5 billion of assets under management (AUM) to be achieved over the four years after the fund has been established.
Arada Capital will be chaired by HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, and governed by an independent board. The platform is being established to provide investors with a structured, governed and institutionally credible route into the GCC real estate and infrastructure markets, which Arada believes represent a compelling long-term investment story.
HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada and Chairman of Arada Capital, said: “Arada has spent nearly a decade building one of the most complete and vertically integrated real estate platforms in the world, and Arada Capital now allows institutional investors to be part of that story directly, gaining access to deal flow, expertise and governance that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.”
To lead the platform, Arada has appointed Moustafa Fahour OAM as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Arada Capital. Moustafa brings more than two decades of international experience across banking, infrastructure investment, asset management and public-private partnerships, having held senior positions at UBS, Citigroup, Macquarie Group and CIMIC Group. Moustafa most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Plenary Middle East, where he led the delivery of landmark social infrastructure PPP projects including the UAE’s first education social infrastructure PPP programme. He will also continue to support Plenary Middle East in a strategic advisory capacity.
Moustafa is also a current board member of ALEC Holdings PJSC, the recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the founder of the Islamic Museum of Australia.
As CEO & Managing Director, Moustafa will lead the establishment and expansion of Arada Capital, including the development of investment platforms and vehicles initially focused on real estate opportunities across the GCC, before progressively expanding into infrastructure and broader private market strategies.
Moustafa Fahour OAM, CEO and Managing Director of Arada Capital, said: “Arada has built one of the region’s most respected and forward-thinking real estate platforms, underpinned by bold leadership, innovation, and a commitment to creating long-term value. Arada Capital presents a unique opportunity to build a differentiated investment platform from the region, for the region, while attracting institutional partnerships into high-quality opportunities across real estate, infrastructure, and alternative investments.”
Arada Capital will launch with a focused pipeline of investment opportunities aligned to Arada’s existing ecosystem and strategic partnerships, with plans to expand progressively across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and broader regional markets. Further announcements regarding fund structure, strategy and investment opportunities will be made in due course.
Since its establishment in 2017, the master developer has launched 11 record-breaking projects in the UAE and expanded into the UK and Australia. With a pipeline of existing and future projects across these three markets valued at AED130 billion, the company is developing approximately 55,000 units across its communities worldwide.
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The sector posted strong growth in the first half of 2026, driven by robust investor demand, economic resilience, and business-friendly policies. With record property sales and continued foreign investment, experts expect the momentum to carry through the rest of the year.
4 minThe UAE’s real estate sector continued to strengthen its position during the first half of this year as one of the world’s most dynamic and attractive economic sectors for investment.
This performance was driven by the strength of the national economy, business-friendly government policies, and the continued inflow of investors and capital, with expectations that this momentum will continue through the second half of the year.
Real estate market indicators showed that the UAE remains among the world’s leading property investment destinations.
Officials and experts told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the market’s strong performance reflects its transition to a more mature and sustainable phase following years of rapid growth, supported by solid economic fundamentals, according to reports from leading global consulting firms.
A report issued last April by CBRE, global commercial real estate services, highlighted the UAE’s strong economic foundations, backed by robust financial reserves and a stable sovereign credit rating, while forecasting a strong rebound in GDP growth by 2027.
Another report by Knight Frank, independent global real estate consultants, confirmed that Dubai has further strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for wealth migration and real estate investment. Meanwhile, the UAE continued to rank among the fastest-growing countries in terms of the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
In terms of market performance, the combined value of apartment and villa sales increased by 173.9%, surpassing AED 84.4 billion, while the number of transactions rose by 103% to reach 16,585 deals compared with the same period last year, according to an analysis by the ADXinteract platform.
In Dubai, research conducted by W Capital Real Estate Broker showed that market sales exceeded AED 286 billion during the first half of the year, marking the second-highest half-year sales volume in the emirate’s history, following the first half of 2025, when sales reached AED 326.6 billion, based on data from the Dubai Land Department.
Another report by the company revealed that the value of newly announced real estate projects launched since the beginning of 2026 exceeded AED 275 billion, reflecting continued market momentum and the largest half-year cycle of new real estate project launches in Dubai’s history.
Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments, said the real estate sector has continued to reinforce its role as one of the key drivers of the national economy, supported by genuine housing demand, continued foreign investment inflows, and a growing proportion of self-financed buyers, all of which demonstrate the market’s increasing maturity.
He added that the UAE’s stable economic environment, flexible regulations, and long-term development vision have further enhanced its appeal to global capital. He expects positive performance to continue during the second half of the year, with more sustainable and balanced growth, where competition will increasingly favor projects distinguished by high-quality planning, rapid execution, strategic locations, and long-term investment value.
This outlook is also supported by population growth, expanding economic activity, and sustained demand for residential properties.
Azizi explained that these expectations are based on continued population growth driven by long-term residency programs, ongoing implementation of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, expansion of infrastructure projects—particularly in Dubai South and the area surrounding Al Maktoum International Airport—as well as anticipated improvements in mortgage financing solutions, all of which are expected to strengthen confidence among developers and investors in the coming years.
Hussein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, said the market has entered a more mature stage, with growth now driven by long-term demand. He noted that both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have continued to record record-breaking real estate transactions, reflecting the market’s strength and its ability to attract both domestic and international investment.
He expects positive performance to continue during the second half of the year at a more balanced pace, with sustained demand for well-planned residential communities, branded developments, and waterfront projects, alongside the introduction of new supply that will help maintain a healthy balance between supply and demand.
He emphasised that the market’s strength is underpinned by structural factors, including population growth, continued foreign investment inflows, long-term residency programs, government investment in infrastructure, economic diversification, and the expansion of mortgage financing, all of which contribute to market stability while favoring projects with sound planning and high-quality execution.
Thomas Wan, Founder and CEO of Refine, said the UAE real estate sector continues to demonstrate a high degree of resilience. While demand remains strong, buyers are becoming increasingly focused on project quality, location, developer reputation, and the overall living experience, reflecting greater market awareness and maturity.
He stressed that developers’ success in the coming period will depend on delivering projects that genuinely meet market needs, adopting well-considered pricing strategies, and enhancing competitiveness as new supply continues to enter the market.
Syed Mahrooz, CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Albagh Group, said the UAE real estate sector has maintained its strong performance throughout 2026, preserving its status as one of the world’s most attractive property markets.
This strength has been driven by robust demand, the success of the country’s long-term development vision, continued economic diversification, the growing number of high-net-worth individuals, progressive residency and investment policies, and ongoing infrastructure expansion, all of which have reinforced the UAE’s position as a preferred destination for long-term investment and residency for both individuals and businesses.
He added that the market is expected to remain active throughout the rest of the year, with sustained demand for premium residential communities, branded developments, waterfront destinations, and high-quality commercial assets, as investors increasingly prioritize long-term value, quality of life, and asset sustainability.
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Abu Dhabi’s construction sector is entering a new phase of growth, driven by advanced technologies, high-value projects, and stronger private sector participation, with active construction licenses surpassing 38,600.
2 minThe Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has released a new report showing that the emirate’s construction sector is entering a new phase of growth — one that is increasingly driven by higher‑value systems, advanced delivery models, and stronger private‑sector participation.
Titled Abu Dhabi’s Construction Sector, the report highlights a clear shift away from volume‑driven construction toward more integrated, technology‑enabled, and performance‑focused project delivery. This evolution closely aligns Abu Dhabi with global construction trends.
As the second sectoral study released under ADCCI’s 2025–2028 Strategy, the report reflects the growing maturity of the construction ecosystem in the emirate. It points to stronger capabilities across the value chain, better export readiness, and a more connected industrial base, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for advanced construction.
The report shows that while upstream supply and midstream processing remain solid, most value creation is now happening downstream, in engineered and ready‑to‑install construction systems. These include high‑specification mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) solutions, control systems, and industrialized building methods. This trend is supported by growing adoption of modular and prefabricated construction, low‑carbon materials, AI‑enabled project controls, and fully digital delivery models.
His Excellency Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:
“Abu Dhabi’s construction sector is clearly evolving. Value today comes from integration, quality, and certainty of delivery, not just scale. The strong growth in private‑sector participation shows that the market is responding well to these new demands.”
He added:
“This report reflects the Chamber’s commitment to providing practical, decision‑focused insights that help businesses grow, strengthen competitiveness, and support Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for high‑value construction.”
The sector’s transformation is reflected in its growth figures. By February 2026, Abu Dhabi recorded more than 38,600 active construction licenses. New business registrations rose by 66% year‑on‑year in 2025, while the total number of active construction members increased by 24.8% over the same period. From 2019 to 2025, new construction memberships grew at a compound annual rate of nearly 28%.
Today, the sector is supported by a balanced mix of strong local firms and international players, giving Abu Dhabi depth across construction services, building materials, and manufacturing.
Globally, construction activity is shifting toward fewer but more advanced projects, particularly in energy, infrastructure, utilities, and advanced industrial facilities. These projects demand higher precision, tighter integration, and reliable delivery, areas where Abu Dhabi is showing increasing strength.
This global shift is reflected locally. Abu Dhabi’s near‑term project pipeline is led by energy developments, alongside a growing number of specialized industrial projects such as data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities.
The report also highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing export potential across the construction value chain. Key strengths range from upstream materials like clay and limestone, to midstream components such as ductwork and valves, and downstream systems including UPS solutions and Distribution boards (DBs) and Switchgear (LV panels). Together, these capabilities position Abu Dhabi to compete internationally on quality, reliability, and integrated delivery.
These opportunities are supported by ADCCI’s Export Potential Index, which identifies priority products and target markets by linking global demand trends with Abu Dhabi’s competitive strengths, enabling faster and more focused export expansion.
Abu Dhabi’s geographic location, logistics efficiency, and industrial capacity further strengthen its ability to scale construction exports across both established and high‑growth regional markets.
At the same time, ongoing regulatory improvements and targeted public investment are creating a more predictable and program‑driven construction environment. Faster digital permitting, standardized government contracting, industrial land incentives, localization measures, and stronger sustainability and compliance requirements are all helping drive demand for high‑performance materials and integrated construction systems.
The report forms part of ADCCI’s broader effort to deliver data‑driven intelligence that supports private‑sector growth and advances Abu Dhabi’s long‑term economic diversification objectives.
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Dubai South maintained its position as Dubai’s top-performing property market in May, recording 1,357 sales transactions worth AED1.6 billion. According to fäm Properties, residential sales in the area have surged 36.4% since late February, driven by strong demand for off-plan developments and growing investor confidence.
2 minThe evolution of Dubai South as the emirate’s largest single urban master development is highlighted by a new market analysis today revealing sustained residential real estate growth over the last three months.
For the third consecutive month in May, Dubai South ranked as the best-performing area in the emirate’s property sector, recording 1,357 sales transactions valued at AED 1.6 billion, a 15.9% rise in volume on April and marking its seventh straight month in the top five.
A market report from fäm Properties reveals that residential property sales transactions at Dubai South have surged by 36.4% since the onset of the regional conflict at the end of February.
This growth has been largely driven by developer off-plan sales, which climbed 24.8% last month to 1,233 transactions, following a 35.71% increase in April, adding up to a cumulative rise of 57.87% since the end of February.
“The level of market activity at Dubai South underlines the strength of its fundamentals as a fully integrated, connected urban and business hub propelling growth across the emirate’s broader economy,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
“Growing transaction volumes reflect genuine end-user and investor confidence in the government’s long-term development vision for this dynamic aviation and logistics ecosystem, underpinned by the expansion of Dubai World Central into the world’s largest airport.”
Data from DXBinteract shows that the Dubai real estate market recorded 10,281 sales transactions worth AED28.9 billion in May. The month brought 8,772 apartment sales worth AED14.6 billion, 1,037 villa sales worth AED7.2 billion, along with 133 plot sales valued at AED4.2 billion.
The commercial sector, including offices and shops, recorded 335 sales transactions valued at AED2.9 billion. The average property price per sq ft was up by 3% YoY to AED1,650.
Primary sales again dominated in May, accounting for 7,595 sales transactions totalling AED18.5 billion, compared with 2,686 resales valued at AED10.4 billion. The most expensive villa sold in May was a luxury property at Signature Villas on Palm Jumeriah which went for AED145 million.
The most expensive apartment went for AED113 million at Solaya 5 at Jumeirah First. Other luxury apartments sold for AED106 million at Solaya 6 at La Mer and 101 million at One Casa at Al Wasl on the Dubai Water Canal.
With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 8.56% of sales, 8.19% were between AED3-5 million, 12.41% between AED2-3 million, 31.02% between AED1-2 million and 39.82% were below AED1 million.
Many of the most-important events have slipped from our collective memories. But their impacts live on.
The sports-car maker delivered 279,449 cars last year, down from 310,718 in 2024.
The mixed-use project will feature around 1,800 residential units, 250 commercial and office units, and hospitality components, with Al Ramz expecting the acquisition to support long-term growth and strengthen returns through 2031.
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Saudi-listed Al Ramz Real Estate Company said it has signed agreements to acquire the remaining units in a private real estate investment fund that owns the Qurtuba 2 development in Riyadh, in a deal valued at SAR 133 million ($35.5 million).
The transaction will raise Al Ramz’s ownership in the Al Ahli Aleen Enbar Real Estate Fund from 23% to 100%, giving the company full control of the project as it seeks to expand its exposure to strategically located real estate developments in the Saudi capital.
In a filing to the Saudi Stock Exchange, the company said it currently owns 23% of the fund’s units, representing an investment of approximately SAR 40 million. Upon completion of the acquisition, Al Ramz will become the sole owner of the fund.
The fund owns the Qurtuba 2 project, a planned mixed-use development located in Riyadh’s Qurtuba district along Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, also known as the Sports Boulevard corridor. The project spans about 130,386 square metres and is expected to include around 1,800 residential units as well as approximately 250 commercial and office units, alongside hospitality components.
Al Ramz said the project’s location in an area characterised by strong demand and limited supply enhances its investment potential and long-term prospects.
In addition to acquiring the fund units, the company said it will secure contracts related to the development, marketing, sales, operations and facilities management of the project. The value of those contracts and related fees will be disclosed at a later stage in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The acquisition will be financed through the company’s internal resources and available credit facilities.
The transaction remains subject to the completion of regulatory and contractual procedures and the execution of payments according to an agreed timetable between the parties.
Al Ramz said the acquisition aligns with its strategy of increasing ownership in high-quality real estate projects in Riyadh and strengthening long-term investment returns.
The company expects the transaction to contribute positively to its financial performance over the period from 2026 to 2031.
The agreements were signed on May 21, according to the filing.
The sports-car maker delivered 279,449 cars last year, down from 310,718 in 2024.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
El Gouna has launched Marina Island by Tuban, a premium waterfront destination featuring a marina, retail, dining, and luxury island living in the heart of the town.
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El Gouna Red Sea, the vibrant year-round coastal town developed by Orascom Development Egypt has announced the launch of Marina Island by Tuban El Gouna, the most premium island in Tuban. Strategically located in the heart of El Gouna’s central district, Tuban, the development introduces a fully integrated island with a beautiful marina, marking a new milestone in the town’s journey.
Commenting on the launch, Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and Managing Director at Orascom Development Egypt, said: ” El Gouna Red Sea was always built around water. That is not a feature of the town, it is its character. Over 36 years, El Gouna has set the standard for residential living on the Red Sea, and Marina Island is the fullest expression of that yet. This isn’t just a residential launch; it is a living, breathing waterfront district with a working marina, curated dining, and architecture that earns its place in the town’s design legacy. We have been deliberating about every layer of this project, and what excites me most is that Marina Island completes Tuban as a district while opening a new chapter for El Gouna entirely.”
Marina Island by Tuban elevates the concept of island living through the introduction of a fully operational marina, alongside curated retail, and waterfront dining. These elements position the development as a fully integrated lifestyle destination that extends beyond traditional residential offerings.
Designed with a distinct architectural identity, the project reflects El Gouna’s 36-year legacy of collaborating with leading international and regional architects such as Michael Graves, Alfredo Freda, and Shehab Mazhar, shaping a unique and timeless design language across the destination. Offering open-to-sea lagoon access to the sea, Marina Island by Tuban delivers a true island living experience while remaining seamlessly connected to the vibrant center of the district.
Building on the success of previous launches such as Nuba El Gouna, Fanadir Shores and North Bay the town continues to expand its diversified portfolio of lifestyle developments with various upcoming launches, further reinforcing the destination’s commitment to delivering elevated residential experiences, strong investment value with ROI reaching 20% over two years and high rental yields ranging between 6–8%, alongside distinctive community living concepts.
Further enhancing Marina Island’s integrated living experience, El Gouna offers residents seamless experience through its two entities, Orascom Property Management (OPM) and El Gouna Plus. OPM enhances the project’s long-term value through its expertise in rental and property management services, helping homeowners maximize rental returns and achieve sustainable ROI on their units, while El Gouna Plus complements the experience through curated interior design, furniture, and lifestyle solutions, adding a refined and design-driven touch that aligns with Marina Island’s distinct architectural identity and island-inspired living experience.
Positioned within one of El Gouna’s fastest-growing districts, Marina Island presents a compelling opportunity for both investors and homeowners, combining long-term value potential with a distinctive lifestyle offering.
Paine Schwartz joins BERO as a new investor as the year-old company seeks to triple sales.
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
United Real Estate Company secured KWD38 million ($122.8 million) in Islamic financing for Phase 3 of the Souq Sharq waterfront project in Kuwait City. The PPP development will modernize the destination with upgraded retail, a superyacht marina, and enhanced nautical facilities, with completion expected by end-2027.
< 1 min
United Real Estate Company (URC) has secured 38 million Kuwaiti dinars ($122.82 million) in Islamic banking finance for the construction and development of Waterfront Real Estate Project – Phase 3 [Souq Sharq], located in the Sharq Area of capital Kuwait City.
The real estate public-private partnership (PPP) project was awarded to URC by Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) in February 2026.
The developer said it obtained KWD 25 million in non-cash facilities for 17 years and a KWD 13 million cash facility for 10 years from a local bank, according to a statement published on Boursa Kuwait.
The statement did not include the bank’s name.
Last week, URC’s wholly owned project-dedicated subsidiary, United Marasi Company for Lands and Real Estate Development, signed an agreement with the Department of State Properties at the Finance Ministry for the project.
The contract covers upgrading, development, repair, major rehabilitation, management, operation and periodic maintenance of the waterfront market (souq), the company said.
The project will be implemented under a 15-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) usufruct arrangement with an additional one-year grace period allocated for design and refurbishment works.
The waterfront project was tendered alongside the Al Muthanna Complex Real Estate Project, which KAPP awarded to a consortium led by Real Estate House.
Originally established in 1998, Souq Sharq waterfront destination spans approximately 74,685 square meters (sqm) with a 2.7 km shoreline and total leasable area of 35,000 sqm. It features a superyacht marina, new retail experience, refined fish market, and dedicated nautical area.
The project is scheduled for completion by end-2027, according to URC’s first quarter 2026 investor presentation.
Parts for iPhones to cost more owing to surging demand from AI companies.
Interior designer Thomas Hamel on where it goes wrong in so many homes.
For years, UAE real estate was defined by record-breaking growth, but 2026 is proving the market’s real strength: resilience. Despite regional uncertainty, Dubai recorded AED 252 billion in Q1 transactions, while resident investors now account for more than half of investment activity by value, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a long-term destination for both capital and living rather than short-term speculation.
2 min
For years, the story of UAE real estate was told in superlatives. Record transactions. Record prices. Record launches. It was a market that seemed to run on adrenaline, and plenty of people wondered how long that could last.
Yet, what is happening in the UAE real estate market in 2026 does not seem to be a short-lived boom with an impending expiry date, but a market finding its footing as a genuine, long-term destination for global capital and for people who simply want to live here.
According to Nagham Hassan, Market Analyst at eToro: Dubai registered AED 252 billion in transactions in Q1 2026, up 31% year-on-year, following a record AED 917 billion for the full year 2025. The price index grew 9.81% across 2025 — a step down from the double-digit surges of prior years. In 2025, the investor base grew to over 193,000 active participants, with resident investors accounting for more than half of all investment by value. Unlike speculative foreign capital, residents do not simply exit when sentiment shifts. The average time for a renter to become an owner is now just 4.8 years, demonstrating that this is a market people are committing to, not trading through.
Despite the regional turbulence of early 2026 rattling, confidence across the Gulf. According to DLD transaction data, February sales closed at AED 84 billion. March pulled back to AED 56 billion as buyers paused, but April rebounded by 23% to AED 69 billion as confidence returned. This shows that the market had not broken; it just took a breather and soon got back to work.
That same resilience showed up in the listed stocks — but with a lag. Emaar Properties (EMAAR) and Aldar Properties (ALDAR) were caught in the sentiment-driven selloff despite entering 2026 with the strongest fundamentals in their histories. Emaar’s revenue backlog stands at AED 163.4 billion — up 29% year-on-year — providing clear visibility for future earnings. Aldar reported revenue up 12%, EBITDA up 22%, and carries AED 38.2 billion in total liquidity. Yet both stocks remain well below their 52-week highs, not because the business deteriorated, but because geopolitical fear priced in a scenario the physical market never actually experienced.
That gap between price and fundamentals is what makes the medium-term case compelling. Both companies enter the second half of 2026 with record pipelines and earnings growth that have consistently outpaced expectations.
The path from here depends partly on how the geopolitical situation evolves. A resolution in the conflict would act as a catalyst — unlocking the pent-up demand that has already proven itself in the physical market and accelerating the repricing of both stocks toward their fundamental value. Further escalation, on the other hand, could trigger another round of sentiment-driven selling. But that is precisely where the distinction matters: real estate stocks like Emaar and Aldar are more insulated than most. Their revenues are backed by escrow-protected sales, long-term backlogs, and recurring income streams that do not evaporate with a news cycle.
The sports-car maker delivered 279,449 cars last year, down from 310,718 in 2024.
Following the devastation of recent flooding, experts are urging government intervention to drive the cessation of building in areas at risk.
Major U.S. home builders including D.R. Horton and Lennar are facing mounting claims over poor construction quality as homeowners report structural defects and substandard materials. At the same time, mortgage lenders are increasingly turning to higher-risk alternative loans to stimulate activity in the stagnant housing market, highlighting growing pressure across the U.S. real estate sector.
2 min
Some of America’s biggest home builders, including D.R. Horton and Lennar, are getting buried in claims of shoddy construction. Homeowners allege complaints ranging from builders using cheaper materials to hiring unqualified and undersupervised subcontractors. Builders say the claims reflect a tiny fraction of the total homes they produce and that errors are typically the fault of subcontractors, not the companies. But mounting legal bills represent another headache for the home-building industry, which is already coping with a stagnant housing market by offering buyers significant mortgage-rate buydowns. Nicholas Miller explains how we got here.
Mortgage lenders, meanwhile, are increasingly turning to alternative loans to drum up business in a long-stalled housing market. The share of mortgages using alternative lending practices is still a small portion of the market, but it has doubled in size over the past three years. “They are riskier loans by nature,” said Cristian deRitis, deputy chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “Those borrowers are more likely to pull back or default on their loans.” Katherine Hamilton explains how these loans are different from traditional mortgages and why analysts say they have higher risk.
Home Builders Are Getting Buried in Claims of Shoddy Construction
Blake and Beth Horio bought a home in 2022 in a Henderson, Nev., community thinking it would be an ideal place to retire. But soon, cracks began spreading across the ceilings. Their sliding glass doors wouldn’t open. Their foundation sank several inches, leaving a gap underneath the house.
A Risky, Unconventional Mortgage Is on the Rise Again
Mortgage lenders are increasingly turning to alternative loans to drum up business in a housing market that has been stalled for years.
6%
The share of all home loan originations that used alternative lending practices in 2025, according to the real-estate data firm Inside Mortgage Finance. That is a small portion of the market, but it has doubled in size over the past three years as a sluggish housing market prompts mortgage lenders to turn to these more risky loans.
Data Points
- $23,400: The median down payment for a U.S. primary residence in the first quarter, a 19% year-over-year drop and the lowest level since 2021, according to Realtor.com. The decline shows that the housing market is slowly tilting toward buyers as rising inventory and easing prices reduces the amount of cash buyers need to put down.
- 3.6 million: The net amount, in square feet, of retail space 20,000 square feet or larger vacated by retailers in the first quarter compared with space newly occupied, according to Newmark. This negative net absorption was driven by cooling demand for older, less desirable properties while leasing for high-end retail space remains strong.
- $5,099: The median rent for a Manhattan apartment in April, a record high and 2% increase from the prior month, according to Corcoran. Scarcity is driving the price increase, with Manhattan vacancy falling to its lowest level in more than six years at 1.55%.
Paine Schwartz joins BERO as a new investor as the year-old company seeks to triple sales.
A renovated 18th-century estate on Switzerland’s Lake Zug now features a custom-built chef’s kitchen designed to combine Michelin-level functionality with timeless historic charm. Created by British design firm Artichoke, the space blends professional-grade performance with the warmth and elegance of a Victorian-inspired family home.
2 min
While renovating an 18th-century estate on the shores of Switzerland’s Lake Zug, the Danish-born owner wanted a top-quality kitchen for his on-staff professional chef.
“He wanted Michelin-starred chefs to come to the house and say it’s the best kitchen they ever cooked in,” says Anthony Earle of Artichoke, the British firm hired to redo the space. But the client also wanted a beautiful kitchen that reflected the home’s long history, not a utilitarian-looking room.
The result was a three-year, roughly $1 million project to create a chef’s kitchen inspired by Victorian-era English country houses. “We like our spaces to look and feel like they have evolved over time, as these historic homes would have done,” Earle says.
Now when the chef—or a team brought in for events—starts prepping a multicourse dinner, they have easy access to every bell and whistle, such as a flushing bath that circulates hot water to clean the chefs’ tasting spoons. But the roughly 500-square-foot space also works when the owner, who has two preschool age children, is entertaining in the nearby garden, and a parent wants to pop in and make a sandwich for a toddler.
Cabinetry, $470,000
Hidden behind the custom cabinetry doors are the kitchen’s large appliances—refrigerator, wine storage, freezer and ice maker—as well as masses of storage. Restoration glass, which is molded to recreate the look of antique glass, was used for the upper cabinets.
Cook’s table, $80,000
Cook’s tables were the Victorian equivalent of today’s built-in islands. Artichoke used European oak, Taj Mahal honed quartzite, hand-turned legs and inlaid stone to create this piece.
Cooking island and hood, $326,000
Artichoke commissioned the Italian company DeManincor to build a cooking island with induction burners, a fryer, a tappanyaki plate, a bain marie and a double-sided, pass-through oven. The matching stainless and brass venting hood has LED lights.
Wall tile, $13,500
The white ceramic tile was made with a pressed method typical of the Victorian era, Earle says. Artichoke designed the floral-imprinted brass stud that rests at each corner.
Calling bells, $95,000
The ultimate British country-house detail is the servants’ calling-bell system devised by Artichoke. The firm sourced antique bells and pendulums for a ‘Downton Abbey’ look, but in a modern twist, detailed requests are received digitally.
Two coming 2027 models – the first of the “Neue Klasse” cars coming to the U.S. early next year – have been revealed.
Kuwait’s real estate market recorded a 15% rise in transactions during the second week of May, driven by strong activity in the residential sector despite a decline in overall transaction values. Residential demand continued to support market activity, while commercial real estate saw a sharp slowdown amid higher financing costs and cautious investor sentiment.
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Real estate transactions in the second week of May showed mixed performance, during which the number of transactions increased by 15 percent compared to the first week, driven by the increased activity in the residential sector, according to the weekly statistics released by the Real Estate Registration and Documentation Departments at the Ministry of Justice.
However, the total value of transactions declined by 11.86 percent due to the sharp drop in commercial real estate deals. The real estate market recorded 138 transactions from May 10-14, with a total value of KD62.63 million, compared to 120 transactions valued at KD71.06 million in the first week of the month.
The residential sector continued its positive performance, leading market activity in the second week and benefiting from sustained demand for private housing and residential properties.
The number of residential transactions increased to 103, valued at KD36.6 million, compared to 83 transactions valued at KD27.6 million in the first week — 24 percent increase in the number of transactions and 32 percent increase in value.
The aforementioned figures revealed improvement in the appetite for purchasing private housing in spite of the continued caution related to high financing costs and anticipation of new regulatory or legislative changes.
This performance indicates that the residential sector remains attractive, as it is the most closely linked to actual demand and direct use, compared to other real estate sectors that are more affected by investment and liquidity fluctuations. The investment sector witnessed a slight decline in both the number and value of transactions.
Total trading volume reached 32 deals worth KD24.78 million, compared to 34 deals worth KD28.46 million in the previous week — 5.8 percent decrease in the number of deals and 12.9 percent decrease in trading value. It reflects continuous investor caution, considering the regulatory pressure and geopolitical changes related to financing and borrowing costs.
Despite this decline, the investment sector remains resilient compared to other sectors due to its reliance on operational and rental returns, which provide more flexibility in facing market fluctuations. The commercial sector experienced the most significant decline, with its trading value plummeting by 98 percent and the number of transactions by 33.3 percent.
Only two transactions were recorded with a total value of KD266,000, compared to three transactions worth KD15 million in the first week. It indicates continuation of less activity in this sector, which is highly sensitive to economic and legislative conditions.
The decline is also attributed to the increased financing cost and decreased risk appetite among investors, particularly the large transactions, following the execution of high-value deals in the previous week.
Regarding properties located along the coastal strip, one transaction valued at KD990,000 was recorded, compared to no transaction in the first week – a manifestation of selective demand for coastal properties, considering that the number of deals is limited.
Two coming 2027 models – the first of the “Neue Klasse” cars coming to the U.S. early next year – have been revealed.
As UAE summers intensify, thoughtful design choices such as strategic shading, natural materials, greenery, and improved airflow can help create cooler, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes, according to NKEY Architects.
3 min
Summer in the UAE is not just a seasonal shift, it is a test of how homes are designed to perform. With rising temperatures and longer periods of intense sunlight, residential spaces are increasingly expected to do more than look good; they must actively support comfort.
Rather than relying solely on mechanical cooling, small but intentional design decisions can significantly reduce heat gain and improve how a home feels throughout the day. Here are five approaches that can make a measurable difference by NKEY Architects.
Let Minimalism Do the Cooling
Summer is an opportunity to reassess what a home is carrying; visually and physically. Heavy furniture, cluttered surfaces, excessive textiles, and bold color palettes can make interiors feel more intense.
A useful starting point is to edit the home with intention. Reviewing furniture, kitchen items, and appliances—and removing what is no longer needed—creates immediate spatial relief. This sense of openness allows light to travel further and air to circulate more freely, improving both comfort and perception of space.
Color plays a functional role. Lighter tones and softened natural materials help create a cooler visual environment, while darker shades tend to absorb and intensify the effect of direct sunlight. Even a simple wall adjustment can shift the atmosphere of a room.
Beyond interiors, comfort also begins at the building edge. Controlling how much sunlight enters the home is one of the most effective passive cooling strategies. Shading systems that filter harsh light and introduce a buffer zone between exterior and interior surfaces help reduce heat transfer into the building envelope, improving overall thermal performance without relying on mechanical systems.
Turn the Backyard Into a Night-Time Retreat
While daytime outdoor living in peak UAE summer can be challenging, evenings offer a completely different opportunity to reclaim outdoor spaces. A balcony, terrace, porch, or backyard can be reimagined as a night-time retreat designed around comfort.
Comfortable seating, soft layered lighting, gentle cooling fans, and weather-resistant furniture can transform an underused outdoor area into a calm and inviting extension of the home after sunset.
Material selection plays an important role in durability and comfort. Naturally resilient materials such as teak wood perform well in high temperatures and humidity, while also aging gracefully outdoors. This can be complemented with softer layers by including cushions, lanterns and warm string lighting to create a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere.
Greenery further enhances the spatial quality of outdoor areas. Layered planting across different heights introduces depth and softness, helping to reduce the harshness of built surfaces. Potted palms, hanging planters, and climbing plants can quickly shift even compact balconies into more shaded, and refreshing environments.
Bring the Outdoors Inside
For those who prefer to stay indoors during summer, biophilic design offers a simple yet effective way to reconnect interior spaces with nature. Beyond aesthetics, greenery plays a functional role in improving indoor environmental quality. Plants including areca palm, snake plant, peace lily, and aloe vera, are particularly well-suited to UAE homes, due to their resilience in controlled indoor conditions. When thoughtfully positioned, planting can introduce a subtle sense of freshness while softening architectural surfaces and interiors.
Water elements can further enhance this effect. Small indoor fountains or cascading features help create a more stable and calming microclimate. The movement and sound of water add a sensory layer that offsets the intensity of outdoor heat, making interior spaces feel more grounded.
Choose Materials That Work With the Climate
Natural materials such as stone, clay, and adobe contribute to a more stable indoor environment due to their high thermal mass, allowing them to absorb heat during the day and release it gradually as temperatures drop.
Additionally well-insulated walls, roofs, and flooring systems help regulate internal temperatures more effectively, reducing heat gain and limiting reliance on mechanical cooling.
Complementary natural materials such as bamboo, cork, and plant-based fibers can further support a healthier indoor environment. When used appropriately, they contribute to a more balanced material palette suited to the regional climate.
Make Small Changes With Big Impact
Windows are among the primary points of heat gain in residential design. Managing direct sunlight through layered solutions such as blackout curtains, thermal blinds, UV-filtering sheers, and heat-reducing films can significantly reduce solar penetration while still allowing natural daylight to filter through.
In homes with larger glazing areas or open-plan layouts, motorized shading systems offer a more responsive solution, automatically adjusting based on time of day or indoor temperature to maintain visual comfort and thermal balance.
Interior layout also plays an important role in airflow efficiency. Keeping furniture clear of windows and avoiding obstruction of cross-ventilation paths helps air circulate more effectively—particularly in villas and low-rise homes where natural ventilation can still be leveraged.
Ultimately, summer-ready design is about responsiveness rather than transformation. Through considered editing, strategic shading, the integration of greenery, and the use of climate-appropriate materials, homes in the UAE can become more adaptive environments and more comfortable throughout the season.
Following the successful launch of its Palais Collection, MAISON de SABRÉ has unveiled a new modular handbag system offering more than 720 styling combinations.
Dubai’s property market is showing signs of stabilization reporting rising demand across both sales and leasing in April. Sales enquiries increased 11% month-on-month, while tenant enquiries jumped 40%, as villas and townhouses continued to outperform apartments amid improving market confidence.
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Dubai’s property market is showing early signs of stabilization, with April data from betterhomes pointing to improving demand across both sales and leasing, without the supply pressure typically associated with a market slowdown.
Sales market shows signs of recovery
Dubai Land Department figures show total transactions up just under 2% month-on-month, marking the first positive move since the conflict began in late February. Internally, betterhomes recorded an 11% increase in inbound sales enquiries between March and April, with activity improving consistently week on week.
Supply remains disciplined despite softer demand
What’s equally telling is what’s not happening. Despite enquiries running around 30% below year-ago levels, sales listing volumes have remained flat. Sellers are not flooding the market. Louis Harding, CEO of betterhomes, attributes this to a structural shift years in the making: a healthier ratio of end-user ownership versus speculative investment.
“We’re simply not seeing the supply response you’d expect if this were a market in genuine distress,” he said. “Every week the metrics improve. This is a disciplined pause, not a retreat.”
Mortgage brokers are meanwhile reporting a bottleneck of buyers seeking agreements in principle, with latent demand quietly positioning itself to move.
Leasing activity rebounds sharply
The leasing market is moving faster. Tenant enquiries rebounded 40% between March and April, the sharpest monthly recovery since the conflict began. Available rental inventory grew from just over 1,000 units at the start of March to nearly 2,200 by the end of April, while around 70% of listings recorded price adjustments averaging just under 10%.
The inquiry-to-listing ratio now sits at 6.6, down from 10 pre-conflict, but still reflective of active demand. Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes, said the market is moving towards a healthier balance.
“Rents have adjusted, choice has increased, and tenants are re-engaging,” he said. “Landlords who price realistically now will be well-positioned when demand fully recovers.”
Villas continue to outperform apartments
Performance across the rental market remains uneven. Villas and townhouses are holding firmer on price than apartments, while well-maintained properties are consistently outperforming on both leasing speed and achieved rents.
Long-term fundamentals remain intact
The broader direction across Dubai’s property market is one of gradual normalization rather than disruption. Demand is rebuilding week on week, supply remains stable, and recent policy and infrastructure announcements are expected to support long-term confidence.
These include the removal of the minimum property value threshold for UAE investor visas, alongside the planned USD 9 billion Gold Line metro expansion connecting 15 districts across the city.
Many of the most-important events have slipped from our collective memories. But their impacts live on.
