UAE Real Estate Construction Continues at Scale

The official record from the UAE's three most active developers through Q1 2026 gives a clear picture. Construction has continued. Contracts are being awarded. Handovers are on schedule. And sales, in most cases, have held.

The evidence comes not from market commentary but from official company statements, listed-company disclosures, and verified transaction data, spanning developers that collectively have over 100,000 units in their active pipelines.

Aldar Properties: 141 sites, AED 4.7bn in contracts, 550 units completed in March
The most detailed operational disclosure came from Abu Dhabi-listed Aldar Properties, which issued a formal Q1 2026 update confirming construction activity across 141 active sites in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, all progressing in line with planned timelines.

Since January 2026, Aldar has awarded AED 4.7 billion in development contracts, including AED 1.8 billion in March alone to five UAE-based contractors. Through these contracts, AED 1.78 billion is being reinvested into the domestic economy via the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme. A further 172 tenders are currently active, valued at over AED 30 billion.

In March, Aldar's construction teams logged approximately 30 million working hours, a 20% increase compared to March 2025, while the company paid AED 1.55 billion to 71 contractors for ongoing works.

The company confirmed it remains on track to hand over more than 3,500 residential units in 2026, having already completed 1,075 homes since the start of the year, with 550 of those completed in March. Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said, “We are maintaining our delivery momentum, awarding new construction contracts, and further strengthening our supply chain, while continuing to positively contribute to the national economy. We are working closely with the government, our partners, and suppliers to maintain this positive momentum and continue to deliver for our customers and communities.” 

Aldar also confirmed that across its portfolio of 155,000 residential units and 2.2 million square metres of commercial space, all assets have remained fully operational. The company also disclosed a financial position of available liquidity exceeding AED 30 billion.

DAMAC Properties: 3,663 units sold in Q1, 55,000 in pipeline
DAMAC Properties issued two formal statements covering its Q1 2026 performance. In March alone, DAMAC achieved AED 3.12 billion in sales across 1,106 transactions. Across Q1 2026 in full, DAMAC sold 3,663 units. The company confirmed it has 55,000 units currently in its active development pipeline.

Construction progress was formally confirmed as on track with no changes to scheduled handovers. 

Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, said, “History has taught us that the UAE always overcomes challenges and emerges stronger. With the guidance of our leadership, this time will be no different. The UAE will continue to move forward with resilience and confidence.” 

Binghatti Holding: Weekly sales of AED 500 million, cancellations below 1%
Binghatti Holding confirmed that construction operations remained fully operational and on schedule, supported by its vertically integrated supply chain. Cancellation rates remained below 1%, consistent with historical levels.

The company reported average weekly sales of AED 500 million, broadly in line with pre-period levels. The recently launched Mercedes-Benz Places I Binghatti City achieved an absorption rate of approximately 50% since launch, exceeding the company's own benchmark of 50% within the first three months post-launch.

The company's development portfolio includes more than 40,000 units across prime Dubai locations including Downtown, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle and Meydan, alongside flagship branded residences with Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz and Jacob & Co.

Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding Limited, said, "Our integrated platform, from land acquisition to delivery, enables us to respond quickly to market conditions and keep projects advancing at pace. Our ability to control costs, compress timelines, and drive capital rotation remains a core differentiator."

Shehzad Janab, Chief Financial Officer of Binghatti Holding Limited, added, "We have implemented prudent procurement strategies and smart hedging across key construction inputs, which provides further protection against volatility in materials costs. We have more than ample liquidity to sustain our operations and continue executing our strategy even in the event of a protracted downturn in the real estate cycle."

The official disclosures from Aldar, DAMAC, and Binghatti through Q1 2026 reflect a sector operating within established frameworks. Escrow-protected buyer funds, long-term contractor relationships, in-country supply chains, and strong liquidity positions have each been cited as structural factors enabling continuity. None of the three developers has revised a handover date, reduced active site count, or reported material disruption to contract execution.

For contractors, investors, and professional services firms active in the UAE market, the primary record from this period is one of operational continuity. The delivery infrastructure underpinning the sector's commitments to existing buyers has remained intact.