Increase in Cash Purchases Share in Dubai Amid Rising Interest Rates, But Mortgages Remain Primary Financing Source for Deals

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) plans to provide over 400 job opportunities for UAE citizens in the real estate sector, offering on-site interview possibilities.

As part of the fourth edition of the 'Real Estate Day for Emirati Employment' event, DLD aims to expand employment opportunities for UAE nationals by adding 400 new vacancies to the 2,100 created over the past three years.

Majid Sakr Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at the Dubai Land Department, told Khaleej Times that DLD plays a significant role in supporting the real estate sector by bringing together strategic partners in both academic and business spheres, and providing the best opportunities for Emiratis.

Between 2023 and 2026, DLD initiatives have helped create over 2,100 jobs for Emiratis with the support of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirates Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), and the Dubai Emirates Human Resources Development Council.

More than 80 real estate companies participated in this event, looking to hire potential employees. The event, held at the Address Sky View hotel on Thursday, allowed university students and job seekers to interact with real estate companies, learn about job requirements, and explore career paths and long-term development in the industry.

In the first half of 2026, the Dubai real estate market showed a 52 percent increase in property values compared to the previous year, reaching a total value of 111 billion dirhams. Al Marri noted that this will support the real estate sector, as well as the number of developers and companies in Dubai.

Overall, 104 real estate projects were completed in the emirate in 2026, which is 38.7 percent more than in 2025. Furthermore, the Dubai Media Office previously reported in July that in the first quarter of 2026, the real estate sector grew by 3.1 percent year-on-year, generating approximately 26 billion dirhams in gross added value.

In the first quarter, real estate accounted for 11.2 percent of Dubai's GDP, while the overall GDP increased by 2.4 percent.

Casa Vista Development is strengthening its presence in the United Arab Emirates real estate market. Forty percent of the residential units in the AQUORA project, a landmark coastal development valued at 350 million dirhams located on the Dubai Islands, have already been sold. The official project presentation is scheduled for October 28, 2026, at Madinat Jumeirah.

This sales figure, confirmed by the developer, indicates buyer confidence in AQUORA and Casa Vista Development's commitment to creating a unique living experience. This commitment is supported by thoughtful architecture, high construction standards, and meticulous attention to detail.

The project's development occurs against a backdrop of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, demonstrating sustained interest in residential complexes that combine attractive locations with a clear vision of quality and long-term value.

Casa Vista Development's strategy is based on extensive experience gained by the founding family. Since 2012, the family business has encompassed trade, commodities, logistics, construction, and real estate, providing practical insight into project execution, market dynamics, and the creation of long-term value.

Since 2015, the group has expanded its activities to strategic real estate investments in various areas of Dubai and selected international markets, developing expertise in asset quality, location selection, and development potential.

Casa Vista Development was subsequently established to bring this practical commercial and construction knowledge into meticulously designed homes. Central to its mandate remain craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and precision execution, aimed at creating long-term value through design-led development.

Abdul Basit, Chairman of Casa Vista Development, noted that the response to AQUORA is an important endorsement of the values upon which Casa Vista Development is built. He emphasized that the company's focus has always been on creating an exceptional living experience, underpinned by quality, trust, and long-term commitment. Seeing that 40 percent of the housing has been sold before the presentation, he viewed it as an encouraging reflection of buyer confidence. Nevertheless, he stated that the company's ambitions are much broader, and they aim to strengthen their presence in the UAE through a portfolio of carefully planned projects that will meet established standards.

Located on the Dubai Islands, AQUORA's architectural design is based on the philosophy of 'Form follows flow,' drawing inspiration from the movement, balance, and tranquility of water. The project occupies a plot of 50,000 square feet and has a total built-up area of 242,000 square feet. It includes 105 coastal residential units and six coastal retail spaces.

The residential complex offers over 20 leisure and wellness amenities, including a 22-meter rooftop pool, a Technogym fitness center, a yoga studio, a Zen garden, a pickleball court, concierge services, and a signature arrival experience.

Beyond the architectural expression, AQUORA was conceived as a holistic approach to living in a residence, integrating comfort, privacy, well-being, and construction quality to ensure an exceptional experience for future residents.

Casa Vista Development will host an exclusive presentation of AQUORA at Madinat Jumeirah on October 28, 2026, inviting dignitaries, esteemed guests, investors, valued partners, and media representatives. This evening will focus on the project's architectural philosophy and the company's vision for elite waterfront living, inspired by AQUORA's connection to water.

This event also marks an important milestone in Casa Vista Development's long-term plans, as it has several additional residential projects in its portfolio, and further announcements are expected as the company expands its presence in the UAE. The planned completion date for AQUORA is the first quarter of 2028, connecting years of business and investment experience with the developer's drive to create exceptional places to live.

Thus, AQUORA represents not merely a commercial milestone or an architectural statement, but a reflection of Casa Vista Development's determination to establish a solid reputation for quality, trust, and excellence in the UAE real estate market.

Jamila Al Zaabi, former director of the Dubai police women's prison, spoke about instances where inmates received support for housing payments and educational expenses, as well as confidential education for children whose families were separated by incarceration.

According to Al Zaabi, families of inmates in Dubai may qualify for assistance with rent and school fees if household circumstances warrant it. This support is provided on an individual basis, as it is not an automatic right for every family, and its goal is to prevent the sentence from becoming a heavy burden for relatives outside the prison.

In an interview with the ArabCast podcast, hosted by Ahmed Al Zarani, Al Zaabi described her approach, emphasizing the practical and emotional work required to maintain kinship ties. This includes protecting a child's confidentiality at school and arranging surprise meetings with parents.

It is stated that the humanitarian aid unit assesses the inmate's needs from the moment of admission. The file reviews the situation of the entire family, including children at school, before the committee decides whether assistance with rent or fees was appropriate. Al Zaabi noted that the committee can deny aid if it is determined that the circumstances were deliberately created. She explained the principle of family support, stating: 'You are not here to punish her family; you are here to reform her so that she benefits her family.'

The former director also recalled measures taken to allow the children of female inmates to attend private schools without attracting undue attention. According to the description, the children began their education around age four. Instead of using a school bus, which could reveal their place of residence, staff used a special vehicle. Nannies accompanied the children to school and carried their bags. Al Zaabi stressed that the vehicle did not have police license plates or a police logo, which was done to protect the children's privacy.

The director reported that the aim of these measures was to ensure that the children did not feel different from their classmates simply because one parent was in prison. Regarding the legal framework, Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2024 establishes important guidelines for younger children, allowing an incarcerated woman to keep a newborn with her until the child reaches two years of age; after that, the child is handed over to a guardian or care provider, or placed in a foster home if that is not possible. The mother must be informed of the child's whereabouts and have the opportunity for regular contact with them.

Al Zaabi cited the example of a woman who trafficked drugs after being offered money, using an advance payment to cover rent before traveling to Dubai. She was sentenced to about ten years in prison. After initial shock, the mother tried to contact a friend but found the phones were turned off. After several years of effort, diplomatic contacts organized by the Dubai police revealed that the friend had taken the girl to an orphanage. This institution later closed, and the children were moved elsewhere. The mother, as quoted by Al Zaabi, said: 'I don't need anything, I just want to know where my daughter is.'

In another case, Al Zaabi recounted a woman serving a long sentence who had not seen her parents for about fourteen years before going to prison. Staff contacted the parents and brought them to the facility without informing the daughter. She was called to meet with the manager, expecting to be reprimanded, but then saw her parents entering. Al Zaabi shared this memory of an unexpected reunion: 'She became a child again in the arms of her mother and father.'