Dubai’s high-end residential rental market experienced significant momentum during the first eight months of 2026, with over 2,000 contracts valued at Dh1 million or more being registered. According to data from fäm Properties, the total value of these high-ticket agreements hit Dh6.79 billion, with new leases driving the bulk of the activity. While villas remain the most popular choice for luxury renters, accounting for 951 of these contracts, apartments also held a strong position in the market. Interestingly, while the median annual rent for new leases sat at Dh1.30 million, renewals generally commanded a higher price point, reflecting the sustained demand for premium properties across the city.

The data further highlights that one-year leases remain the preferred choice for tenants, representing the majority of the recorded activity. Geographically, iconic locations like Palm Jumeirah and high-demand areas such as Jabal Ali Industrial First emerged as top hubs for luxury leasing. While projects like IL Primo and Jumeirah Islands boasted some of the highest median annual rents, the market remains diverse, spanning a variety of residential assets. This robust performance underscores the scale of Dubai's luxury sector, proving that high-value leasing is no longer confined to traditional villa estates but is firmly established across a wide array of prime developments.