UAE Property Market Logs 59 New Launches Worth Dh118.3bn
The UAE property market recorded 59 new project launches valued at Dh118.3 billion as of May 17, 2026, as developers pressed ahead despite ongoing regional conflict. Emaar Properties separately confirmed record sales exceeding Dh20 billion, signalling that buyer demand and developer confidence remain firmly intact across the sector.
UAE Property Market: Dh118.3bn in New Projects Confirmed
The 59 launches span Dubai as the primary market focus, with developers staging phased releases tied to construction-linked payment plans. This approach allows buyers to spread costs across build milestones, keeping sales velocity steady even when external sentiment is volatile. The scale of the combined launch value , Dh118.3 billion , reflects the breadth of activity, from master-community developments to boutique residential towers targeting both end-users and investors.
Emaar Properties, one of Dubai’s most closely watched bellwether developers, drove a significant share of that momentum. Its sales figure of more than Dh20 billion in the same period sets a new record for the company and carries weight beyond its own balance sheet. When Emaar posts numbers at this level, competing developers, brokers, and institutional buyers treat it as a forward indicator of sustained absorption across the wider market.
What the Launch Wave Means for Buyers and Renters
For residents and investors, the volume of new supply entering the pipeline has direct consequences. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Dubai requires developers to hold buyer payments in regulated escrow accounts for off-plan projects, providing a layer of protection that encourages participation even during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. A high number of simultaneous launches does expand buyer choice across locations and price points, but it also intensifies competition for prime land plots and places upward pressure on contractor and materials costs , factors that can feed into final unit pricing over time.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| New project launches | 59 |
| Combined launch value | Dh118.3 billion |
| Emaar Properties sales | More than Dh20 billion (record) |
| Primary market focus | Dubai, UAE |
| Date recorded | May, 2026 |
- Launch structure: Developers are using phased, tranche-based releases to match supply with absorption rates and protect sales momentum.
- Buyer protection: Off-plan purchases in Dubai are backed by RERA-regulated escrow accounts, reducing financial exposure during construction.
- Geopolitical buffer: The UAE’s role as a stable regional hub for business, aviation, and services continues to support household formation and corporate leasing demand.
- Pricing pressure: High launch volumes can push up contractor and materials costs, which developers may pass through to unit pricing in later phases.
Residential REITs in the UAE delivered strong earnings in 2026, reinforcing investor appetite for income-generating property exposure even as regional tensions persisted.
Abu Dhabi’s office market maintained high occupancy levels in 2026, underscoring resilient corporate leasing demand alongside the UAE’s continued wave of residential launches.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi both posted strong real estate performance in 2026, highlighting that demand strength is not confined to Dubai’s off-plan market.
Iran Offers $30,000 Bounty for US Soldiers
Iran Puts $30,000 Bounty on US Soldiers
Iran's military announced on Sunday that it was offering a bounty equivalent to $30,000 for killing or capturing US soldiers, with the reward doubled if carried out by a woman. The Iranian Army Chief, Amir Hatami, stated that the plan had been drawn up following "the large number of requests" to participate in the financial support. This move is seen as a response to ongoing hostilities and claimed public requests to provide financial backing for defense efforts.
The bounty, which is equivalent to $30,000, is a significant amount, and the fact that it is doubled for women suggests that Iran is actively encouraging female operatives to participate. The Iranian military has not provided any further details on how the bounty will be implemented or who will be eligible to receive it.
The announcement of the bounty comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with both countries engaging in a war of words and proxy conflicts in the region. The US has not yet responded to the announcement, but it is likely to be seen as a provocative move by the Iranian government.
In recent months, the US and Iran have been involved in a series of escalating incidents, including the downing of a US drone and the seizure of a British-flagged tanker. The situation remains volatile, and the announcement of the bounty is likely to further increase tensions between the two countries.
The Iranian government has framed the bounty as a response to public requests for financial support for defense efforts. However, the move is likely to be seen as a provocative gesture by the US and its allies, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days and weeks.
In the context of recent events, this announcement is the latest in a series of escalations between Iran and the US. On June 17, a 14-point deal was signed, but since then, hostilities have continued to escalate. The situation remains complex and volatile, with both countries engaging in a war of words and proxy conflicts in the region.
Greece wildfires claim 2 lives
2 Dead, Hundreds Evacuated as Wildfires Engulf Greek Island
Two people died and hundreds were evacuated on Sunday as two fires broke out on the Greek island of Salamis near Athens, the fire department said. Local residents and bathers were among those evacuated, with hundreds of people hurriedly leaving the area as the fires broke out "almost simultaneously" in Peristeria and Selinia, two popular bathing areas in the island's south and east.
The civil protection ministry issued four evacuation orders as the fires spread, with the fire service mobilising a large force of some 200 firefighters, nearly 50 engines, six aircraft, and seven helicopters. Greece's coastguard also dispatched five patrol boats to the area, and several private vessels, including ferries, were made available to assist in the evacuation efforts.
Thirty-four fires have broken out over the past 24 hours around Greece, according to the fire department, with five firefighters dying so far, including a Danish pilot killed in a mid-air collision between two Bell helicopters while battling a blaze near Athens earlier this month. The recent wildfires in Greece have been fueled by unusually strong winds, after the country largely escaped the heatwave temperatures that blanketed much of Europe earlier this summer.
The situation on Salamis island is being closely monitored, with local officials trying to keep the two fires from scaling a mountain and linking up. The fire department has warned of a difficult fire inside an inhabited area, with some roads remaining open and police forces guiding people to safety.
This latest incident follows a series of major wildfires in Greece since late July, with firefighters having largely contained a blaze on the Aegean island of Skyros earlier. The Greek authorities are working to bring the situation under control, with the fire service and coastguard working together to evacuate those in danger and contain the spread of the fires.
The recent wildfires in Greece are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events affecting Europe, with several countries experiencing severe heatwaves and wildfires in recent weeks. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfires, with the military and emergency services working together to respond to the crisis.
Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement
Ronaldo Eyes Farewell Season
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season will likely be his final year in professional football. The 41-year-old Portugal forward made this revelation in an interview with Vogue, where he expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy and spend more time with his family. Ronaldo's comments come after Portugal's World Cup campaign ended in the last 16 against eventual champions Spain.
Ronaldo's decision to potentially retire from football will see him miss the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. He has already confirmed that the recent World Cup was his last, and his current contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027. Despite this, Ronaldo has not announced a definitive retirement date, leaving the possibility of continuing beyond the mentioned timeframe.
The Portugal icon has scored three goals in the recent World Cup and remains one of the sport's biggest names. His interview with Vogue also comes shortly after his marriage to Georgina Rodríguez, where they discussed their plans for life beyond football. Ronaldo hopes to travel, play more padel, and enjoy time with his family after years of training, competition, and sacrifice.
Ronaldo's potential retirement will mark the end of an era in football, with the legendary player having spent over 25 years at the top of the sport. His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, and his decision to retire will have a significant impact on the football world.
The 2030 World Cup will be one of the first major tournaments without Ronaldo's participation, and it will be interesting to see how his absence affects the sport. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Ronaldo will indeed retire after the current season or if he will continue to play beyond his mentioned timeframe.
In the context of his career, Ronaldo's potential retirement is a significant development, coming after a long and successful career with numerous achievements. His decision to retire will be remembered as a key moment in football history.
Trump Iran Deadline Expires: War Continues
Trump's Iran Deadline Expires, War Drags On
The 60-day deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the United States and Iran to turn their June 17 ceasefire framework into a broader settlement has expired. As of August 17, the war between the two nations continues, with no signs of a lasting peace agreement. The US and Iran remain locked in an economic and political stalemate, with neither side willing to make the necessary concessions for a settlement.
The June deal had envisioned a broader settlement within two months, addressing Tehran's nuclear program and helping to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, with the deadline now expired, the situation remains uncertain. There have been no publicly reported US strikes on Iranian targets since late July, but the military lull masks the effective collapse of the June memorandum of understanding.
US Vice President JD Vance has warned that the US has "tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, adding that he is "hopeful" negotiations will avoid them being deployed. President Trump has also expressed hope that a complete regime change could pave the way for more pragmatic and less radical leadership in Iran.
The expiration of the deadline has significant implications for the region, with the risk of a wider regional war still present. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, remains a key point of contention between the US and Iran.
The United Nations had previously voted on a resolution aimed at addressing the crisis, but it was significantly weakened to try to get Russia and China to abstain rather than veto it. The resolution ultimately had little impact on the war, which is now in its fifth week.
The situation in the region remains volatile, with Iran's Mehr news agency reporting several attacks on Kharg island and explosions heard in the area. The US and Iran continue to engage in a war of words, with each side accusing the other of aggression and refusing to back down.
The expiration of the Trump Iran deadline marks a significant turning point in the conflict, with the world watching to see how the situation will unfold. One thing is certain, however: the war between the US and Iran is far from over.
Kuwait Bans Tobacco Sales to Under‑21s Jan 2027
All Tobacco Sales to Under‑21s Prohibited in Kuwait Starting 2027
Kuwait will prohibit the sale of all tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under 21 years old beginning January 1 2027, as set out in Ministerial Decision No. 237 of 2026.
The ban hits every point of sale inside Kuwait. Grocery stores, mobile carts, temporary kiosks, exhibitions, vending machines and any outlet within 200 metres of schools or universities must stop selling these products. Online channels, including websites, apps, social‑media platforms and delivery services, are also barred from offering them. Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors will need to register each product with the Ministry of Health and disclose ingredients, nicotine strength, country of origin and batch details.
To stay compliant, businesses should:
- Submit a registration file to the Ministry of Health for every tobacco or nicotine item, attaching the required ingredient list, nicotine concentration, origin and batch information.
- Remove all sales points that target customers under 21 or that are located within 200 metres of any educational institution.
- Redesign packaging so that health warnings, text and images, cover at least 50 percent of the main display area.
- Cease all advertising, promotion, sponsorship, free samples, gifts and discount schemes for the covered products.
- Ensure that any remaining sales at cooperative societies or parallel markets occur only in designated, supervised areas where customers cannot access the items without assistance.
