Dubai luxury real estate sales jump 25 percent in Q1 as prices decline

The most expensive property transaction in Q1 was for a 111.3 million dirhams villa on Palm Jumeirah. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 21 May 2021
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Dubai luxury real estate sales jump 25 percent in Q1 as prices decline

  • 11.6 billion dirhams of prime villas and apartments were sold in Q1
  • Apartment prices fell 6.3 percent in the quarter

DUBAI: Sales of prime villas and apartments in Dubai rebounded in the first quarter of 2021 helped by a decline in prices as the emirate’s property market looks to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The value of sales in the prime real estate segment rose 25 percent from the previous quarter to 11.6 billion dirhams ($3.16 billion), Luxhabitat Sotheby’s said, citing data from the Dubai Land Department. A total of 3,450 apartments and 586 villas changed hands.

Properties in Palm Jumeirah topped the charts in terms of sale value at 2.70 billion dirhams, followed by Mohammed bin Rashid City with 1.37 billion dirhams and Business Bay at 1.27 billion dirhams.

Prime apartment prices fell 6.3 percent to an average of 1,315 dirhams per square foot, leaving the mean apartment costing 2.07 million dirhams. The average selling price of a prime villa increased by 3 percent while the average size increased by 10 percent, suggesting a decline in price per square foot.

The most expensive property transaction in Dubai in the first quarter was a 11,950 square foot villa on Frond N in Palm Jumeirah for 111.3 million dirhams. Second was a 44,952 square foot home in Sector R of Emirates Hills for 68 million dirhams.


PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

Updated 27 February 2026
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PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.

According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries. 

The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.

AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.

AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.

Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”

He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”

Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.

AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance. 

Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.