In a strategic move that reflects a shared commitment to supporting homeownership in the UAE, Sobha Realty has announced a new partnership with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), to offer innovative home finance solutions for off-plan property buyers.

Under this collaboration, UAE residents will be able to access Sharia-compliant home financing facilities upon just 35% construction completion of Sobha off-plan properties. This initiative is designed to make homeownership more accessible by reducing the financial entry barrier for buyers.

For Sobha Realty, known for its ‘Backward Integration’ model and meticulous delivery standards, this financing framework complements its commitment to customer trust. The offering is not just a financial product; it’s a continuation of Sobha’s belief that true luxury lies in assurance, transparency, and attention to every detail, including how a home is financed.

Speaking on the collaboration, Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group, said:; “At Sobha, we’ve never viewed a home as a transaction. It’s a legacy –built brick by brick, on a foundation of trust. This partnership with ADIB is an extension of that philosophy, offering our off-plan buyers a financing path that’s as thoughtfully constructed as our homes.”

Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, added: “Today’s buyers seek clarity, credibility, and convenience. Our collaboration with ADIB brings exactly that to the off-plan journey. It’s a progressive step that aligns financial accessibility with the certainty Sobha Realty is known for, ensuring our customers can plan their future with both confidence and ease.”

Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking, added;: “We are pleased to collaborate with Sobha Realty, in this initiative. At ADIB, we are consistently looking for innovative ways to serve our customers and align our financial solutions with their evolving lifestyle needs.

This initiative ensures a more accessible and structured route to homeownership, built on the principles of transparency and Sharia compliance.”

Sobha Realty’‘s promise has always been deeper than design or delivery. It’s about reimagining what a home can mean. As the UAE’s property market matures and diversifies, this partnership ensures that buyers are not only investing in real estate but entering into a relationship grounded in expertise, vision, and peace of mind.

Whether it’s the signature finishes, the rigorous quality checks, or now, financing designed with the same degree of intent, Sobha Realty continues to redefine what excellence in real estate truly looks like.

Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market is set to carry its 2025 momentum into 2026, with steady growth expected across both off-plan and ready homes as buyer demand remains strong and available supply – particularly along the coast – becomes increasingly limited, according to Metropolitan Premium Properties.

Off-plan sales are expected to rise by 15–20% in 2026 compared with 2025, supported by RAK’s growing appeal as a lifestyle and investment destination and continued investment in infrastructure, tourism and hospitality. At the same time, the market is showing clear signs of maturing, with buyers placing greater emphasis on quality, location and long-term value.

“Ras Al Khaimah is moving into a more balanced and sustainable phase of growth,” said Maxim Novikov, Head of the RAK branch at Metropolitan Premium Properties. “While off-plan demand remains healthy, especially for branded and lifestyle-led developments, buyers in 2026 are becoming more selective. Limited supply in prime areas is supporting prices across both new and ready properties and we’re seeing increasing competition for high-quality assets in established communities.”

While Al Marjan Island dominated off-plan activity in 2024 and 2025, much of its inventory is now sold out. As a result, demand in 2026 is expected to shift toward new and emerging coastal zones, including the Marjan Beach area, following announcements of landmark hospitality projects such as the Hard Rock Hotel. Raha Island within Mina is also emerging as a key growth area, supported by the planned launch of Armani-branded villas alongside the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, ENTA as well as a number of boutique waterfront projects.

As new launches become more selective, the knock-on effect is being felt in the secondary market, where demand for ready and near-completion homes is rising steadily. In 2025, prices for completed properties in communities such as Al Marjan Island, Mina and Al Hamra Villageincreased at the same pace as, or faster than, off-plan units, particularly for villas, townhouses and waterfront residences. This trend is expected to continue in 2026, with average prices forecast to rise by at least 20%, driven by strong end-user demand and a constrained supply of premium stock.

Developers have continued to adjust pricing strategies to sustain demand. While off-plan prices recorded steady increases in 2025, sales were supported by flexible payment plans, including lower upfront payments, extended instalment schedules and post-handover plans. This approach is expected to remain a key feature in 2026, particularly as prices trend higher and international buyers prioritise entry affordability over headline discounts. GCC buyers, by contrast, are more lifestyle-driven, with growing interest in beachfront homes for personal use and holiday living.

With fewer off-plan options available in prime coastal locations, resale market transactions are expected to increase, particularly for waterfront apartments. Buyers seeking immediate occupancy, rental income or exposure to established resort communities are increasingly turning to the secondary market as an alternative to new launches.

Rental fundamentals are also strengthening. Yields currently averaging around 7–8%, especially for villas, townhouses and waterfront homes, are expected to edge higher in 2026 as demand for ready properties outpaces supply. This is being reinforced by RAK’s expanding tourism sector and the rapid growth of short-term rentals.

With annual visitor numbers projected to approach five million, an estimated 60–70% of residential units on Al Marjan Island and 30–40% in Mina are expected to be used for short-term rental purposes. This shift is supporting stronger pricing, improved liquidity and sustained investor interest in both newly delivered and resale properties.

“The combination of tourism growth, globally recognised hospitality brands and limited new beachfront supply is reshaping the market,” Novikov added. “In 2026, we expect both off-plan and secondary segments to perform well, but the real differentiators will be location, branding and long-term fundamentals rather than sheer volume of new launches.”

AVENEW Development, a Dubai-born real estate innovator, has signed an agreement with Hilton to open Waldorf Astoria Dubai Islands and Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Islands, introducing the iconic luxury brand to one of the city’s most anticipated coastal destinations.

Bringing Waldorf Astoria’s timeless luxury and world-renowned hospitality to Dubai Islands, the project is designed to balance residential comfort with the brand’s signature service. It will offer meticulously crafted living spaces that combine architectural excellence with functional elegance, creating a truly distinctive and coveted experience.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Islands will feature 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, complemented by a curated selection of dining experiences including a rooftop restaurant, an all-day dining venue, a pool lounge, a specialty restaurant, a signature bar, and the celebrated Peacock Alley. Guests will also enjoy elevated lifestyle offerings such as an outdoor pool, a dedicated kids’ pool and club, a fitness studio and a tranquil spa – building on the brand’s legacy of exceptional service and sophisticated design.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Islands will comprise 120 branded residences, delivering an exclusive collection of premium furnished apartments. Owners will benefit from personalized services and amenities that ensure comfort, convenience and privacy, in addition to full access to the hotel’s facilities.

The signing marks a significant scaling of AVENEW’s exclusive portfolio, representing its second branded residence on Dubai Islands and its sixth overall development within the master-planned waterfront community. The move strategically capitalises on Dubai’s established global leadership in the luxury hospitality and branded residential sector.

The branded residence segment has grown from a niche market into a leading global asset class. By introducing Waldorf Astoria Residences to Dubai Islands, AVENEW Development combines its forward-looking vision with the appeal of one of the region’s most highly anticipated coastal destinations. This strategic alignment delivers a distinctive residential offering, creating communities that inspire progress, enhance lifestyles, and endure for generations.

Rasha Hassan, Managing Partner of AVENEW Development, positioned the initiative as a strategic move: “This collaboration is a direct response to the structural shift in global wealth and the sophisticated demands of the modern buyer. The Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Islands are not merely real estate; they are best-in-class homes designed to deliver enduring value supported by a globally recognised service standard. Our strategy is to work with brands that ensure asset quality, predictability, and above all, long-term desirability in a market. Dubai has successfully redefined the real estate proposition on a global scale.”

Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, MEA, Hilton, said, “Waldorf Astoria has long set the benchmark for luxury in the world’s most sought-after destinations. We are delighted to be working alongside AVENEW Development to introduce an iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel and branded residences to Dubai Islands. This signing represents another exciting step as we expand our luxury portfolio across the region, and reinforces the growing momentum of our branded residential offering. We look forward to welcoming guests and residence owners to experience the unparalleled luxury and personalized service that define Waldorf Astoria.”

AVENEW Development’s latest landmark exemplifies the company’s commitment to creating residences that are celebrated, not merely inhabited. Each home is crafted for those who seek a life defined by timeless elegance, impeccable design, and unmatched service, while reflecting the Waldorf Astoria’s storied heritage.