3, Apr 2026
Dubai property market sales hit AED176.7B in Q1 2026
fäm Properties analysis shows transactions rose 23.4% YoY in value, 5.5% in volume to 47,996 deals as off-plan growth continued in March
Dubai, UAE, 3rd April, 2026: The Dubai real estate market recorded 47,996 sales transactions worth AED176.7 billion in Q1 2026, a 5.5% year-on-year increase in volume and a 23.4% rise in value, as the property sector showed strong resilience in March.
A market report issued by fäm Properties today reveals that the off-plan segment dominated in Q1, accounting for 70% of sales transaction volume and 71% of total value, reflecting Dubai’s ongoing pipeline of new launches from major developers.
Data from DXBinteract showed that the off-plan market remained strong in March, with 10,303 sales transactions amounting to AED31.2 billion, representing YoY increases of 5.4% in volume and 8.9% in value.
“The market continues to show clear resilience even against a backdrop of regional uncertainty,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “The investor confidence we’re seeing now is built on strong fundamentals, transparency and long-term growth drivers that remain firmly in place.”
Apartments led the way in Q1, with 36,428 sales transactions worth AED75.2 billion, a 10.5% increase in value. Villa sales transactions were up 17.9% in volume YoY to 8,261 deals amounting to AED59.1 billion, while commercial sales transactions, including offices and shops, soared by 69.1% to AED10.2 billion in value, despite a marginal 0.6% fall in volume to 2,048.
Meanwhile, sales transactions for plots rose 3.2% in volume YoY to 1,193, and by 14.3% in value to AED31.9 billion. The volume of Q1 mortgage transactions increased by 7.5% to 11,829.
In the primary market, the median price for villas climbed 35.3% YoY to AED4.1 million, while off-plan apartments were up by 3.1% YoY to AED1.4 million. Meanwhile, plots fell 23.6%, likely reflecting a shift in buyer preferences towards ready property.
A similar trend was seen in the resale market, where median prices for villas climbed 16.2% to AED4.3 million over 2025, and are now 35.1% above 2014 levels. Apartment resale prices rose 6.3% YoY to AED4.3 million, while plot resale prices dropped by 38.3% to AED4.8 million.
Mortgage transactions totalled 11,829 in Q1, up 7.5% year-on-year, with an overall value of AED59.8 billion, a 46% increase. In the resale segment, cash transactions accounted for 67% of activity, compared to 33% for mortgage-backed purchases.
The most expensive properties sold during Q1 went for AED 422 million at Aman Residences Tower 2, while the most expensive villa was sold for AED350 million at Jumeirah First. Led by Al Barsha South Fourth, the highest transaction volumes were concentrated in emerging communities attracting buyers with competitive pricing and new off-plan launches.
Top 5 Performing Areas by Volume in Q1
|
Area |
Transactions |
Value AED |
|
Al Barsha South Fourth |
3,162 |
4.0B |
|
Dubai South |
2,889 |
5.4B |
|
Al Yelayiss 1 |
2,885 |
12.9B |
|
Wadi Al Safa 5 |
2,694 |
4.5B |
|
Wadi Al Safa 3 |
2,273 |
5.3B |
Apartment Average Prices in Top 5 Areas
|
Area |
Avg. Price |
Price/sqft |
|
Dubai Creek Harbour |
2,940,888 |
2,559 |
|
Dubai Islands |
2,677,091 |
2,782 |
|
Business Bay |
2,265,000 |
2,595 |
|
Nad Al Sheba First |
1,405,000 |
3,567 |
|
Dubai South |
1,290,000 |
1,533 |
Villa Average Prices in Top 5 Areas
|
Area |
Avg. Price |
Price/sqft |
|
Me’Aisem Second |
15,831,888 |
1,784 |
|
Me’Aisem First |
12,213,000 |
2,016 |
|
Al Yelayiss 5 |
7,890,888 |
1,482 |
|
Nad Al Sheba First |
6,906,000 |
2,301 |
|
Dubai South |
4,250,000 |
1,327 |
Best Selling Projects in Q1 2026
Primary Market Apartments
|
Project |
Volume |
Value |
Median Price |
|
Binghatti Vintage |
539 |
412.4M |
699.0K |
|
Maybach 6 – Tower B |
403 |
689.6M |
1.4M |
|
Sierra By Iman |
338 |
483.2M |
1.3M |
|
Binghatti Cullinan |
326 |
393.0M |
880.0K |
|
Samana Boulevard Heights |
281 |
250.6M |
757.8K |
Primary Market Villas
|
Project |
Volume |
Value |
Median Price |
|
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bahamas 2 |
376 |
1.2B |
2.8M |
|
DAMAC Islands 2 – Cuba |
371 |
1.2B |
2.9M |
|
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bahamas 1 |
357 |
1.2B |
2.9M |
|
DAMAC Islands 2 – Tahiti 2 |
331 |
1.1B |
2.9M |
|
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bermuda |
323 |
1.0B |
2.9M |
Resale Apartments
|
Project |
Volume |
Value |
Median Price |
|
Peninsula Four |
62 |
151.7M |
2.2M |
|
The Holland Gardens |
54 |
81.1M |
1.5M |
|
Peninsula Three |
48 |
87.9M |
1.8M |
|
Ashjar |
47 |
94.8M |
2.0M |
|
The Neighbourhood C1 |
46 |
92.8M |
1.9M |
Resale Villas
|
Project |
Volume |
Value |
Median Price |
|
Rukan 3 |
46 |
65.4M |
1.2M |
|
Jumeirah Village Triangle |
41 |
203.2M |
5.0M |
|
The Valley-Nara |
36 |
111.8M |
2.9M |
|
The Valley-Orania |
34 |
103.1M |
2.8M |
|
Aura |
33 |
176.5M |
5.2M |
- 0
- By Neel Achary
3, Apr 2026
Infinix NOTE 60 Pro Set To Bring a New Design Benchmark with Active Matrix LED Display and Flagship Aluminium Craftsmanship
Built with a flagship-level Aluminium design approach, the NOTE 60 Pro features a premium metal frame that enhances durability, structural rigidity, and in-hand confidence. Designed to balance strength with sophistication, it delivers a refined finish that feels solid, balanced, and premium from every angle. The frame further elevates the device’s luxury appeal through its texture, weight, and craftsmanship, making the NOTE 60 Pro a smartphone where design, interaction, and expression come together for those who aspire for more.
3, Apr 2026
Somaiya Halts Mapara’s Winning Streak at All India Chess Masters
In an exciting turn of events at the All India Chess Masters, Somaiya ended Mapara’s impressive five-game winning streak, delivering a performance marked by precision and strategic brilliance. The match captivated chess fans, showcasing the intensity and skill of both players.
Somaiya’s victory came from carefully planned moves and timely counterattacks, breaking the momentum Mapara had built over consecutive wins. The win not only stopped Mapara’s streak but also boosted Somaiya’s standing in the tournament, keeping the competition open and unpredictable.
Experts and fans praised the match for its high-level gameplay, noting the mental focus, creativity, and resilience displayed by both competitors. Such encounters highlight the depth of talent emerging in India’s chess circuit and the competitive spirit of the tournament.
With the championship still underway, all eyes are on how Mapara rebounds from this setback and whether Somaiya can maintain her momentum to challenge for the top spot. The tournament continues to thrill spectators, reinforcing India’s reputation as a rising hub for chess talent.
3, Apr 2026
India’s AgriTech Expertise Poised to Unlock $90 Billion Growth in Southeast Asia
ndia’s experience in agricultural technology could help Southeast Asia tap into a $90 billion growth opportunity in the AgriTech sector by 2033. The region, home to a large farming population, stands to benefit significantly from digital innovations that improve productivity, market access, and value chain efficiency.
Agriculture remains a backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy, yet many countries still rely on traditional farming practices and face fragmented supply chains. Experts say that wider adoption of AgriTech solutions—such as digital marketplaces, precision farming tools, agri-finance platforms, and crop innovation technologies—can transform the sector and drive both economic and social benefits.
India’s journey in fostering a supportive ecosystem for AgriTech startups offers a practical blueprint for Southeast Asian nations. From creating digital infrastructure for farmers to enabling specialized financing and innovative value chains, India’s approach demonstrates how technology can empower farmers while boosting rural economies.
The study highlights several areas with strong growth potential, including digital platforms connecting producers to markets, agri-fintech solutions providing easier access to credit, life sciences innovations to enhance crop yields, and sustainable consumer brands aligned with changing consumption patterns.
Realizing this potential could not only increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes but also strengthen rural livelihoods, modernize food systems, and reinforce Southeast Asia’s position in global AgriTech innovation.
3, Apr 2026
Carter Schott Is Rethinking Assistive Technology and Designing Independence
The College of Applied Health Sciences within the University of Illinois has long been known as spearhead of accessibility, thanks to the trailblazing work of Tim Nugent. Nugent, who died in 2015, was the founder of what is now Disability Resources and Educational Services, a pioneer for disability rights and known as the “father of accessibility.” For student entrepreneur Carter Schott, that environment didn’t just shape his education—it reshaped his understanding of what independence could look like.
Schott, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Management program in the Gies College of Business, is the founder of Innovative Independence, a venture dedicated to designing assistive products that center the real, everyday needs of wheelchair users. His work blends engineering, empathy and lived experience into products that aim not just to function, but to empower.
“DRES taught me that accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about empowering people,” said Schott, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in the Grainger College of Engineering. “Working in an environment where accessibility is valued helped me see the value of people’s performance when they don’t have barriers in their way. It’s not just about accommodations; it’s about designing for independence.”
That philosophy is the backbone of his work—and it began taking shape early in his time at Illinois. Schott is affected by a disease called spinal muscular atrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy. He has limited mobility and has used a power wheelchair since he was four.
Living in Beckwith Residential Support Services, Schott found himself surrounded by other students with disabilities, each navigating the world in different ways. The experience proved formative.
“Living in Beckwith and being immersed around other students with disabilities was a big deal for me,” he said. “Seeing how people adapted differently and where existing solutions were lacking encouraged me to think like a designer. This encouraged me to think about real-world usability rather than theory, which is something that impacted Sol.”
Sol, his flagship product, is a wheelchair-mounted visibility light designed to increase safety in crowded or low-light environments. At first glance, it’s a simple idea. But like many impactful innovations, it emerged from a gap hiding in plain sight.
“Sol started with a basic but essential problem statement: visibility,” Schott said. “I realized the difficulty that wheelchair-bound people faced in being seen in crowded or poorly lit spaces, such as our campus environment. There was no solution that was both effective and well-designed, so I set out to create one.”
The emphasis on both effectiveness and design is intentional. Schott noticed early on that many assistive technologies met functional needs but fell short in aesthetics, usability or user experience.
“I also saw a disconnect between existing assistive products and the needs that people actually had in their daily lives,” he said. “There was a lot of old or poorly designed technology out there. I wanted to make products that people would be excited to use, that would enhance their lives without making them feel like they were compromising.”
That mindset reflects a broader critique of the assistive technology industry, one Schott believes is long overdue.
“The biggest gap is in user-centered design,” he said. “There are too many products designed without a deep understanding of the people who will be using them. There is a gap in how to make assistive technology look and feel modern and appealing, not just functional.”
At Illinois, Schott found the rare ecosystem capable of addressing that gap. DRES, he explained, isn’t just a support system, it’s a catalyst.
“Illinois is unique in that DRES is not just integrated; it’s embedded,” he said. “It’s not just accessible; it’s empowering. With housing, academic support, and innovation spaces like the (dis)Ability Design Studio, students are supported and empowered to create solutions, not just provided solutions.”
Inside the (dis)Ability Design Studio—whose leadership team includes Susann Sears, the assistant director of Academic Services at DRES and Deana McDonagh, professor of Industrial Design in the School of Art + Design—ideas are tested against reality. Students don’t just theorize—they build, iterate and refine alongside the very people their designs aim to serve.
“DRES provides the foundation for innovation by bringing real users and real problems together,” Schott said. “Students have access to real-life experiences and real-life resources, which is not very common. This leads to meaningful innovation.”
That process, he added, is anything but linear.
“It’s taught me that no two users are the same. Creating assistive technology is a constant feedback loop. I’ve learned that simplicity and flexibility are key. In theory, something might work perfectly. But in practice … not so much.”
Collaboration has also played a crucial role in shaping his approach. At Illinois, disciplinary boundaries blur—especially when solving complex human-centered problems.
“Working with individuals from different fields, like engineering, design and healthcare, has been very important,” Schott said. “This ensures not only that the solution you are coming up with is technically viable, but also ‘usable’ and ‘meaningful.’ The (dis)Ability Design Studio really challenges you to think outside your own discipline.”
That cross-functional mindset is embedded in Innovative Independence itself. Schott doesn’t see Sol as a standalone product, but as the first step in a much larger vision.
“Yes, definitely. Sol is just the beginning,” he said. “I’d like to continue creating more products that help people be more independent in their daily lives, especially those with limited mobility. There are a lot of needs that are yet to be met, and I see this as a long-term business.”
His ambition reflects both optimism and urgency. While awareness of accessibility has grown in recent years, Schott believes institutions, especially universities, still have untapped potential to drive innovation.
“There are more things universities can do by providing students with opportunities to work directly with users with disabilities,” he said. “Universities can provide access to users, fund prototypes and provide collaboration spaces. When students can test ideas in a real environment, the quality of the ideas improves significantly.”
For Schott, the lesson is clear: meaningful design begins with listening, and meaningful innovation requires proximity—to people, to problems and to lived experience.
At Illinois, he found all three.
And through Innovative Independence, he’s working to ensure that future assistive technology doesn’t just meet standards but raises them.
3, Apr 2026
Tribal Sports Programs Key to India’s Rise as a Global Sports Power: Mandaviya
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday highlighted the importance of continued support for tribal athletes, echoing the views of President Droupadi Murmu. Both leaders emphasized that initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games are crucial for nurturing talent from India’s tribal communities and building a strong foundation for the country’s future in sports.
Speaking on the occasion, Mandaviya stated that sustained investment in tribal sports programs will help identify and train promising athletes, ensuring that India develops a competitive edge on the global stage. “Supporting tribal athletes is not just a matter of representation; it is a strategic step toward making India a global sports superpower,” he remarked.
The Khelo India Tribal Games, launched to promote sports among tribal youth, provide access to training facilities, coaching, and competitive opportunities. By tapping into a diverse pool of talent, the program aims to strengthen India’s presence in national and international sports events.
Officials believe that nurturing athletes from tribal communities will also encourage greater participation in sports at the grassroots level, fostering inclusivity and helping to build a more robust sporting ecosystem across the country.
President Murmu’s endorsement of such initiatives underscores the government’s commitment to promoting equitable access to sports opportunities while elevating India’s global standing in athletics and competitive sports.
3, Apr 2026
PM Modi Hails Jan Vishwas Bill as a Game Changer for Citizens and Businesses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the passage of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, describing it as a significant step toward enhancing ease of living and ease of doing business in India. The bill, aimed at simplifying regulatory frameworks and reducing compliance burdens, has been hailed as a major reform in governance.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi emphasized that the legislation will help citizens and businesses navigate government processes more efficiently, cutting red tape and promoting transparency. By easing procedural hurdles, the bill is expected to save time and reduce unnecessary legal complications for both individuals and enterprises.
The Jan Vishwas Bill introduces provisions to decriminalize several minor offences and replace punitive penalties with more rational compliance mechanisms. This approach aims to foster a more citizen-friendly and business-friendly environment while ensuring accountability remains intact for serious violations.
Government officials highlighted that the reform will particularly benefit small businesses and startups, which often face disproportionate challenges in adhering to complex regulations. Simplified procedures and reduced penalties are expected to encourage entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth.
PM Modi described the passage of the bill as a step that “strengthens trust between the government and the people,” reinforcing the vision of a modern, efficient, and transparent governance system. Observers believe that the measure will significantly contribute to improving India’s global ease-of-doing-business ranking and create a more supportive environment for innovation and investment.
3, Apr 2026
Odisha Retains Census Staff to Ensure Smooth 2027 Operations
The Odisha government has directed all departments, district administrations, and urban local bodies not to transfer officials or employees involved in Census 2027. The move aims to ensure uninterrupted preparation and smooth execution of the census.
Authorities emphasized that retaining personnel in their current positions is critical for accurate data collection, training, and field operations. The directive ensures that staff remain focused and adequately supported throughout the extensive administrative exercise.
Census 2027 will provide essential insights into population trends, urbanization, and demographics, and the state’s proactive measures are intended to guarantee a seamless and efficient process.
3, Apr 2026
India Unveils Support Measures to Shield Exporters Amid West Asia Tensions
The Indian government is set to roll out a range of measures to support exporters affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Rising freight costs, higher insurance premiums, and logistical challenges have disrupted trade, prompting authorities to step in to ensure the country’s export sector remains robust.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the initiatives aim to reduce the burden on exporters while maintaining India’s competitiveness in global markets. Planned support includes financial assistance to offset rising shipping and logistics costs, along with expanded insurance coverage to help businesses manage risk in uncertain times.
The Gulf region conflict has disrupted shipping routes, making deliveries more expensive and unpredictable. Exporters, particularly those serving Middle Eastern markets, have faced delays and higher operational costs. The government’s measures seek to stabilize the sector and reinforce confidence among businesses navigating this volatile environment.
Officials emphasized that these steps will not only ease immediate challenges but also help sustain export volumes and secure employment in export-oriented industries. By strengthening the export ecosystem, India aims to safeguard its position in global trade and ensure continued growth despite geopolitical uncertainties.
3, Apr 2026
NMDC Achieves Record 53 MT Iron Ore Production, Boosting Economic Growth
NMDC Limited, India’s largest state-run iron ore producer, has achieved a historic milestone by producing a record 53 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, becoming the first mining company in the country to surpass the 50 MT mark. This represents a significant increase over the previous year and reflects strong operational efficiency across its mining sites.
Driving Growth in Steel and Infrastructure
Iron ore is a key raw material for steel production, which fuels construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. NMDC’s record output ensures a steady supply for domestic steelmakers, helping to stabilize costs and meet the growing demand for steel across the country. This supports India’s ongoing urban development and infrastructure expansion.
Reliable iron ore supply also enables steel producers to fulfill orders for housing, transportation, and industrial projects, creating jobs and stimulating investment throughout the value chain.
Strengthening Economic Resilience
By increasing domestic production, NMDC reduces reliance on imported minerals, enhancing supply security and contributing to stable commodity markets. The company’s expansion plans aim to further increase output in the coming years, potentially exceeding 100 MT by the end of the decade, which would strengthen both the mining and downstream industrial sectors.
Looking Ahead
NMDC’s record production is not just a company achievement—it is a significant step for India’s economy. By securing raw materials for key industries, supporting infrastructure development, and fostering job creation, this milestone demonstrates how robust resource management can drive national growth and industrial self-reliance.
