Dubai Residential REIT said in a statement that net profit before changes in the fair value of investment property climbed 15.1 percent to AED 716.5 million in the first six months of 2026 from AED 622.3 million a year earlier. Revenue advanced 8.1 percent to AED 1.0357 billion while adjusted EBITDA increased 14.6 percent to AED 822.6 million pushing the margin to 79.4 percent. The company added 276 units during the period bringing its portfolio to 35 976 residential units spread across master-planned communities in Dubai.
The board approved an interim cash dividend of AED 573.2 million or 4.4 fils per unit which represents 80 percent of net profit before fair value changes the REIT stated. This payout implies an annualised yield of approximately 8 percent on the IPO price and 7.1 percent based on the closing price at the end of June. Distribution is expected in September and continues the REIT’s practice of returning the majority of underlying earnings to unitholders.
Average occupancy stood at 98.6 percent in the first half up half a percentage point from the prior year while the retention rate reached 94.1 percent according to the company’s release. Average revenue per unit rose 7.7 percent to AED 56 638 and revenue per square foot increased 7.5 percent to AED 59.7. These gains reflect positive rental reversions across the portfolio amid sustained tenant demand for professionally managed residential assets.
Gross asset value grew 6.9 percent to AED 25.2 billion with a like-for-like increase of 1.4 percent while net asset value rose 2.4 percent to AED 22.6 billion or AED 1.74 per unit the statement showed. Net loan-to-value stood at a conservative 6.8 percent supported by AED 2.9 billion in liquidity. The low leverage position provides the REIT with flexibility to pursue selective growth opportunities.
Ahmed Al Suwaidi managing director said “This performance reflects Dubai Residential REIT’s ability to capture positive rental reversion across its portfolio supported by sustained demand for high-quality professionally managed residential communities in Dubai.” The executive highlighted operational efficiencies and leasing momentum as key drivers. The results build on the REIT’s full-year 2025 net profit of AED 1.28 billion before fair value changes which was accompanied by total dividends of AED 1.1 billion according to the company’s prior disclosures.
The REIT has submitted expressions of interest for three projects that would add 448 premium units and 107 community units once completed its announcement noted. Management said it will maintain focus on occupancy retention and cost efficiencies while monitoring the resilient Dubai residential market. Industry data from property consultants indicate that prime residential communities in the emirate continue to deliver occupancy rates above 95 percent with rental growth underpinned by population inflows and limited new supply in core segments.
Dubai Residential REIT listed on the Dubai Financial Market in May 2025 and has since maintained a track record of consistent payouts and portfolio expansion the company reported. Its assets consist primarily of income-generating residential properties in established locations designed to meet long-term rental demand. The interim results underscore the strength of the underlying rental market even as broader economic conditions evolve across the region.
