Dubai Residential REIT reports 98 per cent occupancy and $6.3bn portfolio value

Dubai Residential REIT, a Shariah-compliant, income-generating closed-ended real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners and operators of residential real estate in Dubai, reported another period of strong operational performance for the nine-month period ended September 30 2025.

Managed by DHAM REIT Management, the REIT delivered consistent strength supported by high occupancy, disciplined asset management and sustained rental growth across all residential segments.

Revenue increased by 10 per cent year-on-year, reflecting solid rental rate growth, strong leasing momentum and active strategies across its communities. Revenue per leased GLA rose 7 per cent year-on-year, demonstrating healthy rental performance across the portfolio.

As of September 30 2025, the REIT’s Gross Asset Value (GAV) stood at around AED23bn ($6.26bn), reaffirming the quality, scale and diversification of one of the largest and most diversified residential leasing portfolios in Dubai.

The REIT maintained an average portfolio occupancy rate of 98 per cent, a 2 per cent year-on-year increase, underscoring strong tenant demand and effective asset management.

Dubai Residential REIT

The portfolio-wide retention rate reported a steady 97 per cent in Q3 ’25, Q2 ’25 and Q1 ’25, demonstrating high tenant satisfaction and sustained lease renewals. The net Finance-to-Value (FTV) remained healthy at 4 per cent, reflecting disciplined financial management and prudent leverage levels.

Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of DHAM REIT Management, commented: “Our nine-month operational update reaffirms Dubai Residential REIT’s position as one of the largest residential portfolios in Dubai and underscores the depth and quality of demand across our portfolio.

“With our average occupancy rate at 98 per cent and a stable retention rate of 97 per cent throughout the year, we continue to deliver strong operational execution of our strategy. This performance is underpinned by Dubai’s solid rental fundamentals, driven by ongoing population inflows, long-term residency initiatives and the city’s status as a global destination for living and investment.”

Dubai’s wider real estate market continues to benefit from robust macroeconomic conditions, population growth and structural reforms.

Future income

With the emirate’s population surpassing 4m in 2025, long-term visas, expanded freehold ownership and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan continue to reinforce Dubai’s position as a premier global investment destination.

Looking ahead, Dubai Residential REIT remains focused on executing its long-term strategy, centred on high-quality, income-generating residential assets, prudent use of leverage and disciplined capital allocation.

The REIT plans to add approximately 276 units to its portfolio from its committed pipeline, including Jebel Ali Village and Garden View Villas, which together are expected to contribute between AED 70m ($19m) and AED80m ($21.75m) in additional revenue once fully stabilised.

REIT of return

On dividends, the REIT follows a semi-annual distribution policy, with payments in April and September each year, consistent with its Initial Public Offering commitments.

It successfully distributed an interim cash dividend of AED550m ($149.5m) for H1 2025 in September 2025.

As previously announced, the first two dividend payments for the financial year ending 31 December 2025 will be the higher of:

• AED1.1bn ($299m)
• 80 per cent of profit before changes in the fair value of investment property for FY25

For FY 2026 and beyond, the REIT intends to distribute at least 80 per cent of profit before changes in fair value of investment property for each accounting period, subject to Board approval.