Dubai housing boom expands smart building opportunity
Photo: Na Ngel / Pexels
More than 564,000 homes are currently under construction across Dubai, creating a substantial pipeline for smart building technologies as developers increasingly integrate connected and digital systems into new residential projects.
A new fam Properties analysis shows that more than 560,000 residential properties are currently under construction in Dubai, with most scheduled for completion by 2028. Around three-quarters have already been sold, underlining strong absorption of new supply.
The scale of development comes as smart technology becomes a more prominent part of the UAE residential market. In its H2 2026 property technology outlook, Dubai developer Amaal points to growing use of digital platforms, AI and real-time environmental monitoring, including sensors linked to building management systems and resident-facing apps. The trend reflects a broader shift toward more connected residential infrastructure, with digital systems increasingly integrated into building operations and services.
Security systems gain from smart building growth
The wider UAE smart buildings market is projected to reach US$3.38 billion in 2026, up from US$1.92 billion in 2021, according to MarketsandMarkets.
The market includes technologies directly relevant to the security sector, such as access control, video surveillance, safety and security management, parking management and building infrastructure systems, alongside HVAC, lighting and facility management.
Access control alone is estimated to be worth US$125.4 million in the UAE in 2026, according to Grand View Research, which expects the market to reach US$255.4 million by 2033.
Dubai authorities are also encouraging technology integration earlier in the development process. At PropTech Connect Middle East 2026, the Dubai Land Department highlighted the importance of embedding smart solutions from the planning stage to support operational readiness, performance and safety.
With more than half a million homes moving through Dubai’s construction pipeline, the residential boom is creating a larger potential installed base for access control, surveillance, building management and other connected building technologies.
