New launch projects in Dubai

How new launch projects in Dubai work

A launch is the first public release of units in a project or phase. The steps are broadly the same across developers:

• Announcement. The developer publishes the project, often with an indicative price, unit mix and payment plan. A developer may not advertise off-plan units without written authorisation from DLD.
• Expression of interest (EOI). For popular launches, buyers register interest and may pay a refundable or adjustable amount to get in the queue for unit selection.
• Allocation and booking. On launch day units are allocated, often in EOI order, and you pay the booking amount set by the developer.
• SPA and Oqood. You sign the sales and purchase agreement, and the developer registers it with DLD. The 4% DLD fee is usually collected at this point.

The exact rules differ by developer and by launch, so get them in writing before you pay.

How EOIs and bookings work, and what is refundable

An EOI secures a place in the queue, not a specific unit. Before paying one, ask:

• Who receives the money? It should be the developer or its registered project account, never an agent's or individual's account.
• Is it refundable if you do not get a unit you want, and how quickly?
• Does it convert into the booking amount if you proceed?
• What happens if the launch is delayed or the plan changes?

Once you book a unit and sign the SPA, your payments are governed by the contract and the escrow rules, and walking away usually costs money. Read the SPA before booking, not after.

Latest off-plan launches in Dubai (checked October 2026)

The table lists projects shown as new launches or featured releases on developers' own websites when we checked in October 2026. It is a snapshot, not a recommendation. Availability, prices and plans change daily, and some of these may have sold out.

For launches by community, see our area pages for Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai South and Dubai Islands. Ask us for the current position on any project.

Emaar new launch, DAMAC new launch and Sobha new launch: where to look

The developer's own website is the primary source for launches:

• Emaar runs a latest-launches page. In October 2026 it showed 14 newly launched releases, including Valia and Creek Haven in Dubai Creek Harbour, Greencrest in Dubai Hills Estate, Golf Trails, Golf Vale, Vista Ridge and Grove Ridge in Emaar South, Fior 1 at Rashid Yachts & Marina, and Terra Woods at Expo Living. See our Emaar profile.
• DAMAC featured DAMAC Islands 2, Valencia, Azure 2, Chelsea Residences, Safa Gate and Couture by Cavalli on its homepage. See our DAMAC profile.
• Sobha Realty listed Sobha Hartland II towers such as Skyvue and Skyscape, and communities including Sobha Central, Sobha Elwood, Sobha Orbis and Sobha Solis. See our Sobha profile.
• Nakheel listed Palm Central Private Residences, Bay Grove Residences and Como Residences as new launches. See our Nakheel profile.

Why launch-stage pricing differs

Developers usually release a project in phases and set prices for each release. Early releases can be priced to build momentum, while later ones reflect demand from the earlier phases. That is why a unit at launch may cost less, the same or more than a similar unit a few months later. It is not a rule, and nothing guarantees that prices rise after launch.

A launch price can also include the cost of the payment plan. A longer or post-handover plan may come with a higher price than a shorter one. Compare launch prices with recent resale prices of similar completed buildings nearby in DLD data, rather than with the developer's own later releases.

New off-plan projects with a payment plan: what to check before paying

• Registration: the project and developer are registered with DLD; check on Dubai REST, which shows completion percentage and the escrow account number.
• Escrow: every payment goes to the project escrow account under Law No. 8 of 2007.
• Advert permit: the advert carries a valid permit and Madmoun QR code.
• Plan in the SPA: every percentage and date you were quoted appears in the contract.
• Fees: the 4% DLD fee and admin fees on top of the booking amount.
• Resale rules: when the developer allows resale and at what fee.

Our off-plan due diligence checklist and payment plans page go deeper.

Launch day risks and how to avoid them

Launches are designed to create urgency. The common mistakes are paying before seeing the SPA, choosing a unit from a screen without the floor and orientation details, and stretching the budget because a plan looks easy.

Set your budget, preferred unit types and walk-away price before launch day. Ask for the floor plan, the plot plan and the payment schedule in advance, and decide in advance what you will do if your preferred unit is gone. If you cannot verify the project, do not pay.