Abu Dhabi apartment values increased by 13% in the third quarter of 2026, according to CBRE, contrasting with softer residential prices and rents in Dubai.
November 10, 2026 | Palak Kataria | UAE | Real Estate | 3 Min Read
Image Courtesy: Magnific
Abu Dhabi apartment prices increased by approximately 13% year-on-year during the third quarter of 2026, according to CBRE Middle East's latest UAE Real Estate Market Review.
The increase contrasted with Dubai's residential market, where average property prices declined by approximately 1% annually and rents fell by 7% over the same period.
The findings indicate differing residential market conditions across the UAE's two largest property centres following several years of strong price and rental growth.
CBRE's research showed that apartment values in Abu Dhabi continued to increase during the third quarter, supported by demand across the capital's residential market.
The 13% annual rise highlights the strength of the apartment segment despite broader economic uncertainty.
Residential transaction volumes in Abu Dhabi also increased by approximately 5% compared with the corresponding quarter of 2025.
Demand has remained evident across established residential communities and newer master-planned developments.
The findings suggest that Abu Dhabi's apartment market continued to experience upward price pressure while other UAE residential markets showed signs of moderation.
In Dubai, average residential prices fell by approximately 1% year-on-year during the third quarter.
Rental rates recorded a larger decline of 7%, reflecting changing conditions after a prolonged period of rising housing costs.
The figures point to a more measured residential market, with buyers and tenants facing different pricing conditions from those recorded during the previous expansion cycle.
However, the reported declines represent market averages and do not mean that every residential community or property category experienced falling prices.
Individual locations may continue to show different levels of demand, transaction activity and rental performance.
The contrasting figures illustrate the importance of assessing each emirate separately when evaluating residential property performance.
Dubai's larger and more mature residential market is experiencing a period of price adjustment, while Abu Dhabi's apartment sector continues to record annual growth.
The figures also demonstrate that movements in sales prices and rents do not necessarily follow the same pattern.
For investors and homeowners, local supply conditions, property type and neighbourhood demand remain important factors when interpreting market trends.
CBRE's wider market review also highlighted continued activity across commercial property sectors.
Demand for quality office accommodation and industrial facilities remained an important feature of the UAE real estate market.
These trends suggest that residential market moderation does not necessarily indicate weaker conditions across every property segment.
The third-quarter findings underline the increasingly varied performance of UAE real estate, with Abu Dhabi's apartment price growth contrasting with softer residential pricing and rental conditions in Dubai.
Sources: Arabian Business; CBRE UAE
