Abu Dhabi Real Estate Hits AED117 Billion in H1 2026

Abu Dhabi's property market recorded AED117 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, as sales activity, international investment and new development continued to expand across the emirate.

The latest Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) H1 2026 Market Report provides a broader view of that performance, covering transaction activity alongside residential sales, leasing, investment and future supply.

Total transaction value increased 112% year-on-year, while transaction volume rose 61.7%. Sales accounted for AED86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions, representing a 163.7% increase in value compared with H1 2025.

The report also provides a closer look at residential activity. Residential unit sales reached AED70.4 billion, with off-plan property accounting for 89% of sales value. Emirati buyers committed AED21 billion during the period, compared with AED8.9 billion in H1 2025.

International participation also broadened. Foreign direct investment reached AED13.8 billion, up 309% year-on-year and already exceeding the amount recorded during the whole of 2025. Investors from 116 nationalities participated in the market.

Development activity expanded alongside transactions. ADREC approved eight new investment zones, taking Abu Dhabi's total to 50, while 28 new real estate projects were registered during H1.

Looking further ahead, Abu Dhabi currently has approximately 409,000 residential units, with the report projecting another 71,000 units by 2030 and deliveries expected to peak in 2028.

The leasing market was active too, with 233,000 residential lease contracts representing AED9.3 billion in lease value recorded across the emirate.

Together, the figures provide a data-rich picture of an Abu Dhabi property market expanding across several fronts; from transaction values and international participation to its future residential pipeline.

Source: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC); Abu Dhabi Media Office; Zawya.