Abu Dhabi's residential property market recorded AED84.49 billion in apartment and villa sales during the first half of 2026, with transaction values rising 173.9% year-on-year, driven by strong off-plan demand and major project launches.
July 02, 2026 | Riya Malhotra | UAE | Real Estate
Abu Dhabi's residential real estate market is on course for its strongest year on record after apartment and villa sales reached AED84.49 billion during the first half of 2026, according to new market data released by ADXinteract.
The report shows residential transaction values increased 173.9% year-on-year, while transaction volumes rose 103% to 16,585 sales compared with the same period in 2025, highlighting continued momentum across the capital's housing market.
The strong first-half performance follows an already robust first quarter, when Abu Dhabi recorded 8,806 residential transactions worth AED48.76 billion, suggesting buyer demand has remained resilient despite a growing development pipeline.
Off-plan properties continued to dominate market activity, accounting for 78% of all residential sales during the first six months of the year. The trend reflects sustained investor confidence in Abu Dhabi's future supply pipeline, supported by large-scale master-planned communities and continued government investment across the emirate.
Property prices also continued their upward trajectory. Median apartment prices reached AED1,927 per square foot, representing a 22.5% increase year-on-year, while median villa prices climbed 41% to AED1,500 per square foot, underscoring sustained demand across both residential segments.
TOP 5 ABU DHABI AREAS BY RESIDENTIAL SALES VOLUME (H1 2026)
| Rank | Area | Sales Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Reem Island | 4,545 |
| 2 | Yas Island | 3,031 |
| 3 | Al Hudayriyat | 2,190 |
| 4 | Al Saadiyat Island | 1,371 |
| 5 | Khalifa City | 704 |
TOP 5 ABU DHABI AREAS BY RESIDENTIAL SALES VALUE (H1 2026)
| Rank | Area | Sales Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Hudayriyat | AED 18.95 billion |
| 2 | Al Reem Island | AED 14.17 billion |
| 3 | Al Saadiyat Island | AED 13.18 billion |
| 4 | Yas Island | AED 8.50 billion |
| 5 | Ramhan Island | AED 2.90 billion |
Collectively, Al Reem Island, Al Hudayriyat, Yas Island and Al Saadiyat Island accounted for 11,137 transactions, representing more than 67% of all residential sales, while generating AED54.8 billion, or nearly 65% of the total market value during the period.
The report also points to continued confidence in Abu Dhabi's development pipeline. Across the emirate, 286 residential projects comprising 98,823 units are currently under development, with an average absorption rate of 51%, indicating healthy demand despite the increasing supply.
Commenting on the market's performance, Fateh Al Msaddi, Founder of ADXinteract, said Abu Dhabi has entered a new phase of growth supported by stronger buyer demand, major project activity and greater market transparency.
"The Abu Dhabi market has moved from quiet strength to strong, visible momentum," Al Msaddi said. "The sharp rise we've seen in sales value and transaction volumes reflects genuine buyer demand alongside increasing confidence in the emirate's residential market."
The latest figures continue a multi-year growth trend. Residential transaction volumes have risen steadily from 7,242 sales in 2021 to 9,053 in 2022, 15,013 in 2023, 16,244 in 2024, before reaching 24,942 transactions worth AED91.9 billion in 2025.
If current momentum continues through the second half of the year, Abu Dhabi is likely to surpass last year's record performance, reinforcing its position as one of the UAE's fastest-growing residential real estate markets.
Sources: ADXinteract Abu Dhabi Residential Market Analysis, released 30 June 2026; market transaction data for H1 2026
