Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded Dh155 billion in transactions during the first eight months of 2026, already exceeding the Dh142 billion achieved throughout the whole of 2025, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
The latest figures highlight the strength of the emirate’s property market, with activity remaining strong across the year rather than being concentrated in one particularly busy period.
The market began 2026 with Dh66 billion in transactions during the first quarter, representing a 160.7 per cent increase from Dh25.31 billion during the same period last year. The number of transactions also almost doubled, rising from 6,896 to 13,518.
By the end of June, transaction value for the first half of the year had reached between Dh117 billion and Dh122 billion, depending on the reporting method used. Residential sales accounted for Dh70.4 billion, compared with Dh25.3 billion in the first half of 2025.
Off-plan properties were responsible for 89 per cent of residential sales by value, showing continued demand for newly launched developments.
Foreign investment has been another major factor behind the market’s expansion. Property-related foreign direct investment reached Dh13.8 billion during the first half of 2026, already exceeding the amount recorded during the whole of 2025.
Non-resident investors from 116 nationalities participated in Abu Dhabi’s property market. Buyers included residents from countries such as Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Russia, the UK and the US. Foreign investors from China, France, Germany, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Russia, Taiwan, the UK and the US were also among the active groups.
Property consultancy JLL reported that sales continued to grow year on year during the second quarter, with off-plan transactions providing much of the momentum.
Prices have also remained strong. Apartment prices increased 19.4 per cent annually, while townhouse prices rose 11.2 per cent, according to JLL.
The growth comes as Abu Dhabi’s residential supply continues to expand. Around 409,000 homes were available across the emirate by the middle of 2026, with supply growing at an average annual rate of 2.9 per cent since 2022.
A further 71,000 residential units are expected to be delivered by 2030. Annual completions are projected to reach about 21,800 units in 2028.
With four months remaining in the year, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre expects activity to remain strong. The International Real Estate and Investment Show in September is also expected to attract developers and investors.
The latest figures put Abu Dhabi on course for another record year, supported by strong sales, rising prices, foreign investment and sustained demand for residential property.
