Abu Dhabi's Real Estate Transactions Surge to Dh117 Billion in H1 2026

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Abu Dhabi: The latest market data issued by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the entity responsible for regulating the real estate sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, revealed that real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi reached a total value of Dh117 billion during the first half of 2026. This remarkable figure underscores a significant rebound and growth in the real estate sector, which had been impacted by various economic factors in preceding years.

This growth amounted to 112 percent compared with the same period in 2025, while the number of transactions increased by 61.7 percent, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for real estate investment. The surge in activity is indicative of a broader economic recovery in the emirate, which has been working diligently to enhance its appeal to both local and international investors.

Sales transactions led real estate activity during the first half of the year, with their value rising by 163.7 percent to Dh86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions compared with the same period last year. This increase reflects continued strength in actual demand and the expansion of the investor base, showcasing the resilience of the Abu Dhabi real estate market. The robust performance of sales transactions is a positive sign for the overall economy, as it not only boosts the real estate sector but also has a ripple effect on related industries such as construction, finance, and retail.

Mortgage transactions recorded notable growth of 33.5 percent to reach Dh26.7 billion through 8,876 transactions. This increase in mortgage activity suggests that more individuals and families are seeking to purchase homes, which can be attributed to favorable lending conditions and a growing population. Musataha and long-term lease transactions amounted to around Dh4 billion, while gift transactions reached Dh311.5 million, indicating a diverse range of real estate activities taking place in the emirate.

The Centre’s data also revealed the performance of foreign direct investment, which reached AED13.8 billion during the first half of 2026, an increase of 309 percent compared with the same period last year. The value of foreign direct investment recorded during the first six months of the year exceeded the total achieved throughout 2025, marking the highest level of foreign direct investment ever recorded during the first half of a year. This significant influx of foreign capital reflects growing confidence among international investors and the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, which is increasingly seen as a safe and lucrative investment destination.

The number of nationalities represented by non-resident foreign investors in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market rose to 116 during the first half of the year, compared with 82 nationalities during the same period last year. The United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, Germany, and France ranked among the leading sources of foreign direct investment, highlighting the emirate’s global appeal. This diversification of investor nationality not only enriches the market but also fosters cultural exchange and collaboration in various sectors.

Abu Dhabi’s investment zones, which are open to ownership by investors of all nationalities, attracted total investment of AED75 billion during the first half of 2026, an increase of 181 percent compared with AED26.7 billion during the same period last year. The establishment of these investment zones has been pivotal in attracting foreign investment, as they offer a range of incentives and opportunities tailored to different investor needs.

Rashed Al Omaira, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, emphasized the importance of informed investment decisions, stating, “Investment decisions begin long before any transaction is completed. They start with a clear understanding of the market, its trends, and the regulatory frameworks governing it. From this standpoint, our focus at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre is on providing investors with the highest level of clarity and credibility from the outset through a transparent regulatory framework and reliable, continuously updated market data, giving them a strong basis to assess investment opportunities and make long-term decisions.”

As Abu Dhabi’s real estate market continues to evolve, the true measure of success lies not only in the scale of growth but also in how that growth is achieved, ensuring that the regulatory environment remains aligned with the emirate’s long-term strategic direction. This commitment to transparency and investor confidence is crucial in sustaining the market's momentum and ensuring that it remains competitive on a global scale.

As part of efforts to support the sustainable growth of the real estate market, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre approved eight new investment zones, bringing the total number of investment zones in the emirate to 50. This expansion reflects the government’s proactive approach to accommodating an increasing number of investors and projects, thereby facilitating economic diversification and resilience. The Centre also registered 28 new real estate projects during the first half of the year, an increase of 16 percent compared with the same period last year, reflecting continued activity in real estate development and the availability of new investment opportunities for local and international investors across the emirate.

Real estate professions also continued to grow, with the Centre issuing 2,040 licences for real estate professions during the first half of the year, representing annual growth of 34 percent. The number of licensed real estate brokers in the emirate reached 3,302, showcasing the expanding landscape of real estate services and the increasing professionalization of the sector.

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre continues to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and the use of data in the real estate market through the development of its digital services ecosystem. Since its launch, the Madhmoun platform has contributed to the issuance of more than 41,200 permits for real estate services, enhancing the quality and credibility of real estate information available in the market. This commitment to digital transformation not only streamlines processes but also reinforces the confidence of investors and stakeholders in real estate services through continued transparency and trust in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector.

The growth in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a larger trend observed across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recent reports indicate that both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are driving a surge in the UAE property market, with significant increases in sales and investments recorded in the first quarter of 2026. This aligns with broader economic strategies aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependency and promoting sectors such as tourism, finance, and real estate.

As the UAE continues to establish itself as a global hub for business and tourism, the implications of this real estate boom extend beyond mere numbers. Increased investment in infrastructure, development of new residential and commercial projects, and the creation of jobs in construction and real estate services are all positive outcomes of this growth. Furthermore, the rise in property values can contribute to increased wealth for homeowners and investors, while also enhancing the overall quality of life in the emirate.

In conclusion, the surge in Abu Dhabi’s real estate transactions to Dh117 billion in the first half of 2026 is a testament to the emirate's resilient economy and its attractiveness as a global investment destination. The continued growth in both local and foreign investments, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment and ongoing development initiatives, positions Abu Dhabi's real estate market for sustained success in the years to come.