Abu Dhabi Real Estate Soars: Transactions Hit Dh171bn in First Nine Months of 2026

The value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi has seen a significant surge, increasing by over 76% in the first nine months of 2026. This sustained momentum in the sector is occurring despite global uncertainties stemming from the war in Iran. During the period ending September, transactions reached Dh171.26 billion (approximately $46.6 billion), marking a substantial year-on-year growth of over 76%, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Adrec). The total number of transactions also saw a notable rise, growing by nearly a third to 38,483. Sales alone more than doubled, reaching close to Dh120 billion from 23,749 transactions, which themselves increased by almost 50%.

Adrec also reported the approval of fifty-four new developments during this period, alongside a one-third increase in licences issued to real estate professionals. Mortgage activity contributed significantly, generating about Dh46 billion in revenue, a year-on-year increase of over 30%, with a 13.2% growth in transactions.

Key districts demonstrated strong performance, with Al Reem Island leading in transaction value at Dh29.86 billion. Following closely were Al Hudayriyat Island (Dh28.62 billion), Al Saadiyat Island (Dh18.69 billion), Yas Island (Dh13.4 billion), and Zayed City (Dh5.36 billion). These five districts, along with Khalifa City, are projected to account for 77% of the new real estate supply expected through 2030.

Foreign investment within Abu Dhabi's investment zones experienced a remarkable annual increase of 131%, reaching Dh86.11 billion in the nine-month period. This figure represents 81% of the total investment value. Adrec had previously approved eight new investment zones in the first half of 2026. Furthermore, foreign direct investment by non-resident individuals in the capital's real estate sector amounted to Dh17.22 billion, already surpassing the Dh8.2 billion recorded for the entirety of 2025.

Rashed Al Omaira, Adrec director general, stated that the scale of investment underscores the growing number of investors, individuals, and businesses making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi. He emphasized that this commitment extends beyond transactions, with buyers anticipating project delivery, businesses requiring growth space, and residents seeking functional communities.

The property sector is identified as a crucial component of Abu Dhabi's and the wider UAE's economies, continuing to attract investors and buyers while demonstrating resilience against the conflict's effects. In a move to support the market, Adrec announced in July that rental increases for residential, commercial, and industrial properties would be suspended until further notice, with exceptions for communities managed by Abu Dhabi’s financial centre, ADGM, such as Al Maryah Island and Reem Island.

Analysts suggest that Abu Dhabi's off-plan mortgage framework is poised to benefit both buyers and developers by offering clarity on mortgage processes and bolstering investor confidence in the emirate's property market. In a broader market context, Abu Dhabi's apartment and villa prices saw an increase in the third quarter, driven by sustained economic momentum in the UAE capital, according to a recent report by ValuStrat. The report highlighted accelerating residential capital growth and robust commercial property fundamentals as key factors reinforcing the emirate's positive market trajectory. Mr. Al Omaira reiterated Adrec's commitment to ensuring market regulations align with buyer and developer expectations, covering aspects from property sales to post-handover management.