Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Records Dh171.26 Billion in Transactions During First Nine Months of 2026
Property activity rises sharply as foreign investment expands, with Al Reem, Al Hudayriyat and Al Saadiyat emerging as leading investment destinations.
Abu Dhabi's property market recorded significant growth during the first nine months of 2026, with total real estate transactions reaching Dh171.26 billion, reflecting a 76.1% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
According to the latest figures released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the emirate registered 38,483 real estate transactions between January and September, representing a 32.8% increase from the 28,977 transactions recorded during the same period in 2025.
The figures highlight expanding activity across the residential property market, supported by stronger sales, mortgage financing and increasing international investor participation.
Property sales and mortgage activity strengthen
Property sales accounted for the largest share of market activity, with 23,749 transactions generating Dh119.33 billion in value. Compared with the first nine months of 2025, sales value increased by 105%, while the number of transactions grew by 49.2%.
Mortgage activity also maintained an upward trend. The market recorded 14,390 mortgage transactions worth Dh45.92 billion, representing a 30.2% increase in value and a 13.2% rise in transaction volume year-on-year.
The growth across both categories indicates continued demand for property ownership and financing in Abu Dhabi.
International investors increase their presence
Overseas investment remained an important contributor to the emirate's real estate performance.
Investment in Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones reached Dh86.11 billion, marking a 131% increase compared with the same period in 2025. This represented 81% of the total investment value recorded across those zones.
Foreign direct investment from non-resident individuals amounted to Dh17.22 billion during the nine-month period, already exceeding twice the Dh8.2 billion recorded for the whole of 2025.
Investors representing 121 nationalities participated in the market. The United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, France and Germany were among the leading countries in terms of investment value.
The growing international participation reflects Abu Dhabi's expanding appeal as a destination for property ownership and long-term investment.
Al Reem and Al Hudayriyat lead property transactions
Several of Abu Dhabi's major investment destinations recorded substantial transaction values during the reporting period.
Al Reem Island ranked first with Dh29.86 billion in transactions, followed by Al Hudayriyat Island with Dh28.62 billion. Al Saadiyat Island generated Dh18.69 billion, while Yas Island recorded Dh13.4 billion.
Zayed City also featured among the leading locations, with transactions valued at Dh5.36 billion.
These destinations are expected to remain important contributors to the emirate's property development activity. Six districts – Al Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Hudayriyat Island – are projected to account for 77% of additional real estate supply through 2030.
Property registrations and professional licensing expand
Beyond sales and mortgage activity, other segments of the market also experienced notable changes.
Gift-related property transactions increased by 145% in volume to 76 deals, while their combined value climbed 389% to Dh440 million.
Meanwhile, musataha and long-term lease agreements accounted for 268 transactions worth Dh5.57 billion. Although the number of transactions declined by 18.7%, their overall value increased by 52.9%.
ADREC also registered 54 new real estate development projects between January and September 2026. In addition, the regulator issued 3,677 licences to real estate professionals, representing a 32% increase compared with the same period last year.
Abu Dhabi's property market maintains its growth trajectory
Commenting on the market's performance, ADREC Director General Rashed Al Omaira highlighted the importance of sustained investor confidence, reliable project delivery and effective market regulation.
He noted that the regulator aims to maintain a property environment that supports buyers, businesses and residents throughout the different stages of real estate ownership and development.
With transaction values increasing, international participation broadening and new development projects entering the market, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a major real estate investment destination.
The performance recorded during the first nine months of 2026 provides further evidence of the emirate's expanding property sector and its longer-term development ambitions.
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