Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has recorded remarkable growth during the first nine months of 2026, with total property transactions reaching Dh171.26 billion, representing an impressive 76.1% increase compared with the same period last year.

According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the emirate recorded 38,483 real estate transactions between January and September 2026, compared with 28,977 transactions during the corresponding period in 2025. Transaction volumes also increased by 32.8%, highlighting growing demand from local and international investors.

The strong performance reflects Abu Dhabi’s expanding position as a leading real estate investment destination, supported by economic development, infrastructure expansion and increasing international investor confidence.

Record Growth in Property Transactions

Abu Dhabi’s property market experienced significant growth across different transaction categories, including property sales, mortgages and foreign investments.

Sales remained the largest contributor to the market’s overall performance, recording 23,749 transactions valued at Dh119.33 billion during the first nine months of 2026.

This represents a 105% increase in sales value and a 49.2% rise in transaction volume compared with the same period in 2025, when sales totalled Dh58.20 billion across 15,910 transactions.

The strong increase demonstrates the growing appetite for residential and investment properties across Abu Dhabi’s major communities.

Mortgage Market Also Records Strong Performance

Mortgage activity also showed positive growth, reflecting continued demand for property financing among homebuyers and investors.

The emirate recorded 14,390 mortgage transactions worth Dh45.92 billion during the first nine months of 2026.

Mortgage transaction values increased by 30.2%, while the number of transactions grew by 13.2% compared with the corresponding period last year.

This growth highlights the important role of mortgage financing in supporting residential property purchases and expanding access to Abu Dhabi’s housing market.

Foreign Investment Surges by 131%

International investors played a major role in Abu Dhabi’s real estate expansion.

Foreign investment in the emirate’s designated investment zones increased by 131% year-on-year to Dh86.11 billion, accounting for 81% of the total investment value in these zones.

Foreign direct investment from non-resident individuals reached Dh17.22 billion during the first nine months of 2026. This figure is already more than double the Dh8.2 billion recorded for the entire year of 2025.

Investors from 121 nationalities participated in Abu Dhabi’s property market, demonstrating the emirate’s growing international appeal.

The leading sources of foreign investment included:

• United Kingdom
• China
• Russia
• United States
• France
• Germany

The growing diversity of international investors reflects confidence in Abu Dhabi’s economic stability, investment opportunities and long-term development plans.

Al Reem and Al Hudayriyat Islands Lead Property Transactions

Several major residential destinations contributed significantly to Abu Dhabi’s property market performance.

Al Reem Island recorded the highest transaction value, followed by Al Hudayriyat Island and Al Saadiyat Island.

The leading locations by transaction value were:

• Al Reem Island: Dh29.86 billion
• Al Hudayriyat Island: Dh28.62 billion
• Al Saadiyat Island: Dh18.69 billion
• Yas Island: Dh13.4 billion
• Zayed City: Dh5.36 billion

These destinations continue to attract buyers through residential developments, lifestyle facilities, infrastructure improvements and investment opportunities.

Major Development Expansion Expected Through 2030

Abu Dhabi’s real estate growth is expected to continue as the emirate prepares for significant new residential and commercial developments.

According to ADREC, six districts are projected to account for 77% of incremental real estate supply through 2030.

These locations include:

• Al Saadiyat Island
• Al Reem Island
• Yas Island
• Zayed City
• Khalifa City
• Al Hudayriyat Island

The expected expansion highlights the importance of these districts in Abu Dhabi’s long-term urban development strategy.

During the first nine months of 2026, ADREC also registered 54 new real estate development projects and issued 3,677 licences to real estate professionals, representing a 32% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Position as a Global Investment Destination

The latest figures underline Abu Dhabi’s growing attractiveness among international property investors.

Strong foreign investment, increasing property transactions and new development projects are supporting the emirate’s real estate sector.

The market is also benefiting from long-term economic diversification, business expansion, population growth and continued investment in infrastructure and residential communities.

According to Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, the investment figures reflect the long-term commitment of individuals and businesses to Abu Dhabi.

The regulator continues to focus on maintaining market transparency, improving regulations and ensuring that property developments meet the expectations of buyers, investors and residents.