Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector delivered strong growth during the first half of 2026, with total property transactions reaching Dh117 billion, according to official data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). The figures highlight rising investor confidence and continued demand across the emirate’s property market.
The latest data showed that the total value of real estate transactions increased by 112 percent compared with the first half of 2025. Transaction volume also climbed by 61.7 percent, reflecting higher activity across residential, commercial, and investment properties.
Property sales remained the largest contributor to market growth. Sales transactions totaled Dh86.1 billion through 16,838 deals during the first six months of 2026. The value of sales jumped 163.7 percent from the same period last year, showing strong buyer demand and a broader investor base.
Mortgage activity also expanded during the period. ADREC reported mortgage transactions worth Dh26.7 billion across 8,876 transactions, representing annual growth of 33.5 percent. Musataha and long-term lease transactions reached about Dh4 billion, while gift transactions totaled Dh311.5 million.
Foreign investment reached a new milestone during the first half of the year. Foreign direct investment in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market climbed to Dh13.8 billion, marking a 309 percent increase from the same period in 2025. The total recorded during the first six months of 2026 also exceeded the foreign investment achieved throughout the whole of 2025, making it the highest first-half foreign investment level recorded by the sector.
The number of nationalities represented by non-resident investors continued to grow. Investors from 116 countries purchased property in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2026, 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 international sources of investment.
Investment zones that allow property ownership for investors of all nationalities also recorded significant growth. These zones attracted Dh75 billion in investment during the first half of the year, an increase of 181 percent compared with Dh26.7 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.
ADREC said transparent regulations and reliable market information continue to support investor confidence. The authority noted that clear rules and updated market data help investors evaluate opportunities and make informed long-term decisions as the market continues to expand.
The real estate sector also recorded growth in development activity. During the first six months of 2026, ADREC approved eight new investment zones, bringing the total number across Abu Dhabi to 50. The center also registered 28 new real estate projects, representing a 16 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The additional projects are expected to create more opportunities for both local and international investors.
The number of licensed real estate professionals also continued to rise. ADREC issued 2,040 licenses during the first half of the year, marking 34 percent annual growth. The total number of licensed real estate brokers in Abu Dhabi reached 3,302, supporting the expanding property sector.
The authority also continued to strengthen transparency through its digital services. Since its launch, the Madhmoun platform has issued more than 41,200 regulated real estate advertising permits. The platform helps improve the quality and reliability of property listings while giving buyers, sellers, and investors greater confidence in the information available across the market.
The latest figures underline the continued strength of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector. Rising transaction values, record foreign investment, expanding development projects, and improved market transparency have helped reinforce the emirate’s position as one of the region’s leading destinations for property investment and long-term growth.
