Abu Dhabi’s property market has recorded a major rise in residential sales, with total sales value reaching Dh70.4 billion in the first half of 2026.
The figure marks a sharp increase from the same period last year. Strong demand from overseas buyers has helped drive the rise. Off-plan homes have also played a major role in the market.
Off-plan properties made up 89 percent of the total residential sales value during the first half of the year. The figure shows how much buyers are turning to new projects across the emirate.
Apartment prices have also moved higher. Average apartment prices rose by 20 percent during the period. The increase points to strong demand for homes in Abu Dhabi as more buyers enter the market.
The latest figures show that Abu Dhabi continues to attract interest from foreign investors. Overseas buyers have become an important part of the emirate’s property market. Their activity has helped lift both sales and demand.
The rise in off-plan sales is also important for developers. New residential projects are drawing buyers before construction is complete. This can give developers strong early demand while allowing buyers to enter the market at different stages of a project.
The first-half figures also come as Abu Dhabi continues to expand its residential property sector. The emirate has been adding new housing projects in areas aimed at both local residents and international buyers.
The strong performance in the first six months could also shape expectations for the rest of the year. If demand remains high, developers may continue to bring more projects to the market.
The 20 percent rise in apartment prices is another key part of the latest data. Higher prices can increase the value of existing property holdings. At the same time, they can make it more costly for new buyers to enter the market.
The strong share of off-plan sales suggests that buyers are still willing to commit to properties before they are ready for occupation. That may reflect confidence in Abu Dhabi’s future housing demand.
Foreign buyers are especially important to this trend. Their demand can bring new money into the property market and support activity across the wider real estate sector.
Abu Dhabi has also worked to strengthen its position as a global business and investment centre. A growing property market can support that wider goal by offering more housing for people moving to the emirate and more investment choices for overseas buyers.
The latest numbers therefore offer a clear picture of a market that is expanding quickly. Residential sales have increased sharply, apartment prices have risen and off-plan homes have taken most of the sales value.
The next major question will be whether this pace can continue through the second half of 2026.
For now, the first-half figures show strong momentum. Abu Dhabi’s residential market has entered the second half of the year with high sales, rising apartment prices and strong foreign demand.
