The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) reported that transaction volumes rose 61.7% during the period, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global destination for real estate investment and mirroring momentum seen across UAE property markets.
Sales transactions led activity in the first half, with values climbing 163.7% to Dh86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions compared with the same period in 2025. Mortgage transactions increased 33.5% to Dh26.7 billion through 8,876 deals, while musataha and long-term lease transactions totaled approximately Dh4 billion. Gift transactions reached Dh311.5 million.
Foreign Investment Hits All-Time High
Foreign direct investment into Abu Dhabi real estate reached Dh13.8 billion in H1 2026, a 309% surge compared with the same period in 2025. This six-month total exceeded the entire 2025 annual figure, marking the highest level of foreign investment ever recorded in a half-year period.
The number of nationalities represented by non-resident foreign investors expanded to 116, up from 82 during the same period last year. The United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, Germany, and France ranked among the leading sources of capital inflow.
Investment zones open to foreign ownership attracted Dh75 billion during the first half of 2026, a 181% increase compared with Dh26.7 billion in H1 2025.
“Investment decisions begin long before any transaction is completed. They start with a clear understanding of the market, its trends and the regulatory frameworks governing it,” said Rashed Al Omaira, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
Al Omaira emphasized that the Centre’s focus remains on providing investors with transparency and credibility through a clear regulatory framework and continuously updated market data.
Expansion of Investment Zones and New Projects
ADREC approved eight new investment zones during the first half of the year, bringing the total number of such zones in the emirate to 50. The Centre also registered 28 new real estate projects, a 16% increase compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting sustained development activity.
The number of licensed real estate brokers in Abu Dhabi reached 3,302, with the Centre issuing 2,040 licenses for real estate professions during H1 2026, representing 34% annual growth.
Since its launch, the Madhmoun platform has issued more than 41,200 permits for real estate advertisements, enhancing transparency and the credibility of property listings across the emirate.
Market Context
Abu Dhabi’s performance in the first half of 2026 builds on strong quarterly results and reflects growing investor confidence in the capital’s long-term real estate fundamentals. The emirate continues to diversify its property offerings through new financing solutions and an expanding portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
The surge in foreign investment and transaction volumes positions Abu Dhabi as a key beneficiary of the UAE’s projected real estate growth through 2031, as international buyers increasingly view the emirate as a stable, high-growth market within the region.
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