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  • Hudayriyat Island Leads Abu Dhabi Property Market with Dh19 Billion in Sales

    Hudayriyat Island Leads Abu Dhabi Property Market with Dh19 Billion in Sales

    Abu Dhabi’s property market showed clear geographic concentration during the first six months of 2026, with Hudayriyat Island emerging as the dominant sales destination across the emirate’s residential sector.

    According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Report for the first half of 2026, released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) on August 21, Hudayriyat Island’s Dh19 billion in residential sales represented more than one-quarter of all residential transactions by value in the capital.

    The island’s performance marks the second consecutive quarter it has led the market, reflecting sustained buyer interest in developments across this location as Abu Dhabi’s total real estate transactions doubled to AED117 billion during the same period.

    Saadiyat and Island Clusters Follow

    Saadiyat Island ranked second with Dh13.3 billion in residential sales during H1 2026, while Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island combined recorded Dh10.5 billion. Yas Island contributed Dh7.3 billion to the emirate’s residential sales total.

    Together, these five island and waterfront destinations accounted for the majority of Abu Dhabi’s residential transaction value, underscoring the market’s preference for lifestyle-oriented developments with direct water access and integrated amenities.

    Investment Zones Hold 72,000 Homes

    Investment zones represented more than 22 percent of Abu Dhabi’s total residential stock during the first half of 2026, with approximately 72,000 residential units located within these designated areas.

    Al Reem Island held the largest residential inventory among investment zones, with around 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

    The concentration of stock within investment zones reflects Abu Dhabi’s structured approach to residential development, with designated areas offering specific regulatory frameworks designed to attract both domestic and international buyers.

    Market Context

    The first-half performance comes as Abu Dhabi property prices rose 17.8 percent year-on-year in Q2 2026, driven by apartment values that increased 24.1 percent, while off-plan transactions surged 156 percent during the same quarter.

    Hudayriyat Island’s sustained lead in sales value suggests that location-specific demand remains a key driver in Abu Dhabi’s residential market, even as overall transaction volumes and pricing continue to rise across multiple property segments.

    The figures also indicate that Abu Dhabi’s residential market has maintained momentum into 2026, with buyer activity concentrated in established island communities that offer a combination of completed infrastructure, lifestyle amenities and proximity to the capital’s central business districts.

  • Abu Dhabi Real Estate Transactions Double to $31.86 Billion in H1 2026

    Abu Dhabi Real Estate Transactions Double to $31.86 Billion in H1 2026

    The capital’s property sector delivered its strongest half-year performance on record, with residential unit sales surging from AED25.3 billion in H1 2025 to AED70.4 billion in H1 2026, according to the latest Real Estate Market Report released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) on August 18, 2026.

    Off-plan transactions dominated the market, representing 89 percent of sales value and 82 percent of all deals as buyers—both local and international—prioritised properties under development. Emirati buyers committed AED21.0 billion during the period, up from AED8.9 billion in the first half of 2025, while resident expatriates and non-resident foreign investors together accounted for 70 percent of residential sales value.

    “The first half of 2026 reflects a resilient market, supported by sustained demand, clear regulations, transparent data, and a balanced approach to supply and demand,” said Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC.

    “The largest share of residential sales value went to homes not yet built, which places the weight of our regulatory work before completion. ADREC remains focused on ensuring clarity, confidence, and fairness for all market participants, supported by reliable information, protected buyer funds and rules that apply across market cycles.”

    Hudayriyat Island led all locations with AED19 billion in residential sales—27 percent of the emirate’s total—followed by Saadiyat Island at AED13.3 billion, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island at AED10.5 billion, and Yas Island at AED7.3 billion.

    The capital’s residential supply reached approximately 409,000 units, reflecting an average annual increase of 2.9 percent since 2022. Abu Dhabi Region drove this expansion with 3.3 percent annual growth and now represents 79 percent of the emirate’s total residential stock. Around 71,000 additional units are projected across the emirate by 2030, with deliveries expected to peak at approximately 21,800 units in 2028.

    Investment zones accounted for more than 22 percent of total residential stock in the first half of 2026, with approximately 72,000 units led by Al Reem Island at 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island, and Al Saadiyat Island. Repeat sales prices rose 20 percent year-on-year for apartments and 12 percent for villas, underscoring sustained appreciation across property types.

    The ten leading developers accounted for 90 percent of off-plan primary sales at AED51 billion, while ten projects alone accounted for 43 percent of residential unit sales at AED30 billion. In the ready market, 61 percent of purchases were completed in cash, reflecting strong buyer liquidity.

    Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded 233,000 active residential lease contracts in H1 2026, with total lease values reaching AED9.3 billion—an 8 percent year-on-year increase. Contract volumes rose 2 percent. Rental units comprise 69 percent of occupied units in Abu Dhabi Region, underpinning a deep rental market and ample homeownership opportunities with accessible housing options.

    Six key districts will drive 77 percent of projected incremental supply through 2030, including Al Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Hudayriyat Island. Nine major developers account for 76 percent of the development projects pipeline, delivering high-end and mid-market apartment and villa communities predominantly within investment zones.

    Retail supply reached 3.85 million square metres of gross leasable area, growing 5 percent on an annualised basis, with occupancy in the mid-nineties and new lease prices up 9 percent. Office supply reached 3.4 million square metres, up 0.3 percent from the end of 2025. Occupancy remained strong at 95 percent across both the overall market and the prime and Grade A segments, while new lease prices rose 13 percent.

    The capital’s performance mirrors broader trends across the UAE, where off-plan properties attracted buyers across all price segments during the first half of 2026. While Abu Dhabi home values rose 17.8 percent year-on-year in Q2 2026, Dubai’s market saw 24,800 new homes delivered in the same period as prices and rents eased slightly under increased supply.

  • Abu Dhabi Landlords Prioritize Flexibility Over Rent Hikes Amid Freeze

    Abu Dhabi Landlords Prioritize Flexibility Over Rent Hikes Amid Freeze

    Property owners in Abu Dhabi have fundamentally shifted their leasing strategies in response to the emirate’s rent freeze, focusing on tenant retention and added-value services rather than annual price increases, according to Khaled Almahri, a senior property executive.

    “Rather than relying on rent increases, many landlords are focusing on attracting and retaining tenants by offering greater flexibility and added value,” Almahri said in a statement released on July 21, 2026.

    Landlords continue to offer incentives despite restrictions on rent increases, though these have become more targeted and focused on improving the overall leasing experience rather than reducing headline rents, he explained.

    The strategic shift comes as Abu Dhabi recorded Dh117 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, marking a 112 percent year-on-year increase as foreign direct investment in the sector surged 309 percent to Dh13.8 billion, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

    From Price to Service Competition

    Almahri noted that leasing strategies have evolved significantly since rent increases became more restricted under the temporary market stabilization measure.

    “The focus has shifted from maximising annual rent increases to maintaining high occupancy rates, reducing vacancies and building longer-term relationships with tenants.”

    Instead of offering direct rent discounts, landlords are increasingly negotiating payment schedules, lease conditions and renewal packages to make their properties more attractive to prospective and existing tenants.

    Large institutional landlords are placing greater emphasis on professional property management, service quality and smoother lease renewals, while private landlords remain more flexible in negotiating individual lease terms, according to Almahri.

    Competitive Landscape Intensifies

    With annual rental growth moderated by policy restrictions, landlords have become more competitive in non-price dimensions of the rental offering.

    “With rental increases temporarily restricted, landlords are placing greater emphasis on attracting and retaining tenants through competitive pricing, flexible lease terms and well-maintained properties rather than relying on annual rent increases,” Almahri said.

    Although it remains too early to assess the full impact of the rent freeze on lease renewals, Almahri believes greater pricing certainty could encourage more tenants to renew their leases over time rather than relocate in search of better terms.

    Long-Term Fundamentals Remain Strong

    Despite moderating short-term rental growth, the policy is unlikely to affect long-term investment decisions in Abu Dhabi’s property sector, according to Almahri.

    “Abu Dhabi continues to benefit from strong economic growth, population expansion and ongoing government investment, which remain the key drivers of real estate demand,” he stated.

    Government initiatives designed to improve market stability strengthen confidence among both tenants and investors, he added, noting that tenants gain greater certainty when planning housing costs while investors benefit from Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a transparent, well-regulated and stable real estate market.

    The rent freeze policy is intended as a temporary market stabilization measure to ease pressure on tenants and businesses following a period of strong rental growth. Analysts have said such measures are most effective when accompanied by continued housing supply and a clear exit strategy to minimize longer-term market distortions.

    Outlook and Tenant Advice

    Looking ahead, Almahri expects landlords to continue offering flexible leasing arrangements rather than significant rent reductions as the primary tool for attracting and retaining tenants.

    He advised tenants negotiating new leases or renewals to focus on the overall lease package, including payment flexibility, maintenance responsibilities and contract terms, rather than concentrating solely on the rental price.

    The strategic shift in Abu Dhabi’s rental market contrasts with conditions in Dubai, where high-supply communities are seeing increased negotiating power for tenants as new handovers increase competition among landlords in select areas.

  • Abu Dhabi Records Dh117 Billion in Real Estate Transactions in H1 2026

    Abu Dhabi Records Dh117 Billion in Real Estate Transactions in H1 2026

    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.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Market Rebounds as Buyer Activity Recovers 95%

    Abu Dhabi Property Market Rebounds as Buyer Activity Recovers 95%

    Based on in-house analysis of Abu Dhabi property activity between January and June 2026, Bayut and dubizzle recorded clear performance metrics across key demand indicators by Week 14. Property views recovered to 95% of the 2026 baseline, while impressions recovered to 83%, active users to 80%, and unique buyers to 87%, pointing to a gradual but consistent return to normalcy in search and inquiry behavior.

    “Abu Dhabi’s property market has continued to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong fundamentals, improving user activity and a clear appetite for quality residential communities,” said Haider Khan, CEO of Bayut and dubizzle and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA.

    Agent Activity Remains Highly Resilient

    The latest data shows that agent activity across Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has remained highly resilient. Daily agent responses across Bayut and dubizzle in Abu Dhabi now stand at 102% of the 2026 baseline, suggesting that real estate professionals across the emirate have continued to actively engage with property seekers to match market momentum.

    Bayut and dubizzle’s AI-led analysis of more than 7,000 property inquiry calls recorded through their platforms in Abu Dhabi further highlights the strength of underlying demand. The analysis showed that the split between sales and rental inquiries remained stable, with sales accounting for 54% of calls and rentals 46%.

    “The market is benefiting from a more structured and transparent regulatory environment. ADREC’s continued focus on strengthening the sector, along with measures such as the recent rent freeze announcement, gives tenants, landlords and real estate professionals greater clarity when making decisions,” added Khan.

    Emerging Residential Hubs Attract Strong Tenant Interest

    Bayut and dubizzle’s area-level analysis points to notable recovery in several popular rental communities across Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, with several apartment areas moving above baseline levels of user activity.

    For rental apartments, communities such as Masdar City, Al Reef, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Al Khalidiyah and Al Reem Island have recorded a strong recovery in views, with many of these areas now returning to pre-conflict levels of demand. This suggests that established apartment communities, waterfront destinations and emerging residential hubs continue to attract strong interest from tenants.

    Villa rental communities also recorded significant recovery in user activity, with several areas moving well above baseline levels. Al Shamkha saw particularly strong traction, while Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Al Reef, Khalifa City and Yas Island also remained among the most active villa rental communities.

    Sales Activity Reflects Demand Across Ready and Off-Plan Segments

    Within the ready sales segment of Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, apartment communities such as Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island continued to show steady user interest. These communities remain relevant for buyers exploring established waterfront, island and urban residential options in Abu Dhabi.

    For ready-sale villas, Al Shamkha recorded particularly strong recovery across both impressions and views, moving above baseline levels. Al Reef and Khalifa City also remained key areas of interest, with recovery broadly ranging from the 80% to 130% band across user activity indicators.

    Off-plan activity also showed continued interest in Abu Dhabi’s emerging and lifestyle-led communities. For off-plan apartments, Masdar City recorded a strong recovery, while Zayed City, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Hudayriat Island continued to attract attention from users exploring future-ready residential options.

    In the off-plan villa segment, Ramhan Island, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island remained among the notable areas for user interest. These figures indicate that premium island communities and master-planned destinations continue to remain relevant for buyers considering long-term residential and investment opportunities.

    The emirate’s property rebound follows Abu Dhabi’s temporary rent freeze announced earlier this month, a move aimed at stabilizing housing costs amid double-digit rent growth in some segments. The recovery also aligns with broader market momentum across the UAE, where Dubai’s real estate launches hit a record $75 billion in the first half of 2026.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Market Rebounds as Buyer Activity Recovers 95%

    Abu Dhabi Property Market Rebounds as Buyer Activity Recovers 95%

    New data from property portals Bayut and dubizzle shows a broad-based recovery in market activity during the first half of 2026, with property searches, buyer enquiries and agent engagement rebounding steadily across the emirate’s most sought-after residential communities.

    According to the platforms’ analysis of user activity between January and June, property views recovered to 95% of their 2026 baseline by Week 14, while property impressions reached 83%, active users climbed to 80% and unique buyers recovered to 87%. The figures point to a gradual return in buyer confidence despite geopolitical volatility that briefly weighed on regional markets.

    The recovery mirrors broader trends in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector. Data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) shows the emirate has continued to attract domestic and international investors, supported by long-term residency initiatives, expanding freehold ownership opportunities, major infrastructure investments and a diversified non-oil economy.

    Daily agent responses have risen to 102% of the year’s baseline, indicating that real estate professionals have remained actively engaged with buyers and tenants throughout the recovery period.

    An artificial intelligence-led analysis of more than 7,000 property enquiry calls recorded through the platforms further underlined the market’s stability. Sales enquiries accounted for 54% of all calls, while rentals represented 46%, suggesting balanced demand across both segments.

    “Abu Dhabi’s property market has continued to demonstrate resilience, supported by improving user activity and sustained demand for quality residential communities,” said Haider Khan, CEO of Bayut and dubizzle and CEO of Dubizzle Group Mena.

    The rental market has shown particularly strong momentum. Apartment communities including Masdar City, Al Reef, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Al Khalidiyah and Al Reem Island have returned close to or above pre-disruption demand levels, reflecting continued interest in waterfront developments and well-connected residential districts.

    Demand for villa rentals has also strengthened, led by Al Shamkha, Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa City, Al Reef and Yas Island, attracting families seeking larger homes and access to schools, healthcare and lifestyle amenities.

    Among ready properties, apartments in Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island remained the preferred destinations for end-users and investors, while Al Shamkha, Al Reef and Khalifa City led demand for ready villas.

    Interest in Abu Dhabi’s off-plan market has also remained robust. Buyers continued to favour apartment projects in Masdar City, Zayed City, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Hudayriat Island, reflecting confidence in the emirate’s long-term urban development strategy. Premium villa destinations such as Ramhan Island, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island also attracted sustained investor attention.

    The market’s resilience comes as Abu Dhabi froze all rent increases in early June 2026, providing greater certainty for tenants and landlords. The emirate is also managing over 600 infrastructure projects worth more than Dh200 billion as part of its economic diversification strategy.

    According to global property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell, thousands of new residential units are scheduled for delivery over the next three years, but demand is expected to remain supported by population growth, expanding business activity and government-led economic diversification under Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy strategy.

    Analysts note that population growth and job creation continue to underpin demand for quality housing across both the ownership and rental markets, positioning the emirate’s residential sector for measured growth as it enters the second half of 2026.

  • Abu Dhabi Freezes Rents on All Residential and Commercial Properties

    Abu Dhabi Freezes Rents on All Residential and Commercial Properties

    Abu Dhabi has imposed a comprehensive rent freeze across its property market, extending to residential, commercial and industrial sectors as authorities prioritize market stability and tenant protection.

    According to ADREC, all tenancy contract renewals will be processed at 0 percent increase for the duration of the measure. Any new tenancy contract on a previously rented unit will be offered at the same rental value as the preceding contract, effectively capping prices at current levels.

    The decision is designed to maintain rental price stability across Abu Dhabi while ensuring greater transparency and predictability for tenants, according to the regulator.

    The rent freeze is designed to maintain rental price stability across Abu Dhabi while ensuring greater transparency and predictability for tenants.

    The freeze comes as the emirate experiences significant rent appreciation across multiple asset classes. According to JLL’s latest Real Estate Market Dynamics report, Abu Dhabi’s prime office rents surged 11.7 percent year-on-year, while Grade A and Grade B office spaces recorded increases of 5.1 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively.

    In the industrial segment, Abu Dhabi achieved 18.2 percent growth with rents averaging AED486 per square meter in Q1 2026, reflecting sustained occupier demand and constrained supply.

    The capital’s residential market has also demonstrated strong momentum. According to recent data, Abu Dhabi property prices jumped 6.4% in the first quarter of 2026, with the ValuStrat Price Index climbing to 148 points.

    The freeze represents a significant policy intervention in a market that has seen rapid appreciation driven by population growth, economic diversification and infrastructure development. It follows similar measures in neighboring Dubai, where authorities have historically employed rental caps tied to market indices.

    No end date for the temporary measure has been announced. ADREC stated the freeze will remain in effect “until further notice,” leaving landlords and tenants uncertain about the timeline for a return to market-driven pricing.

    The decision may prompt developers and investors to reassess project timelines and yield expectations, particularly in segments where rental income forms a core component of investment returns. Meanwhile, tenants across the emirate are expected to benefit from immediate cost certainty as UAE office rents surge in prime locations.

  • Abu Dhabi Home Sales Rebound in April with 3,200 Transactions

    Abu Dhabi Home Sales Rebound in April with 3,200 Transactions

    Residential property activity in Abu Dhabi demonstrated resilience through March and April, with transaction volumes and values in April returning to levels seen earlier in the year, according to new market insights released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Adrec).

    Data covering the past eight weeks shows that residential unit sales softened slightly in March before gathering pace again in April. Around 2,600 residential transactions were recorded in March, compared with approximately 2,700 in January and 3,100 in February. April saw more than 3,200 residential unit sales, surpassing transaction volumes from the first two months of the year.

    In value terms, April marked a strong month, with residential sales exceeding Dh13 billion, reflecting sustained buyer interest despite broader price stability across the market.

    Adrec noted that ready unit sales provide the clearest indication of near-term demand, as they reflect immediate purchasing decisions rather than forward commitments typically associated with off-plan transactions. Over the eight-week period, ready sales broadly tracked recent historical averages, with March recording 482 transactions worth around Dh1.2 billion. In April, ready sales recovered to 529 units with transaction values returning to around Dh1.6 billion, in line with earlier norms.

    Off-plan development activity remained steady over the period, with several major projects launched across the emirate. These included Modon’s Tara Park, Ohana Development’s Manchester City Yas Residences, Aldar’s Yas Park Place and Sobha City Abu Dhabi, underscoring continued confidence among developers and a steady pipeline of new supply entering the market. The Tara Park sell-out on Reem Island generated approximately AED2 billion in sales.

    On pricing, listing data suggested limited downward pressure. Roughly 90 per cent of residential listings recorded no change or posted price increases. Where reductions were made, they were generally modest, with between 85 per cent and 90 per cent of adjusted listings seeing decreases of less than 10 per cent, pointing to contained and selective repricing rather than broad-based declines.

    The rental market continued to expand, with the total number of active leased residential units rising steadily on a week-by-week basis throughout 2026. Adrec noted that while growth has moderated in line with trends seen over the past two to three years, high occupancy levels continue to underpin leasing activity across the emirate.

    The emirate’s performance follows the second-strongest quarter on record in Q1 2026, when transaction volumes in Abu Dhabi City exceeded 7,200 deals, just below the all-time peak of 7,600 recorded in Q4 2025.

    Adrec said the latest data release is part of its ongoing efforts to improve transparency and provide market participants with clearer insight into evolving real estate trends in Abu Dhabi, with transaction indicators and performance data available through its official platform.

  • Abu Dhabi Property Market Records $1.16 Billion Weekly Sales

    Abu Dhabi Property Market Records $1.16 Billion Weekly Sales

    The emirate’s real estate sector maintained strong performance in early March, with a villa in Hidd Al Saadiyat selling for Dh88 million, marking the highest ready property transaction of the week, according to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Adrec) data released March 10, 2026.

    A duplex at Four Seasons Private Residences on Saadiyat Island fetched Dh68 million, representing the week’s top off-plan sale. Al Reem Island alone recorded 115 transactions valued at Dh189 million, underscoring sustained demand across multiple segments.

    The weekly figures reinforce Abu Dhabi’s growth trajectory following exceptional 2025 performance. Total transaction volumes reached approximately 22,400 deals last year, up 55% year-on-year, while aggregate sales value climbed to Dh73.2 billion.

    “Overall, Abu Dhabi’s residential market enters 2026 from a position of strength, supported by disciplined supply, strong investor confidence, robust demand drivers, and a supportive macroeconomic backdrop,” according to Cavendish Maxwell.

    Apartments dominated 2025 activity, accounting for 66.1% of transactions, while villas and townhouses recorded strong growth driven by families and high-net-worth individuals seeking larger living spaces.

    Residential stock expanded with approximately 7,400 units completed in 2025, bringing total supply to around 315,000 units. While 15,900 units are projected for 2026 completion, actual deliveries are likely to range between 6,500-9,000 units based on recent handover trends.

    Pricing momentum remained robust across both sales and rental markets. Apartment sales prices increased 15.1% year-on-year, while villa prices rose 12.2%. Rental growth showed apartment rates up 12.5% and villa rents climbing 5.5%, with elevated rental levels reinforcing sales demand as tenants increasingly view homeownership as a cost-effective long-term option.

    The market’s resilience mirrors trends across the UAE, where Dubai recorded sustained momentum despite geopolitical headwinds. Abu Dhabi’s strong fundamentals entering 2026 position the emirate for continued growth, with sales prices and rental rates expected to record further increases in the near term, though growth pace will vary across communities as new supply enters the market.

    The market is expected to remain resilient throughout 2026, supported by measured supply delivery that prevents near-term imbalances while maintaining pricing strength across prime communities.

  • Abu Dhabi Introduces Digital Registration for Off-Plan Property Interest

    Abu Dhabi Introduces Digital Registration for Off-Plan Property Interest

    Abu Dhabi’s property sector has implemented a significant regulatory upgrade designed to strengthen transparency and safeguard investor funds in off-plan transactions.

    The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) now requires all developers launching new off-plan projects to register Expressions of Interest (EOIs) digitally through its Madhmoun platform. An EOI represents an early payment or commitment made by a buyer before a property project reaches completion.

    Under the new framework, EOI funds will be placed in a government-managed escrow account supervised by ADREC. This arrangement ensures that buyer payments are held securely and monitored before being transferred to developers, offering a higher level of financial protection than traditional manual or intermediary-based processes.

    The first project to operate under the updated system is Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, marking the operational rollout of the digital registration requirement.

    ADREC emphasized that the new system reduces risks associated with manual fund handling and introduces a digital refund mechanism if required. Officials stated that the changes are designed to protect investors while maintaining a clear and efficient process for developers.

    “The move is part of wider efforts to improve transparency, strengthen regulation and modernise Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector,” ADREC said in a statement.

    The initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to positioning itself as a secure and transparent real estate investment destination. The digital EOI system adds a layer of regulatory oversight that aligns with broader efforts across the UAE to enhance buyer confidence and market stability.

    The regulatory development comes as UAE property markets continue to attract significant investor interest, with Dubai recording over 200,000 transactions in 2025 and major developers reporting record-breaking sales figures.

    Abu Dhabi’s emphasis on modernizing its real estate infrastructure through digital solutions reflects a strategic approach to maintaining investor trust and supporting sustainable market growth in a competitive regional environment.