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.









