Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre records Dhs117 billion in real estate transactions during H1 2026

Abu Dhabi's real estate market has experienced a dramatic surge in activity, with transactions totaling Dhs117 billion in the first half of 2026. This figure marks a significant 112% increase compared to the first six months of 2025, underscoring the emirate's growing appeal as a global investment hub. The number of real estate transactions also saw a substantial rise of 61.7%.

Sales transactions were the primary driver of this growth, escalating by 163.7% to Dhs86.1 billion across 16,838 deals. This surge indicates robust actual demand and an expanding base of investors. Mortgage transactions also demonstrated healthy growth, increasing by 33.5% to Dhs26.7 billion through 8,876 transactions. Musataha, long-term leases, and gift transactions collectively added approximately Dhs4 billion and Dhs311.5 million, respectively.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Abu Dhabi's real estate sector reached unprecedented levels, soaring by 309% to Dhs13.8 billion in the first half of 2026. This performance surpassed the total FDI achieved throughout the entirety of 2025, setting a new record for the first half of any year. The data reflects a significant increase in international investor confidence and the market's attractiveness. Notably, the diversity of foreign investors grew, with 116 nationalities represented, up from 82 in the same period last year. Key sources of FDI included the United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, Germany, and France.

Rashed Al Omaira, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), highlighted the importance of transparency and reliable data in driving investment decisions. "Investment decisions begin long before any transaction is completed," Al Omaira stated. "They start with a clear understanding of the market, its trends and the regulatory frameworks governing it. From this standpoint, our focus at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre is on providing investors with the highest level of clarity and credibility from the outset through a transparent regulatory framework and reliable, continuously updated market data, giving them a strong basis to assess investment opportunities and make long-term decisions."

Investment zones in Abu Dhabi, open to all nationalities, attracted Dhs75 billion in the first half of 2026, an 181% increase from the previous year. This sustained growth, according to Al Omaira, is measured not just by scale but by how it is achieved, emphasizing sustainable development within the market.

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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. From this standpoint, our focus at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre is on providing investors with the highest level of clarity and credibility from the outset through a transparent regulatory framework and reliable, continuously updated market data, giving them a strong basis to assess investment opportunities and make long-term decisions.