Abu Dhabi’s real estate transactions surged 76.1% year-on-year to AED171.26 billion ($46.63 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger property sales and a jump in foreign investment fuelled growth in the emirate’s market, according to data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). The number of transactions rose 32.8% to 38,483, compared with 28,977 in the same period of 2025.
Property sales accounted for the largest share of activity: 23,749 deals worth AED119.33 billion, with sales value more than doubling from AED58.20 billion a year earlier. Mortgage transactions rose 30.2% in value to AED45.92 billion, on 14,390 deals, up 13.2%.
Foreign investment in the emirate’s designated investment zones climbed 131% to AED86.11 billion, making up 81% of total investment value in those areas. Foreign direct investment by non-resident individuals reached AED17.22 billion, more than double the AED8.2 billion recorded for all of 2025, with buyers from 121 nationalities — led by the UK, China, Russia, the US, France and Germany.
By district, Al Reem Island recorded the highest transaction value at AED29.86 billion, followed by Al Hudayriyat Island (AED28.62 billion) and Al Saadiyat Island (AED18.69 billion). ADREC said these two islands, together with Yas Island, Zayed City and Khalifa City, are expected to account for 77% of incremental supply through 2030.
“The scale of investment shows how many people and businesses are making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi,” said Rashed Al Omaira, ADREC’s director general. “Buyers expect projects to be delivered, businesses need space to grow, and residents want communities that work well over time.”
ADREC also registered 54 new development projects and issued 3,677 licences to real estate professionals in the period, up 32% year-on-year, and introduced a new mandatory licensing course for brokers. Abu Dhabi separately climbed eight places to 33rd in JLL’s 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index, moving into the “transparent” category.
References
Arab News – Abu Dhabi property deals jump 76% to $47bn in first 9 months
