Resident expatriates and non-resident foreign investors accounted for more than 70% of residential unit sales value in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2026, according to data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Adrec) and reported by Khaleej Times. Top resident-expat buyer nationalities included Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Russia, the UK, and the US; top non-resident foreign-investor nationalities included China, France, Germany, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Russia, Taiwan, the UK, and the US.
Total residential unit sales reached Dh70.4 billion in H1 2026, up from Dh25.3 billion in H1 2025. Off-plan transactions made up 89% of sales value and 82% of deal count; in the completed (ready) market, 61% of purchases were made in cash. Emirati buyers committed Dh21 billion in H1 2026, against Dh8.9 billion a year earlier.
By district, Hudayriyat Island led with Dh19 billion (27% of residential sales value), followed by Saadiyat Island (Dh13.3 billion), Al Reem Island/Al Maryah Island (Dh10.5 billion), and Yas Island (Dh7.3 billion). Repeat-sale prices rose 20% year-on-year for apartments and 12% for villas.
Adrec reported residential supply at approximately 409,000 units as of H1 2026, growing at an average 2.9% a year since 2022, with roughly 71,000 additional units projected by 2030 and deliveries expected to peak around 21,800 units in 2028. Adrec director general Rashed Al Omaira said 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.”
References
Khaleej Times – Expat residents, foreign investors top Abu Dhabi property buyers in 2026
