The latest data issued by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center (ADREC), the body responsible for regulating the real estate sector in the emirate, showed that the real estate market achieved its best quarterly performance ever. The first quarter of 2026 witnessed a strong growth in transaction value by 160.7% compared to the same period in 2025.
According to the report, the total value of real estate transactions amounted to 66 billion dirhams during the first three months of this year, compared to 25.31 billion dirhams in the same period last year. This was done by implementing more than 13,518 transactions, compared to about 6,896 transactions previously. This indicates an accelerated pace of growth and confirms Abu Dhabi’s position as an important investment destination regionally and internationally.
Buying and selling transactions accounted for the largest portion of activity, recording a growth of 228.6% to reach 50.97 billion dirhams through more than 8,940 transactions, an increase of 134% in the number of transactions on an annual basis.
Mortgage transactions also recorded an increase of 53.4%, reaching 15.03 billion dirhams through more than 4,578 transactions, an increase of 48.8% in number. This indicates strong demand, the expansion of the investor base, and the diversity of financing tools.
At the regional level, Al Hudayriat Island topped the list of the most active areas with a value of transactions amounting to 11.97 billion dirhams, followed by Al Reem Island with a value of 9.45 billion dirhams, then Saadiyat Island with a value of 8.8 billion dirhams, while Yas Island exceeded the barrier of 5.5 billion dirhams. This geographical distribution of real estate activity reflects its spread throughout the emirate.
Rashid Al Amira, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center, stressed that this performance “does not reflect mere digital growth, but rather indicates a market based on real and sustainable demand, and enhances investors’ confidence in the local economy.” He pointed out that this momentum “is linked to high levels of governance and transparency, and a focus on long-term investment within a clear regulatory framework that supports the emirate’s attractiveness.”
Indicators revealed continued strong demand, as rental prices recorded an increase of 16% on an annual basis until last March, in addition to a noticeable expansion in development projects. 16 new projects were launched during the first quarter, an increase of 60% compared to the previous year, with expectations of adding more than 10,272 housing units during 2026, an annual growth of approximately 3.3%.
The strong performance of foreign direct investment also emerged, as individual investments reached 8.27 billion dirhams during the first quarter, an increase of 423% compared to the same period in 2025, which is equivalent to the total investments of last year. The number of investors’ nationalities increased to 99, which reflects the expanding international presence in the market.
Foreign investments in investment zones constituted about 84% of the total investments, with a value exceeding 36.4 billion dirhams out of 43.59 billion dirhams, achieving a growth of 242%. There were significant contributions from markets such as the UK, India, China, Russia, France, Egypt, among others, demonstrating the growing global confidence in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector.
