Abu Dhabi real estate transactions rise 76% to AED 171 billion in the first nine months of 2026

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has reported that the value of real estate transactions in the emirate reached AED 171.26 billion in the first nine months of 2026. This is an increase of 76.1% on the AED 97.19 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. The results were published by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on 7 November 2026.

The key facts

• Total activity: 38,483 transactions worth AED 171.26 billion, up 76.1% in value and 32.8% in volume year on year.
• Sales: 23,749 sales transactions worth AED 119.33 billion, up 105% in value and 49.2% in volume.
• Mortgages: 14,390 mortgage transactions worth AED 45.92 billion, up 30.2% in value and 13.2% in volume.
• Leading districts by value: Al Reem Island (AED 29.86 billion), Al Hudayriyat Island (AED 28.62 billion), Al Saadiyat Island (AED 18.69 billion), Yas Island (AED 13.4 billion) and Zayed City (AED 5.36 billion).
• Foreign investment: foreign investment in investment zones rose 131% to AED 86.11 billion, or 81% of total investment value in those zones.
• Non-resident investors: foreign direct investment by non-resident individuals reached AED 17.22 billion, from investors of 121 nationalities. The United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, France and Germany were among the leading sources.
• New supply and regulation: ADREC registered 54 new development projects and issued 3,677 real estate professional licences, an increase of 32%.
• Transparency: in JLL's 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index, Abu Dhabi rose from 41st place in 2024 to 33rd, and ranked second in the Middle East and North Africa.

Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, said: "The scale of investment shows how many people and businesses are making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi."

Why it matters for international clients

Many of the leading investor nationalities named by ADREC are the same countries our clients come from: the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, France and Germany. The figures show that buyers from these markets are committing capital to the UAE at scale, and that the regulatory framework around the market continues to develop.

For families and investors, a property purchase in the UAE is rarely only a property decision. How the asset is held, whether personally or through a company, affects ongoing tax and compliance, succession planning and how rental income or a later sale is treated, both in the UAE and in your home country.

What to do

• Decide on the holding structure before you buy. Our guide to UAE holding companies sets out the main options, and our corporate tax service covers the position of any company that holds property.
• Budget for the full cost of acquisition. Our guide to Dubai property purchase costs sets out the typical fees for a purchase in Dubai.
• If you are relocating, review your residence options and your tax position in your current country. See our Golden Visa guide, our country guides and our international tax service.

Sources

• Abu Dhabi Media Office: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre records 76.1% year-on-year increase in transaction value, reaching AED171.2bn+ during first 9 months of 2026 (7 November 2026)
• The National: Abu Dhabi property transactions jump 76% to Dh171bn in first nine months of 2026 (7 November 2026)
• Gulf News: Abu Dhabi real estate transactions surge 76% to Dh171.26 billion in 2026 (7 November 2026)

This page gives general information as at the date shown and is not advice for your specific situation. Rules in other countries are summarised for orientation; your home-country position should be confirmed before you act.