Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Residential unit sales in Abu Dhabi emirate reached Dh70.4 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with Dh25.3 billion in the same period last year, representing a 178.3% increase year on year, according to data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
Off-plan transactions accounted for 89% of residential sales value and 82% of deals during the period. The 10 leading developers accounted for 90% of off-plan primary sales, valued at Dh51 billion, while 10 projects represented 43% of residential unit sales, worth Dh30 billion.
In the ready-property market, 61% of purchases were completed in cash, the report said.
Emirati buyers committed Dh21 billion to residential property purchases, compared with Dh8.9 billion in the first half of 2025. Resident expatriates and non-resident foreign buyers together accounted for 70% of residential sales value.
Hudayriyat Island recorded residential sales of Dh19 billion, representing 27% of the emirate’s total residential sales value. Saadiyat Island followed with Dh13.3 billion, while Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, which operate within the Abu Dhabi Global Market area, together recorded Dh10.5 billion. Yas Island accounted for Dh7.3 billion.
ADREC said its Real Estate Market Report for the first half presented registered data covering supply and demand, price movements, investment activity and projected supply across the emirate.
“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,” Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, said.
He said every registered sale, tenancy contract and mortgage helped ADREC track the market’s direction and respond with greater precision.
“The largest share of residential sales value went to homes not yet built, which places the weight of our regulatory work before completion,” Al Omaira said.
ADREC remained focused on providing clarity, confidence and fairness to market participants through reliable information, protected buyer funds and rules that applied across market cycles, he added.
Repeat-sale prices increased 20% year on year for apartments and 12% for villas.
Abu Dhabi emirate recorded 233,000 active residential lease contracts during the first half. Their combined value reached Dh9.3 billion, up 8% year on year, while the number of contracts increased 2%.
New-lease prices rose 17% for apartments and 9% for villas. Within investment zones, new-lease prices increased 21% for apartments and 16% for villas, with month-on-month growth reaching 1.6% in December and January.
Rental properties represented 69% of occupied residential units in Abu Dhabi Region.
The emirate’s residential supply reached approximately 409,000 units, representing average annual growth of 2.9% since 2022. Abu Dhabi Region recorded average annual growth of 3.3% and accounted for 79% of the emirate’s residential stock.
About 71,000 additional residential units are projected to be added across the emirate by 2030, with deliveries expected to peak at approximately 21,800 units in 2028.
Development projects are expected to account for 77% of the growth in Abu Dhabi Region’s residential supply between the second half of 2026 and 2030, while units arising from building permits are projected to represent the remaining 23%.
Investment zones accounted for more than 22% of the emirate’s residential stock in the first half, with approximately 72,000 units. Al Reem Island led with 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
Six districts are expected to account for 77% of the projected incremental residential supply through 2030: Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Hudayriyat Island.
Nine major developers represented 76% of the development-project pipeline, comprising high-end and mid-market apartment and villa communities located predominantly within investment zones.
In the commercial property market, retail supply reached 3.85 million square metres of gross leasable area, representing annualised growth of 5%. Occupancy remained in the mid-90% range, while new-lease prices increased 9%.
Office supply reached 3.4 million square metres, up 0.3% from the end of 2025. Occupancy stood at 95% across the overall office market as well as the prime and Grade A segments, while new-lease prices rose 13%.
