ADREC reports a value of AED 66bn representing a 160.7% increase across 13,518 deals in the first quarter of 2026 in the emirate, compared to AED 25.31bn from 6,896 transactions in the same period of 2025.
Sales and purchases amounted to AED 50.97bn through 8,940 transactions, reflecting a 228.6% rise in value and a 134% rise in comparison to Q1 2025.
Mortgage transactions have also reached AED 15.03bn through 4,578 transactions, which represents a 53.4% increase in value and a 48.8% increase in volume year-on-year.
Hudayriyat Island was the top area for real estate transactions, noting deals amounting to approximately AED 11.97bn. It was preceded by Reem Island, with AED 9.45bn, and Saadiyat Island, with AED 8.8bn, while Yas Island recorded activity surpassing AED 5.5bn in transactions.
“This quarter’s performance is a clear reflection of the confidence Abu Dhabi continues to earn from investors both locally and internationally. Reaching a record level of activity is not only a sign of demand, but it signals a market that is becoming more disciplined, with a clear focus on long-term investment.
“Our role as ADREC is to ensure this growth is supported through consistent oversight and a regulatory framework that upholds trust and accountability across the sector.
“This is what gives Abu Dhabi its strength. It is not about short-term momentum, but a market built on strong fundamentals, positioning it as a reliable investment destination.”
Rashed Al Omaira, Director-General, ADREC
Indications in the market continue to illustrate strong and maintained demand across Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, with leasing activity sustaining growth into March.
While demand continues to outrun supply, the market is supported by a mounting development pipeline with 16 new real estate projects registered during the quarter, a 60% increase compared to the same timeframe as last year.
Residential supply in the Abu Dhabi region is expected to increase by 10,272 units in 2026, increasing from 314,976 to 325,248, representing annual growth of 3.3%. Supply is projected to grow further in 2027, indicating a market that continues to grow on solid foundations.
Exceptional growth was highlighted in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with total investments by individuals reaching AED 8.27bn, reaching a 423% increase compared to Q1 2025 and equivalent to the total foreign direct investment recorded in 2025.
Investors from 99 nationalities attributed to this performance, an increase from 68 nationalities during the same period last year.
Foreign investment activity remained strong within investment zones, with approximately 84% of total investment value, outpacing AED 36.4bn out of a total AED 43.59bn. This represents a 242% increase in contrast to the same period last year, with vital contributing markets including the United Kingdom, India, the Russian Federation, China, Jordan, France, and Egypt.
