Abu Dhabi records a record growth of 160% in real estate transactions during the first quarter of 2026
ABU DHABI, 7 APRIL / WAM / The latest data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center (ADREC), the body responsible for regulating the real estate sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, revealed that the real estate market in the emirate recorded the highest quarterly performance in its history, after real estate transactions achieved a remarkable growth of 160.7% during the first quarter of 2026 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, through the implementation of more than 13,518 real estate transactions compared to about 6,896 transactions during the first quarter of 2025, in an indicator that reflects the acceleration of the pace of growth and the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive regional and global center for real estate investment.
The report indicated that purchase and sale transactions accounted for the largest share of real estate activity, recording a growth of 228.6% during the first quarter of 2026, reaching a value of 50.97 billion dirhams through the implementation of more than 8,940 transactions, an increase of 134% in the number of transactions compared to the same period last year.
The value of mortgage transactions also increased by 53.4% to reach 15.03 billion dirhams through the implementation of more than 4,578 transactions, a growth of 48.8% in the number of transactions on an annual basis, which reflects the strength of demand and the expansion of the investor base, in addition to the diversity of financing tools and the continued investment momentum in the market.
Al Hudayriat Island topped the list of the most active areas in terms of the value of real estate transactions, recording about 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 the value of real estate transactions on Yas Island exceeded the barrier of 5.5 billion dirhams, reflecting the breadth of real estate activity, its geographical diversity, and the continued strength of demand in various regions of the emirate.
Rashid Al Amira, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, said that the exceptional performance witnessed by the real estate market in Abu Dhabi is not limited to achieving high growth rates, but rather reflects a market based on solid foundations of actual demand and sustainability, and clearly embodies investors’ confidence in the Abu Dhabi economy.
He added that achieving record levels of activity represents an indication of high levels of governance and transparency in the market, with a clear focus on long-term investment, stressing that the center continues to support growth within a framework of transparency, credibility, and clear laws and regulations, which enhances confidence and consolidates Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a reliable investment destination based on sustainable foundations and not short-term momentum.
Market indicators showed continued strong demand across various real estate sectors, as leasing activity maintained its momentum until March, with the rental price index recording an annual increase of 16% compared to March 2025, an indication of continued demand from final buyers and investors.
In light of demand outweighing supply, the market witnessed a noticeable expansion in real estate development projects supported by growing development plans, as 16 new real estate projects were registered during the first quarter of this year, an increase of 60% compared to the same period last year. It is expected that the residential supply in Abu Dhabi will increase by more than 10,272 units during the year 2026, with an annual growth rate of about 3.3%, with expectations of continued expansion during 2027, which reflects a market that continues to expand. Growth on solid foundations.
The report highlighted the exceptional performance of foreign direct investment, as the value of individual investments reached 8.27 billion dirhams during the first quarter of 2026, a growth of 423% compared to the same period in 2025, which is equivalent to the total foreign direct investment recorded during the entire year 2025.
The number of nationalities of foreign investors also increased to 99 nationalities, compared to 68 nationalities during the same period last year, in a clear indication of the expansion of the international investor base and the increasing attractiveness of the real estate market in the emirate.
Foreign investments in investment zones also maintained their strong momentum, as they constituted about 84% of the total value of real estate investments, exceeding 36.4 billion dirhams out of 43.59 billion dirhams, recording a growth of 242% compared to the same period last year, while the most prominent contributing markets included the United Kingdom, India, Russia, China, Jordan, France and Egypt.
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