Abu Dhabi Real Estate Transactions Surge to $17.97bn in Q1 Performance

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector recorded a historic first quarter in 2026, with total transaction value reaching $17.97 billion (AED66 billion), marking a 160.7 percent increase year-on-year.

Data released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) shows that the total was achieved across 13,518 transactions, compared to $6.89 billion (AED25.31 billion) from 6,896 deals in Q1 2025, highlighting a significant acceleration in market activity.

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, it signals a market that is becoming more disciplined, with a clear focus on long-term investment,

said H.E. Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC.

The data points to sustained momentum across both domestic and international investment segments, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a stable and attractive real estate market.

Strong growth across sales and mortgages

Sales and purchase transactions totalled $13.87 billion (AED50.97 billion) through 8,940 deals, representing a 228.6 percent increase in value and a 134 percent rise in volume compared to the same period last year.

Mortgage transactions also showed strong growth, reaching $4.09 billion (AED15.03 billion) across 4,578 transactions, up 53.4 percent in value and 48.8 percent in volume year-on-year.

Hudayriyat Island emerged as the leading area for real estate transactions in Q1, recording approximately $3.26 billion (AED11.97 billion) in deals.

It was followed by Reem Island with $2.57 billion (AED9.45 billion), Saadiyat Island with $2.39 billion (AED8.8 billion), and Yas Island with more than $1.5 billion (AED5.5 billion) in transactions.

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,

added Al Omaira.

Expanding development pipeline supports demand

Market indicators show continued demand across Abu Dhabi’s property sector, with leasing activity maintaining upward momentum into March. The repeat lease price index recorded a 16 percent annual increase compared to March 2025.

To support this demand, 16 new real estate projects were registered during the quarter, marking a 60 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Residential supply is projected to increase by 10,272 units in 2026, bringing total stock from 314,976 to 325,248 units, with further growth expected in 2027 to reach 333,564 units.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector recorded significant growth, reaching $2.25 billion (AED8.27 billion) in Q1 2026, a 423 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Investors from 99 nationalities participated in the market, up from 68 nationalities in Q1 2025, reflecting the emirate’s growing global appeal.

Foreign investment accounted for approximately 84 percent of activity within designated investment zones, exceeding $11.6 billion (AED36.4 billion) out of a total $11.87 billion (AED43.59 billion), representing a 242 percent increase year-on-year.

Key investor markets included the United Kingdom, India, the Russian Federation, China, Jordan, France, and Egypt.

ADREC continues to implement regulatory measures aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening governance, and ensuring balanced growth across the sector.

The latest performance underscores Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a mature, resilient market, supported by strong fundamentals, expanding supply, and increasing international investor participation.