Abu Dhabi Residential Sales Reach AED 70.4 Billion

24 August 2026 · 3 min read ·

Abu Dhabi recorded AED 70.4 billion in residential sales during the first half of 2026. That compares with AED 25.3 billion in the same period of 2025.

The figures come from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, known as ADREC. Its H1 2026 report uses registered sales, lease and mortgage transactions across the emirate.

Off plan sales led the market

Off plan transactions made up 89% of residential sales value and 82% of deals. This shows how much of the market is linked to homes that are still being built.

For buyers, the practical point is simple. Review the project registration, escrow arrangements, expected completion date and contract terms before paying. Market growth does not replace checks on an individual property.

Repeat sales prices also increased. Apartment prices rose 20% year on year, while villa prices rose 12%. These are market measures from registered transactions. They are not a price guide for every building or community.

The rental market stayed active

Abu Dhabi had 233,000 active residential lease contracts in H1 2026. Their total value reached AED 9.3 billion, up 8% from a year earlier. Contract volume increased by 2%.

These figures matter to owners and tenants. Owners can compare their unit with recent contracts in the same building and area. Tenants can review location, size, condition and contract terms before deciding if an asking rent is reasonable.

More homes are planned through 2030

Residential supply reached about 409,000 units. ADREC projects around 71,000 more units across the emirate by 2030, with deliveries expected to peak at about 21,800 units in 2028.

Six districts are expected to provide 77% of this added supply. They are Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Hudayriyat Island.

Future supply can give buyers more choice. Timing, property type and the delivery record of the developer still need to be checked for each purchase.

Four areas recorded major sales values

Hudayriyat Island led residential sales value with AED 19 billion, equal to 27% of the emirate total. Saadiyat Island followed with AED 13.3 billion. Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island recorded AED 10.5 billion together, while Yas Island reached AED 7.3 billion.

Resident expatriates and non resident foreign buyers together accounted for 70% of residential sales value. The data shows the scale of international participation in Abu Dhabi’s housing market.

The H1 report gives buyers a useful market view. The next step is property level research using current records, approved documents and a clear budget.

Source: ADREC, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Report H1 2026

ADM: 202402335860