Abu Dhabi’s property market opened 2026 with its strongest quarter on record, as transactions reached Dh66 billion, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre. That marked a 160.7% increase from a year earlier.
A total of 13,518 deals were recorded in the first three months of the year, compared with Dh25.31 billion across 6,896 transactions in the same period of 2025. Sales and purchases led the growth, climbing to Dh50.97 billion, while mortgage activity rose to Dh15.03 billion.
Activity was concentrated in key investment locations. Hudayriyat Island topped the market with Dh11.97 billion in transactions, followed by Reem Island at Dh9.45 billion, Saadiyat Island at Dh8.8 billion, and Yas Island with more than Dh5.5 billion.
Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, said:
“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.”
He added:
“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.”
Foreign direct investment also surged in the quarter, rising 423% to Dh8.27 billion and matching the total recorded for the year. Investors from 99 nationalities participated in the market, up from 68 a year earlier.
Sixteen new projects were registered during the quarter, up 60% from last year, while residential supply is projected to rise by more than 10,000 units in 2026. Leasing activity also remained strong, with repeat lease prices up 16% year-on-year in March.
Explore properties for sale in Abu Dhabi with Primo Capital Real Estate Agency. Visit primocapital.ae to discover the latest opportunities.
