Abu Dhabi has just recorded the strongest first half in its property market's history. According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), total transaction value reached AED 117 billion, up 112% year-on-year, while the number of transactions rose 61.7%. The volume increase is the important detail: the growth isn't just a handful of large deals inflating the average.
Sales led the way
Sales transactions rose 163.7% in value to AED 86.1 billion across 16,838 deals. Mortgage transactions grew 33.5% to AED 26.7 billion. Mortgage growth matters because it shows end-users and financed buyers are active, not only cash investors.
International capital is arriving at scale
Foreign direct investment reached AED 13.8 billion, already more than the total for the whole of 2025. Non-resident investors came from 116 nationalities, led by the UK, China, Russia, the US, Germany and France. Investment zones, open to all nationalities, attracted AED 75 billion, up 181% on the same period last year.
Where the activity is
Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Al Hudayriyat led activity in the first half. These are the areas where buyer demand, developer launches and infrastructure are moving in the same direction.
What to watch in the second half
Strong numbers don't make every purchase a good one. Activity moderated in Q2, and Q3 data will show whether that was a pause or the start of a broader adjustment. Supply is the other factor, with more than 53,000 units due between now and the end of 2028. For buyers, the takeaway is simple. The market is deep, liquid and increasingly international, but project selection, developer track record and entry price matter more than ever. Looking at Abu Dhabi for your next investment? Speak to the MD Real Estate team for an honest view on which projects fit your goals.
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