Abu Dhabi, UAE – The latest market data issued by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center (ADREC), the body responsible for regulating the real estate sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, revealed that real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi recorded a total value of 117 billion dirhams during the first half of 2026. With a growth of 112% compared to the same period in 2025, the number of transactions increased by 61.7%. Emphasizing the status of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global destination for real estate investment.
Sales transactions topped real estate activity during the first half of the year, after their value jumped by 163.7% to reach 86.1 billion dirhams with the implementation of 16,838 transactions. Compared to the same period last year, an indicator that reflects continued strong actual demand and a broad investor base.
Mortgage transactions recorded a remarkable growth of 33.5% to reach 26.7 billion dirhams through 8,876 transactions. The value of settlement transactions and long-term leases amounted to approximately 4 billion dirhams, while the value of endowment transactions amounted to 311.5 million dirhams.
The center’s data revealed the performance of foreign direct investments, which recorded 13.8 billion dirhams during the first half of 2026, an increase of 309% compared to the same period last year.
The value of foreign direct investments recorded during the first six months of the year exceeded the total achieved during the entire year of 2025. This marks the highest level of foreign direct investment ever during the first half of the year. This reflects the growing confidence of international investors and the attractiveness of the real estate market in Abu Dhabi.
The number of nationalities of non-resident foreign investors in the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market rose to 116 nationalities during the first half of the year. Compared to 82 nationalities during the same period last year, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States, Germany and France came. At the forefront of markets exporting foreign direct investments.
Investment areas available for ownership by investors of all nationalities in Abu Dhabi recorded total investments worth 75 billion dirhams during the first half of 2026. An increase of 181% compared to 26.7 billion dirhams during the same period last year.
Reliable market data
Rashid Al Omeira, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, said: “Investment decisions begin long before any deal is completed, as they are based on a clear understanding of the market and its trends”. And the regulatory frameworks that govern it. From this standpoint, our focus at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center is on providing the highest level of clarity and credibility to investors from the beginning. Through a transparent regulatory framework and reliable and constantly updated market data. This gives investors a solid foundation for evaluating investment opportunities and making long-term decisions. As the Abu Dhabi real estate market continues to develop, the true criterion for success is not only the size of the growth. Rather, it is in how this growth is achieved, ensuring that the regulatory environment remains consistent with the emirate’s long-term strategic directions.”
sustainable growth
To support the sustainable growth of the real estate market, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has approved eight new investment zones. Bringing the total number of investment zones in the emirate to 50 zones. The center registered 28 new real estate projects during the first half of the year, a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. This reflects the continuation of real estate development activity and the provision of new investment opportunities.
Real estate professions witnessed continuous growth, as the center issued 2,040 real estate profession licenses during the first half of the year. With an annual increase of 34%, the number of licensed real estate brokers in the emirate reached 3,302 licensed real estate brokers.
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center continues to implement its initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and reliance on data in the real estate market. By developing the digital services system. Since its launch, the “Mahdoon” platform has contributed to issuing more than 41,200 real estate advertising permits.
