Source: ADREC, 18 August 2026
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) released its Real Estate Market Report for the first half of 2026 on 18 August 2026. The report is part of ADREC's twice-yearly series and is based on sales, lease and mortgage transactions registered during the period.
Home sales
- Residential unit sales reached AED 70.4 billion, against AED 25.3 billion in H1 2025.
- Off-plan sales made up 89% of sales value and 82% of deals.
- In the ready market, 61% of sales value was paid in cash.
- In Abu Dhabi Region's ready market (off-plan excluded), repeat sales prices rose 20% year on year for apartments and 12% for villas.
- Emirati buyers committed AED 21.0 billion, against AED 8.9 billion in H1 2025. Resident expatriates and non-resident foreign buyers together accounted for 70% of residential sales value.
- Ten leading developers accounted for 90% of off-plan primary sales, at AED 51 billion.
Where buyers spent
Supply to 2030
The emirate has about 409,000 residential units, an average annual increase of 2.9% since 2022, and 79% of that stock is in Abu Dhabi Region. About 71,000 more units are projected across the emirate by 2030, with deliveries expected to peak in 2028. ADREC projects that six districts will take 77% of the new supply in Abu Dhabi Region to 2030: Al Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Hudayriyat Island.
Investment zones hold more than 22% of residential stock, about 72,000 units, led by Al Reem Island at 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island and Al Saadiyat Island.
Rents in the same report
The report counts 233,000 active residential lease contracts with a total value of AED 9.3 billion, up 8% year on year. New-lease prices rose 17% for apartments and 9% for villas, and 21% and 16% within investment zones.
ADREC's Director General, Rashed Al Omaira, said the first half of 2026 "reflects a resilient market".
What it means for owners
Registered sales values and repeat sales prices rose in H1 2026, and most new supply to 2030 is planned in six districts, so owners there should check the handover pipeline near them before setting a price.
Price your home on registered transactions for your district and home type, not on headline growth figures.
Free valuation and rent estimate for your Abu Dhabi home, for sale or rent, answered within 24 hours by a licensed adviser.
Ask for yours
