Abu Dhabi Market Report
2025 & Q1 2026

Q1 2026 transactions reached AED 66 billion, a 160.7% increase year on year, driven by new island launches at Hudayriyat, sustained off-plan demand on Saadiyat and Reem, and growing institutional capital backed by mortgage activity of AED 15 billion in the quarter alone. Government infrastructure investment and visa reform continue to expand the resident and investor base.

Hudayriyat Island led Q1 2026 with AED 11.97 billion, followed by Reem Island (AED 9.45 billion), Saadiyat Island (AED 8.8 billion) and Yas Island (over AED 5.5 billion). Saadiyat remains the ultra prime benchmark, while Hudayriyat and Reem are the strongest off-plan stories.

2025 closed at AED 142 billion across 42,814 deals, up 48% in value and 52% in volume year on year. Residential sales reached AED 76.1 billion across 23,600 units and mortgage activity hit AED 42.7 billion, signalling a maturing, credit-supported market.

Yes. Off-plan accounted for over 66% of all 2025 transactions and remains a meaningful share of Q1 2026 volume. We focus on tier one developers with proven delivery records and master plans that protect resale value.

Yes. Foreign nationals can buy freehold in designated investment zones across Saadiyat, Yas, Reem, Al Maryah, Al Reef and others. Qualifying investments can support Golden Visa eligibility. We handle structuring, due diligence and registration end to end.

Abu Dhabi introduced freehold ownership for foreigners in 2005 through Law No. 19, initially in specific investment zones. Today, freehold is available across designated islands and master developments including Saadiyat, Yas, Reem, Al Maryah and Al Reef, while leasehold arrangements of up to 99 years remain available in some mainland areas.

Yes, foreigners can own freehold property in designated investment zones across Abu Dhabi. These include Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Reef and others. Ownership is restricted to UAE nationals in most non-investment zone areas, but the designated zones cover the majority of new premium stock.

Emirati citizens remain the largest buyer group by volume. Among foreign buyers, GCC nationals, British, Indian, Egyptian and Pakistani investors are consistently active. In recent years, Russian, Chinese and European buyers have increased activity, particularly on Saadiyat and Al Maryah, driven by lifestyle and Golden Visa considerations.

Dubai has a larger, more liquid market with greater stock variety, higher international marketing and generally more speculative resale activity. Abu Dhabi is smaller, more institutionally backed, with deeper government and sovereign wealth involvement in master planning. Abu Dhabi also tends to have stricter development standards and a more conservative lending environment, which supports longer-term price stability.

Abu Dhabi real estate is funded through a blend of sovereign wealth and government-backed capital, institutional lending, private equity and foreign direct investment. Major projects often receive early-stage capital from entities like ADQ and Mubadala, while local and international banks provide mortgage and construction finance. Off-plan sales with construction-linked and post-handover payment plans are a major funding mechanism for developers. Private equity and family office capital increasingly participate in premium residential and hospitality assets.