Abu Dhabi Property Market Records Dh13.8 Billion in Foreign Investment in H1 2026
According to statistics from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded strong foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first half of 2026, reaching Dh13.8 billion.
The figure represents a 309 per cent increase compared with the same period in previous year and has exceeded the total level of foreign investment achieved throughout 2025. The total value of real estate transactions in the emirate was Dh117 billion in the first six months of 2026, which represents an increase of 112 per cent compared with the same period in previous year. Of the total, sales contributed Dh86.1 billion and mortgage transactions reached Dh26.7 billion.
The number of different nationalities carrying out property investments in Abu Dhabi also went up, with transactions in H1 2026 being completed by buyers from 116 nationalities compared with 82 a year earlier. The UK, China, the US, Germany and France were some of the main sources of foreign investment.
During the period, investment zones where international buyers can buy property saw a total investment of Dh75 billion, an increase of 181 per cent from the Dh26.7 billion recorded in the first half of 2025. The demand for residential property was high in key areas like Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. Around 89 per cent of residential sales value came from off-plan properties. Industry representatives said Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure development, economic diversification, regulatory environment, population growth and new development opportunities were supporting market activity.
ADREC officials also highlighted the importance of project registration, construction monitoring, purchaser-fund protection and reliable market data as the emirate’s property sector expands. The breadth of international participation suggests that the Abu Dhabi property market is attracting buyers from a wider range of overseas markets rather than relying on a single nationality.
