Abu Dhabi’s property market is having a record year. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has published its figures for January to September 2026: AED 171.26 billion (US$ 46.6 billion) in property transactions. That’s more than 76% higher than the same period last year.
Here’s what the numbers mean for you.
The headline numbers
Foreign investors are leading the way
The strongest signal comes from international buyers:
Foreign investment in Abu Dhabi’s investment zones, the areas where non-UAE nationals can buy property, rose 131% to AED 86.11 billion. That’s 81% of all investment value.
Non-resident individuals invested AED 17.22 billion in nine months. That’s more than double their total for all of 2025 (AED 8.2 billion).
“The scale of investment reflects the growing number of investors, both individuals and businesses, that are making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi,” said Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC.
Where the money is going
A note for tenants and landlords
Earlier this year ADREC announced that residential, commercial and industrial rents in Abu Dhabi will not increase until further notice. The exception is communities managed by ADGM, such as Al Maryah and Reem Island. Investors should factor this into their rental yield expectations.
What this means for buyers
Demand is broad-based: more transactions, more mortgages, and record interest from overseas investors. For buyers from the UK, Europe or India looking beyond Dubai, Abu Dhabi now offers one of the strongest growth stories in the UAE, especially in its island communities.
This article is for information only and is not financial advice.
Source:
Abu Dhabi property transactions jump 76% to Dh171bn in first nine months of 2026, The National, 7 November 2026 (ADREC data)