Abu Dhabi’s residential property market recorded a sharp rise in sales during the first half of 2026, with transactions reaching Dhs84.49 billion, putting the emirate on track for a record year.
According to a market analysis released by ADXinteract, apartment and villa sales increased 173.9% in value and 103% in volume compared with the same period last year. A total of 16,585 residential properties were sold in the first six months of 2026.
Sales surge
The report said Abu Dhabi’s residential market has recorded steady annual growth over the past five years. Last year, the emirate registered 24,942 property sales worth Dhs91.9 billion.
Off-plan properties accounted for 78% of all residential sales during the first half of this year. Median prices reached Dhs1,927 per square foot for apartments and Dhs1,500 per square foot for villas, up 22.5% and 41%, respectively, from a year earlier.
Key locations
Most residential sales activity was concentrated in Al Reem Island, Al Hudayriyat, Yas Island and Al Saadiyat Island.
These four areas accounted for 11,137 transactions, or 67.15% of all residential sales, with a combined value of Dhs54.8 billion, representing nearly 65% of the market.
The report also found an average absorption rate of 51% across 286 residential projects comprising 98,823 units currently under development in Abu Dhabi.
Market outlook
Fateh Al Msaddi, Founder of ADXinteract, said: “The Abu Dhabi market has moved from quiet strength to strong, visible momentum. The sharp rise that we’ve seen in sales value and the growth in transactions show that the capital is entering a new phase, one driven by real buyer demand, major project activity, and increasing market transparency.”
ADXinteract said the platform was launched to provide detailed real estate market data for Abu Dhabi, including information on developers, agencies and brokers operating across the emirate.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
