Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector is projected to maintain steady growth through 2030, supported by controlled supply, digital regulation and continued investor demand, according to new market data released on Thursday.
The outlook, issued by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, forecasts residential stock to grow by 2.9 per cent annually over the next five years. Around 43,000 new units are expected, mainly in investment zones, where 98 per cent of upcoming supply will be apartments.
Officials said planning discipline and digital governance will remain central to the sector’s development. The centre’s digital real estate services, including virtual transaction tools and data systems, are aligned with the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027.
Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, said: “As we look towards 2030, continued planning discipline, advanced digital infrastructure, and strengthened governance will remain central to shaping a resilient real estate ecosystem that supports Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination to live, invest, and thrive.”
2025 market report
The future projections form part of the Real Estate Market Report 2025, a bi-annual analysis covering supply, demand, pricing and investment trends across Abu Dhabi.
The report shows total real estate transaction value reached Dhs142 billion in 2025, up 44 per cent compared to 2024. Sales accounted for Dhs93 billion, or 66 per cent of total transaction value.
Residential sales saw the sharpest growth, rising from about Dhs19 billion in 2022 to Dhs76 billion in 2025. Off-plan sales and large master-planned communities contributed to the increase.
Foreign buyers played a major role, with resident expatriates and non-resident investors accounting for 62 per cent of total residential sales value in 2025. The top 10 developers made up 91 per cent of off-plan primary sales, totalling Dhs50 billion. The top 10 projects accounted for Dhs24 billion, or 32 per cent of overall sales.
Prices and supply
Abu Dhabi’s residential inventory reached 401,000 units in 2025. Occupied units grew at 6.6 per cent annually since 2022, compared to supply growth of 2.8 per cent, supporting price increases.
Apartment sale prices rose 19 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while new lease rates increased 16 per cent. Villa sale prices grew 13 per cent, with rental yields in investment zones rising 14 per cent.
Rental homes made up 71 per cent of total occupied residential units, helping maintain strong rental returns across the emirate.
Rashed Al Omaira said: “The report demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s position as a global real estate destination of choice, with a sector defined not only by growth, but by stability, transparency, and long-term confidence. The data confirms that demand fundamentals remain strong, supply expansion is disciplined, and price movement is occurring in an orderly and sustainable manner. These dynamics reflect the strength of Abu Dhabi’s economic foundation and the effectiveness of a regulatory framework designed to safeguard investors while enabling responsible development.”
Commercial performance
The commercial real estate sector also recorded high occupancy levels in 2025. Retail supply reached 3.8 million square metres, with overall occupancy at 94 per cent, a five-year high. New retail lease rates increased eight per cent year-on-year, as demand outpaced annual supply growth of 2.3 per cent.
Office supply totalled 3.4 million square metres, with occupancy above 96 per cent. Limited new supply, job growth of nine per cent and a 6.4 per cent rise in professional roles pushed new office lease prices up 11 per cent.
Yas Island accounted for 20 per cent of new office supply delivered between 2022 and 2025, reflecting growing demand in key business districts.
The report positions Abu Dhabi as a market supported by population growth, which reached 7.5 per cent in 2024, alongside sustained foreign investment and regulatory oversight.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
