Abu Dhabi Property Market Nears $17 Billion in Deals Since January

Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector has recorded transactions worth nearly $16.6 billion (AED61.15 billion) since the beginning of 2025, according to data published by DARI, the emirate’s official property platform. More than 16,800 deals have been completed, underscoring the market’s strong momentum and resilience.

Sales continue to account for the largest portion of activity, totaling $9.52 billion (AED34.95 billion) from 9,210 transactions. Mortgage deals have also remained robust, reaching $6.31 billion (AED23.16 billion) across 7,399 transactions, reflecting steady demand for financing. Usufruct agreements, which grant long-term property usage rights without ownership, added a further $797 million (AED2.93 billion) from 245 deals. Taken together, sales and mortgage activity lifted the overall market value to about $18.3 billion (AED67.15 billion) from more than 21,000 transactions, highlighting significant liquidity in the sector.

Within sales, ready properties generated $5 billion (AED18.4 billion) across 4,950 deals, while off-plan properties—projects still under construction—accounted for $6.15 billion (AED22.6 billion) across 6,337 transactions. This strong appetite for off-plan developments reflects investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s pipeline of projects, driven by competitive prices, flexible payment terms, and expectations of future capital appreciation. Mortgage activity also gained pace, with 9,836 deals valued at $7.14 billion (AED26.2 billion), spanning both completed homes and developments in progress.

Market observers point to a combination of government housing initiatives, the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy, and pro-investment policies such as long-term visas linked to property ownership as key factors sustaining growth. Abu Dhabi has increasingly positioned itself as a secure and profitable investment hub, drawing interest from both local and international buyers.

The most sought-after locations include Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Al Reem Island, which continue to attract expatriates and high-net-worth investors with modern, lifestyle-focused communities. Official data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre confirms that in the first half of 2025, transaction values rose by 39 percent year-on-year to AED51.7 billion, while the number of deals increased by 12 percent to 14,167. Sales and purchase transactions during this period were valued at AED32.7 billion, while mortgage transactions climbed by 52 percent to AED19 billion. Foreign direct investment in real estate also strengthened, reaching AED3.38 billion across 890 transactions, with buyers from 85 different nationalities entering the market.

Saadiyat Island led the market with more than AED9.1 billion in sales, followed by Yas Island with AED5.86 billion and Al Bahia with AED3.98 billion. Other active areas included Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Reem Island, Al Riyadh City and Khalifa City.

Analysts expect the upward trajectory to continue into the second half of the year. With new project launches, infrastructure development and steady inflows of both local and foreign investment, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its status as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing real estate markets in the Gulf.