The UAE real estate sector is experiencing significant growth, with total transactions projected to reach AED625 billion in 2026, driven by robust investment demand and a diverse investor base. Recent data from various emirates highlights a surge in activity, underscoring the sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in the UAE’s economic diversification.
According to the latest figures released by real estate authorities, Abu Dhabi’s real estate transactions soared to AED171.26 billion during the first nine months of 2026, marking a remarkable 76.1 percent increase in value compared to the same period in 2025. This surge was supported by 38,483 transactions, reflecting a 32.8 percent rise in transaction volume.
Investment Trends in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) reported a staggering 131 percent year-on-year increase in foreign investment within investment zones, totaling AED86.11 billion, which accounted for 81 percent of the total investment value in these areas. Additionally, non-resident individuals contributed AED17.22 billion to the sector, more than doubling the AED8.2 billion recorded for the entirety of 2025.
Sales transactions in Abu Dhabi also saw a significant uptick, with values climbing 105 percent to AED119.33 billion through 23,749 transactions. Mortgage transactions reached AED45.92 billion, further indicating a thriving market. The ADREC also noted the registration of 54 new real estate development projects during the first nine months of the year, alongside a 32 percent increase in licensed real estate professionals, bringing the total to 3,677.
Dubai’s Market Dynamics
In Dubai, the real estate sector has maintained its momentum, with transactions nearing AED625 billion during the first ten months of 2026 across 181,866 transactions, as reported by the Dubai Land Department. Property sales accounted for approximately AED411.98 billion, while mortgages totaled around AED164 billion, and gifts reached AED49 billion, showcasing the market’s diversity.
During the first half of 2026, Dubai completed 104 real estate projects with a total investment value exceeding AED111 billion, compared to 75 projects worth AED73 billion in the same period of 2025. This performance reflects the strength of Dubai’s property market and its ongoing appeal to both local and international investors.
Growth in Other Emirates
Sharjah’s real estate market also demonstrated resilience, with total transactions reaching AED46.8 billion during the first nine months of 2026, a 5.6 percent increase from AED44.3 billion in the same period of 2025. The emirate attracted investors from 130 nationalities, with 46,125 properties traded and 9,891 new investors entering the market.
In Ajman, the real estate sector recorded 1,140 transactions in October, valued at AED1.95 billion, while property trading reached AED1.22 billion through 900 transactions. Ras Al Khaimah reported real estate transactions totaling around AED2.89 billion in the first half of 2026, comprising AED1.353 billion in sales and AED1.160 billion in mortgages.
The ongoing growth in the UAE’s real estate sector is bolstered by a combination of regulatory enhancements and a broadening investor base, reinforcing the country’s position as a global destination for long-term investment. As the sector continues to evolve, it remains a critical component of the UAE’s economic landscape.
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