The UAE’s real estate sector has demonstrated remarkable growth in 2026, with Abu Dhabi reporting a 76% increase in transaction value and Dubai nearing AED 625 billion in real estate activity. This surge reflects rising investment demand and a diverse international investor base, according to recent data from local real estate authorities.
In the first nine months of 2026, Abu Dhabi recorded real estate transactions worth AED 171.26 billion across 38,483 transactions, marking a 76.1% increase in value and a 32.8% increase in volume compared to the same period last year. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) noted that foreign investment in the emirate’s investment zones surged by 131% year-on-year, reaching AED 86.11 billion, which constitutes 81% of the total investment value in those areas.
Abu Dhabi’s Transaction Growth
Investment by non-resident individuals more than doubled, climbing to AED 17.22 billion during the first nine months of 2026, compared to AED 8.2 billion throughout 2025. Sales transactions in Abu Dhabi increased by 105% in value, totaling AED 119.33 billion through 23,749 transactions, while mortgage transactions reached AED 45.92 billion. Additionally, the emirate registered 54 new real estate development projects during this period, and the number of licensed real estate professionals rose by 32% year-on-year to 3,677.
Dubai’s Robust Market Activity
Dubai also exhibited strong momentum, with real estate transactions approaching AED 625 billion during the first ten months of 2026, encompassing 181,866 transactions, according to data from the Dubai Land Department. Property sales accounted for approximately AED 411.98 billion, while mortgage transactions reached AED 164 billion, and property gifts totaled around AED 49 billion, showcasing the breadth of activity in the emirate’s real estate market.
Development activity in Dubai expanded significantly, with 104 real estate projects completed in the first half of 2026, representing a combined investment value exceeding AED 111 billion. This is a notable increase from 75 projects worth AED 73 billion during the same period in 2025, indicating a robust development pipeline driven by both domestic and international investor demand.
Sharjah and Other Emirates’ Performance
Sharjah’s real estate market recorded AED 46.8 billion in transactions during the first nine months of 2026, up 5.6% from AED 44.3 billion in the same period last year. The total number of transactions rose by 14% to 91,560, with 46,125 properties traded across various investment categories. The emirate attracted investors from 130 nationalities, with 9,891 new investors entering the market, highlighting its diverse investor base.
Ajman’s real estate sector also showed activity, recording 1,140 transactions worth AED 1.95 billion in October 2026. Property trading accounted for AED 1.22 billion through 900 transactions, while mortgage activity reached AED 373 million across 139 transactions. In Ras Al Khaimah, real estate transactions totaled approximately AED 2.89 billion during the first half of 2026, with sales accounting for AED 1.353 billion through 1,274 transactions.
The figures across the five emirates indicate sustained activity in the UAE’s real estate sector, bolstered by increasing investment participation, development expansion, and a growing demand for a diverse range of real estate assets. As the market continues to evolve, the UAE remains an attractive destination for long-term real estate investment, supported by ongoing improvements to regulatory and legislative frameworks.
According to Economy Middle East, the resilience of the UAE’s property markets is evident, contributing significantly to the country’s economic diversification.
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