The market in official figures
Headline figures from the latest official releases, for orientation. Detailed information on a specific project comes with its catalogue.
Sales transactions
Total transaction volume +61.7% on the first half of 2025.
Source: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, via the Abu Dhabi Media Office · released 17 July 2026
Nationalities of non-resident investors
Up from 82 a year earlier.
Source: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, via the Abu Dhabi Media Office · released 17 July 2026
Investment zones open to all nationalities
8 new zones approved in the first half; 28 new projects registered (+16%).
Source: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, via the Abu Dhabi Media Office · released 17 July 2026
Figures checked against the official releases on 29 October 2026.
What we check for every project here
In addition to the developer, the project facts, the material risks and the image rights:
| 01 | Written permission from the project’s sales office for the information and images we show. |
|---|---|
| 02 | Project registration and status with ADREC |
| 03 | Escrow arrangements, for off-plan projects |
Loading…
In our research scope
Districts and communities we are researching in this market. This is research scope, not a recommendation or a ranking.
Buying here as a foreign buyer
A short summary of official government guidance. Rules can change, so each purchase is confirmed with the developer and the registry at the time.
- Foreigners may own property in designated investment zones (Law No. 19 of 2005, amended in 2019). There were 50 zones open to all nationalities in mid-2026.
- Other forms of rights include musataha (50 years, renewable), usufruct (up to 99 years) and long lease (25 years or more).
- Projects are registered with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
- Property investors with a minimum investment of AED 2 million may apply for a five-year UAE residence visa (Golden Visa).
Official source: The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae) · Checked on 29 October 2026.
Sources we use
We compare and refresh market data against these official publishers and registries. Headline figures are shown above with their source; detailed figures are discussed in consultation.
- Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC)
- Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
- Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD)
- Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
Market reports from established research firms and the financial press, used to cross-check — never as the only source.
Considering this market?
Tell us your objectives and timeframe. We will share our current view of the market and the projects that fit, privately.