BRESI QUICK FACTS: Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market
- Record-breaking transaction volumes signal a maturing market. Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded total transactions valued at AED 142 billion across 42,814 deals in 2025, a 44% increase in value and a 52% rise in volume compared to 2024, underscoring the emirate’s growing stature as a global real estate destination.
- Sales and mortgages reflect broad-based confidence. The market demonstrated balanced performance, with AED 99.4 billion generated from 25,604 sales and purchase transactions, complemented by AED 42.7 billion in mortgage activity across 17,210 transactions, pointing to healthy demand from both end-users and financial institutions.
- Foreign investment surges as Abu Dhabi attracts global capital. Foreign Direct Investment reached AED 8.2 billion, up 13% year-on-year, drawing investors from over 100 nationalities. Investment zones proved particularly magnetic, with foreign investment accounting for 72% of all real estate activity and growing 65% in value to AED 54.13 billion.
- Branded residences emerge as a standout growth story. Abu Dhabi’s branded residences sector has seen significant growth in transaction volumes, led by landmark launches on Saadiyat and Yas Islands. Buyers are paying substantial premiums for branded homes, reflecting strong demand and limited supply, with several flagship projects selling out rapidly on launch day.
- Supply pipeline and professional growth point to sustained expansion. The registration of 56 new real estate development projects and a 57.7% increase in licensed real estate professionals, reaching 3,566, signal a sector building capacity to match its ambitions as Abu Dhabi positions itself as a key pillar of long-term economic diversification heading into 2026.
Cover Image: Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas Island, which sold out in 1 day
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre releases 2025 real estate performance numbers
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) – the custodian and regulator of the Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector today announced year-end results for 2025, with the emirate’s real estate market recording total real estate transactions valued at a record AED 142 billion from 42,814 transactions, representing a 44% increase in value and a 52% rise in transaction volume compared to 2024 and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a trusted global hub for real estate investment and sustained market confidence.
The sector demonstrated robust diversification with AED 99.4 billion generated from sales and purchases from 25,604 transactions, while mortgage activity contributed AED 42.7 billion from 17,210 transactions.
The balanced performance across end-users and investors reflects healthy end-user demand alongside continued confidence from financial institutions, reinforcing the maturity of Abu Dhabi’s real estate ecosystem.
Furthermore, mortgage trends reinforce the growing accessibility of real estate investment of Abu Dhabi’s financial infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market – Direct Foreign Investment
Foreign Direct Investment in Abu Dhabi’s real estate reached AED 8.2 billion in 2025, an 13% increase from 2024. This included investors from more than 100 nationalities, with significant contributions from Russia, China, the UK, US, France, and Kazakhstan, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s global appeal across established and emerging markets.
Investment zones captured significant international attention, with foreign investment accounting for 72% of all real estate investments and marking a substantial 65% growth in value to AED54.13 billion compared with AED32.89 billion in the previous year.
“The outcomes recorded in 2025 are not accidental they reflect a real estate market that has been deliberately shaped around trust, clarity, and long-term confidence” said His Excellency Engineer Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC. “ADREC’s role has been to move the sector beyond activity and into maturity by establishing clear governance, reliable data, and a regulatory environment that protects investors while enabling sustainable growth. The scale and diversity of transactions seen this year demonstrate that Abu Dhabi has evolved into a market where capital is not only attracted, but retained through confidence in the system”
Driven by the global appeal of Abu Dhabi’s real estate offerings and the effectiveness of the emirate’s investor-friendly policies, the continued momentum is also reflected in the registration of 56 new real-estate development projects in 2025 and a 57.7% increase in real-estate professional licenses issued, reaching 3,566 licensed professionals during the year.
As Abu Dhabi enters 2026, the performance achieved during 2025 positions the real estate sector to continue contributing to the emirate’s broader economic objectives, highlighting its role as a key pillar of diversification and long-term investment confidence.
The combination of regulatory excellence, digital innovation, and robust market fundamentals continues to attract both regional and international investors, setting the stage for continued growth in the years ahead.
About The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC)
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) was established in November 2023 as an affiliate under the Department of Municipalities and Transport with the mission to accelerate growth across the real estate ecosystem in the emirate.
ADREC unifies and strengthens the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi through a comprehensive regulatory framework to further enhance the efficiency of real estate and strengthen oversight, as well as increase transparency and support for residents, investors, real estate companies and professionals. ADREC’s strategy is centred around enhancing supply and growing demand through its four key sectors: Real Estate Strategy, Real Estate Promotion, Real Estate Regulation, and Real Estate Transactions Management. www.adrec.gov.ae
Branded Residences Market in Abu Dhabi
Prices range from AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 (USD 681 to USD 1,089) per square feet, a competitive edge over markets like Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, where similar properties can cost up to 50% more.
Demand for branded residences is being driven by both tourism and real estate trends. Visitors experiencing Abu Dhabi’s luxury offerings often become buyers, while investors see long term potential in a market with fewer branded options than its neighbours.
Abu Dhabi’s branded residences are gaining traction due to a sharp increase in project launches, with dozens introduced in 2025 compared to just a few in 2024. These properties, linked to renowned names like Waldorf Astoria and Elie Saab, appeal to affluent buyers with prices ranging from USD 681 to USD 1,089 per square foot which far below regional competitors.
A robust real estate sector, bolstered by USD 1.7 billion in high-end deals early in 2025, and a vibrant tourism industry hosting millions annually create a compelling investment case.
Read more about the branded real estate sector in Abu Dhabi
About BRESI
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