US$14.08B: A Standout Half-Year for the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market
The Abu Dhabi real estate market made headlines in the first half of 2025, recording AED51.72 billion (US$14.08 billion) in total transaction value—a 39% increase compared to H1 2024. Driven by sustained growth across sales, purchases, mortgages, and foreign investment, the sector continues to solidify its role as a cornerstone of the emirate’s economic strategy and global investment appeal.
14,167 Deals: Transaction Volume Jumps 12% as Activity Deepens
The market logged 14,167 property transactions, a 12% rise year-on-year, pointing to amplified buyer confidence and operational efficiency. Value-wise, sales and purchases climbed 32% to AED32.69 billion (US$8.89 billion), while mortgage transactions soared 52% to AED19.03 billion (US$5.19 billion), underscoring Abu Dhabi’s appeal to both primary buyers and leveraged investors.
This performance suggests not just transactional velocity but a rebalancing of asset strategies—particularly in residential portfolios, where mortgage accessibility and liquidity played critical roles.
International Appeal Widens: 85 Nationalities Drive US$0.92B in FDI
Foreign Direct Investment in the Abu Dhabi real estate market continues its upward trajectory, with FDI transaction values reaching AED3.38 billion (US$0.92 billion). A total of 890 deals were recorded—representing a 3.3% increase in value—while investor diversity broadened significantly, with 85 nationalities engaged (a 10% rise YoY).
This geographic diversification signals confidence not just from mature economies like the US, UK, and France, but also from emerging investor markets including Russia, Kazakhstan, and China.
Saadiyat Island Dominates with AED9.1B (US$2.48B) in Value
On a regional level, Saadiyat Island led transaction volume with AED9.1 billion (US$2.48 billion), thanks to its premium residential and cultural offerings. Yas Island followed at AED5.86 billion (US$1.59 billion), while Al Bahia captured AED3.98 billion (US$1.08 billion).
Key growth nodes like Al Reem Island, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Riyadh City, and Khalifa City also registered strong activity, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s balanced urban expansion and the market’s broad geographic traction.
Policy Innovation and Automation Fuel Market Efficiency
Much of the efficiency in the Abu Dhabi real estate market comes down to ADREC’s automation of services and digital infrastructure upgrades. By streamlining approvals, digitizing paperwork, and enhancing transparency, the emirate has built a frictionless investment environment aligned with its sustainable development goals.
These innovations not only speed up transaction cycles but also signal Abu Dhabi’s seriousness in shaping a future-proof property sector—one that invites both global capital and long-term residential commitment.
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Performance in H1 2025: Summary Statistics
| Metric | AED Value | USD Equivalent | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Transaction Value | AED51.72B | US$14.08B | +39% |
| Total Transactions | 14,167 | — | +12% |
| Sales & Purchases Value | AED32.69B | US$8.89B | +32% |
| Mortgage Value | AED19.03B | US$5.19B | +52% |
| FDI Transactions | 890 | — | +3.3% |
| FDI Value | AED3.38B | US$0.92B | +3.3% |
| FDI Investor Nationalities | 85 | — | +10% |
| Top Location by Value | Saadiyat Island | AED9.1B (US$2.48B) | — |
