The UAE real estate market continues to attract strong investor interest in 2026, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the country’s property market growth. During the first half of 2026, real estate transactions, foreign investment and new property developments increased significantly across several Emirates.

According to recent market data, Abu Dhabi recorded AED 117 billion in real estate transactions during H1 2026, representing 112% growth compared with the same period in 2025. Dubai also recorded strong development activity, with more than AED 111 billion invested in completed real estate projects.

UAE Real Estate Market Shows Strong Investor Demand

The performance of the UAE property market in 2026 highlights continued demand from local and international investors. Dubai real estate and Abu Dhabi real estate remain among the most attractive property markets in the region, supported by economic growth, infrastructure development and increasing international investment.

The growth across multiple Emirates also demonstrates that the UAE real estate sector is expanding beyond a single market, creating opportunities for investors looking at residential property, off-plan projects, luxury real estate and long-term property investment.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate Transactions Reach AED 117 Billion

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market delivered a particularly strong performance during the first half of 2026.

The emirate recorded approximately AED 117 billion in total real estate transactions, an increase of 112% compared with H1 2025. The number of transactions also increased by 61.7%. Sales transactions reached AED 86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions, while mortgage transactions reached AED 26.7 billion.

Foreign investment was another major driver of Abu Dhabi property market growth. Foreign direct investment in Abu Dhabi real estate reached approximately AED 13.8 billion, representing a 309% increase year on year.

The number of nationalities represented among non-resident foreign investors increased to 116, highlighting the growing international appeal of Abu Dhabi property investment.

Dubai Real Estate Market Continues to Expand

Dubai remains one of the world’s most closely watched real estate markets, with strong development and investor activity continuing throughout 2026.

During the first half of the year, 104 real estate projects were completed in Dubai with a combined investment value of approximately AED 111 billion. This represented an estimated 52% increase compared with the previous year.

More than 24,000 new real estate units were also added to the Dubai property market, an increase of 36% compared with the same period in 2025.

The continued addition of new residential units reflects Dubai’s expanding property supply and the ongoing demand for apartments, villas and off-plan developments.

Dubai Property Investment Remains Attractive

Dubai property investment continues to attract buyers from across the world. The city’s international business environment, infrastructure, lifestyle offering and established real estate ecosystem have helped maintain strong investor interest.

The Dubai real estate market also continues to see significant activity in the off-plan sector, with buyers showing interest in new residential developments and investment opportunities across established and emerging communities.

Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah Real Estate Markets

Growth in the UAE property market is not limited to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Sharjah recorded AED 29.5 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, while Ajman recorded more than AED 10.8 billion in transactions.

Ras Al Khaimah also recorded approximately AED 2.89 billion in real estate transactions during the same period.

The performance of these Emirates highlights the increasing diversity of the UAE property market and provides investors with a wider range of real estate investment opportunities.

What Is Driving UAE Property Market Growth?

Several factors continue to support the UAE real estate market in 2026:

• Strong international investor demand
• Growing foreign direct investment
• New residential and commercial developments
• Expansion of off-plan property projects
• Continued infrastructure development
• Dubai’s position as a global business and lifestyle destination
• Abu Dhabi’s growing investment appeal
• Increasing demand for residential property across multiple Emirates

These factors are helping maintain positive momentum across the UAE real estate sector.

UAE Real Estate Investment Outlook for 2026

The first-half performance provides a positive outlook for UAE real estate investment during the remainder of 2026.

With Dubai recording more than AED 111 billion in completed real estate project investment and Abu Dhabi reaching AED 117 billion in transactions, both markets continue to offer significant opportunities for property investors.

For investors considering buying property in the UAE, the market offers opportunities across off-plan properties, ready homes, apartments, villas, luxury properties and investment-focused developments.

As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global investment destination, Dubai real estate and Abu Dhabi real estate are expected to remain key markets for investors seeking property opportunities in the region.

Key UAE Real Estate Statistics – H1 2026

• Abu Dhabi real estate transactions: AED 117 billion
• Abu Dhabi transaction growth: 112%
• Abu Dhabi foreign direct investment: AED 13.8 billion
• Abu Dhabi FDI growth: 309%
• Dubai completed real estate projects: AED 111 billion+
• Dubai project investment growth: 52%
• New Dubai real estate units: 24,000+
• Sharjah real estate transactions: AED 29.5 billion
• Ajman real estate transactions: AED 10.8 billion+
• Ras Al Khaimah real estate transactions: AED 2.89 billion

Conclusion

The UAE real estate market has maintained strong momentum during the first half of 2026. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead the market, while Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah are also contributing to the country’s overall property sector growth.

For local and international investors, the latest figures reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the region’s leading destinations for real estate investment and property ownership.

Sources: ARN News Centre, Gulf News, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre and Dubai Land Department.