Abu Dhabi real estate market surges 39% in H1 2025, driven by investor confidence and strong FDI
Abu Dhabi's real estate sector posted a robust performance in the first half of 2025, recording a 39 per cent surge in total transaction value year-on-year. According to figures released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), transaction value rose to Dhs51.72bn, up from Dhs37.2bn during the same period in 2024.
The market witnessed a 12 per cent rise in the number of transactions, reaching 14,167 deals—driven by increased activity in sales, purchases, and mortgages. The value of sales and purchase deals grew 32 per cent to Dhs32.69bn across 7,964 transactions. Meanwhile, mortgage transactions saw an even stronger growth of 52 per cent, totaling Dhs19.03bn across 6,204 deals.
The period also saw a notable uptick in international investor activity. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) transactions climbed to 890, with a total value of Dhs3.38bn—a 3.3 per cent increase from H1 2024. ADREC reported that the number of nationalities investing in the capital's property market reached 85, marking a 10 per cent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's global appeal.
Demand
Strong demand came from investors in countries such as Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, Kazakhstan, and the United States, further establishing the emirate as a reliable and attractive global investment destination.
In terms of geographic distribution, Saadiyat Island led the market with Dhs9.1bn in transaction value, followed by Yas Island (Dhs5.86bn) and Al Bahia (Dhs3.98bn). Other high-performing areas included Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Reem Island, Al Riyadh City, and Khalifa City, highlighting widespread investor interest across Abu Dhabi.
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Commenting on the performance, Eng Rashed Al Omaira, acting director General of ADREC, said: 'The first-half performance reflects the growing confidence in Abu Dhabi's real estate market, from both global and national investors, reflected in the sustained growth in transaction values and continued increase in foreign investment.
'The recent launch of high-quality projects has further energised the market and opened doors to attractive investment opportunities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's attractiveness as a leading destination for sustainable real estate investment. Additionally, the initiatives ADREC recently launched and the facilitations it offered, including automation of a large number of processes and services, had a pivotal role in reaching this achievement, through streamlining the investor's journey, accelerating transactions and enhancing transparency.'
ADREC continues to advance its regulatory framework and improve the customer experience, aligning its services with Abu Dhabi's broader economic development goals and supporting the emirate's competitiveness on the regional and international stage.
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