UAE real estate sector records strong H1 growth

The UAE's real estate sector has maintained a strong performance during the first half of 2026, with data announced by authorities showing high levels of activity across several Emirates.

The total value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi reached around AED117 billion, up 112 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, while the number of transactions increased by 61.7 per cent

Sales transactions led activity, reaching AED86.1 billion through 16,838 transactions, up 163.7 per cent, while mortgage transactions amounted to AED26.7 billion.

Foreign direct investment in Abu Dhabi real estate reached around AED13.8 billion during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 309 percent, exceeding the total recorded for the whole of 2025.

The number of nationalities represented among non-resident foreign investors also rose to 116, while investment zones attracted around AED75 billion.

Meanwhile, Dubai achieved a 52 per cent growth with a total investment value exceeding AED111 billion, compared with AED73 billion in 2025.

The number of new real estate units rose to 24,537, an increase of more than 36 per cent.

In Sharjah, real estate transactions went up 9.3 per cent as it gained AED29.5 billion during the first half of 2026, while the number of transactions increased by 23.7 per cent to 59,460.

Residential properties accounted for the largest share of sales transactions, with 13,501 deals, while mortgage transactions reached AED7.6 billion.

Ajman's real estate sector recorded 6,815 transactions worth more than AED10.8 billion, including AED7.64 billion in trading transactions and AED1.88 billion in mortgage transactions.

In Ras Al Khaimah, the value of real estate transactions between January and June reached around AED2.89 billion, including AED1.353 billion in sales through 1,274 transactions, AED1.160 billion in mortgages through 463 transactions, and around AED380 million in property transfers.