The year has barely begun, and Abu Dhabi’s property market is already moving at full throttle.
January closed with AED12 billion ($3.2 billion) in residential sales spread across 2,600 transactions, setting an assertive tone for 2026. The real headline, however, lies in where buyers are placing their bets: off-plan developments commanded a commanding 83% of total deals, leaving the secondary market with a modest 17% share.
The message is clear — investors and homebuyers are looking forward, not back.
New launches and master-planned communities are capturing attention across the capital, with island destinations leading the charge. By value, Saadiyat Island topped the leaderboard, generating AED5.6 million in transactions. Close behind was Al Jubail Island at AED4.2 million, followed by Al Raha with AED3.23 million.
Further reinforcing the island narrative, Yas Island posted AED2 million in sales, while Al Reem Island recorded AED1.62 million. The cluster of activity around these waterfront districts signals sustained appetite for lifestyle-led developments where infrastructure and long-term capital growth intersect.
Market watchers say the dominance of off-plan transactions reflects strategic positioning. Buyers appear keen to enter projects early in their development cycle, aligning capital with future supply pipelines rather than immediate occupancy.
Leasing activity tells a parallel story of momentum. January saw 18,500 rental transactions valued at AED1.5 billion, as tenants navigated fresh handovers and sought out communities that balance waterfront views, family-friendly layouts, and proximity to essential infrastructure.
With sales volumes robust, rental demand energetic, and off-plan continuing to outpace resale inventory, Abu Dhabi’s residential sector steps into 2026 carrying both confidence and depth — a market not merely active, but decisively forward-looking.
