Abu Dhabi’s residential supply to rise from 409,000 units, with 21,800 homes expected in 2028.
Dubai: Six Abu Dhabi districts are expected to account for 77% of the emirate’s projected additional residential supply through 2030, concentrating the next major wave of development in Al Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed City, Khalifa City and Al Hudayriyat Island, according to the latest market data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
Nine major developers account for 76% of the emirate’s development pipeline, with high-end and mid-market apartment and villa communities making up most of the planned projects, primarily within investment zones.
Abu Dhabi currently has around 409,000 residential units, with a further 71,000 units expected to be delivered by 2030. Annual completions are projected to peak at approximately 21,800 units in 2028, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre’s Real Estate Market Report for the first half of 2026.
The Abu Dhabi Region has recorded average annual residential supply growth of 3.3% since 2022 and now accounts for 79% of the emirate’s total housing stock. Development projects are expected to contribute 77% of the region’s supply growth between the second half of 2026 and 2030, while building permits are projected to account for the remaining 23%.
New lease prices continue to rise
The expanding supply pipeline comes as new-lease prices continue to climb. Apartment rents increased by 17%, while villa rents rose 9%. Within investment zones, new-lease prices recorded even stronger growth, rising 21% for apartments and 16% for villas.
“Numbers measure the market’s movement, but understanding the market requires us to look beyond the numbers — to identify trends, understand what is changing and assess what those changes mean for investors, developers and decision-makers. Every sale transaction, tenancy contract and real estate mortgage across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi provides valuable insight into the market, allowing us to track its direction and respond with greater precision. The first half of 2026 reflects a resilient market, supported by sustained demand, clear regulations, transparent data and a balanced approach to supply and demand,” said Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC.
Abu Dhabi recorded 233,000 active residential lease contracts during the first half of 2026, with total lease values reaching Dh9.3 billion. Lease values rose 8% year on year, while the number of contracts increased 2%.
Rental properties accounted for 69% of occupied residential units in the Abu Dhabi Region, according to the report.
Investment zones gain a larger share
Investment zones accounted for more than 22% of Abu Dhabi’s total residential stock in the first half of 2026, representing approximately 72,000 units.
Al Reem Island had the largest share with 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha, Yas Island and Al Saadiyat Island.
Repeat sales prices rose 20% year on year for apartments and 12% for villas, while residential unit sales across Abu Dhabi reached Dh70.4 billion, up sharply from Dh25.3 billion in the first half of 2025.
Off-plan properties dominated the market, accounting for 89% of residential sales value and 82% of total transactions. The 10 leading developers generated Dh51 billion in off-plan primary sales, representing 90% of the segment.
Meanwhile, 10 projects accounted for 43% of total residential unit sales, with combined sales reaching Dh30 billion.
Al Omaira said: “The largest share of residential sales value went to homes not yet built, which places the weight of our regulatory work before completion. ADREC remains focused on ensuring clarity, confidence and fairness for all market participants, supported by reliable information, protected buyer funds and rules that apply across market cycles.”
Hudayriyat leads Abu Dhabi residential sales value
Hudayriyat Island recorded Dh19 billion in residential sales during the first half of 2026, accounting for 27% of the emirate’s total residential sales value.
Saadiyat Island followed with Dh13.3 billion, while Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, within the Abu Dhabi Global Market area, recorded Dh10.5 billion. Yas Island contributed a further Dh7.3 billion.
Emirati buyers invested Dh21 billion in residential property during the period, up significantly from Dh8.9 billion in the first half of 2025. Resident expatriates and non-resident foreign buyers together accounted for 70% of total residential sales value.
Cash purchases remained a significant feature of the ready-property market, with 61% of transactions completed without financing.
Offices and retail space remain highly occupied
Abu Dhabi’s retail stock reached 3.85 million square metres of gross leasable area, representing annualised growth of 5%. Occupancy remained in the mid-90% range, while new-lease prices increased by 9%.
Office supply stood at 3.4 million square metres, up 0.3% from the end of 2025. Occupancy reached 95% across the overall office market as well as the prime and Grade A segments, while new-lease prices climbed 13%.
ADREC said the findings are based on registered transaction data covering sales, leases and mortgages recorded during the first half of 2026.
