Al Hudayriyat Island Leads Abu Dhabi Property Sales in H1 2026
The National
Al Hudayriyat Island topped Abu Dhabi's real estate sales in H1 2026 with Dh19 billion, highlighting market resilience and strong off-plan demand.
Al Hudayriyat Island Dominates Abu Dhabi Property Sales in Early 2026
Abu Dhabi’s Al Hudayriyat Island emerged as the leading location for real estate sales in the emirate during the first half of 2026. Sales on the island reached Dh19 billion ($5.2 billion), representing about 27% of total residential unit sales in the UAE capital, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre’s (Adrec) midyear report.
Other prominent sales figures include Saadiyat Island at Dh13.3 billion, Reem Island and Al Maryah Island jointly at Dh10.5 billion, and Yas Island—which is set to host major attractions like Disneyland Abu Dhabi and Sphere Abu Dhabi—logging Dh7.3 billion in property transactions.
Growing Residential Supply and Investment Zones
Investment zones accounted for 22% of the housing supply during the first half of 2026, with 72,000 units on the market. Reem Island led with approximately 27,500 units, followed by Al Raha Island, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island.
Adrec’s report highlighted that the residential supply in Abu Dhabi increased by nearly 3% year-on-year, reaching about 409,000 units. The residential sector recorded a total of Dh70.4 billion in sales, with nearly 90% generated from off-plan developments. Projections indicate an additional 71,000 residential units will be introduced by 2030, with peak delivery expected in 2028.
Market Insights and Regulatory Support
Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of Adrec, emphasized the importance of interpreting market trends beyond raw numbers. He stated, “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.”
In support of market stability, Adrec announced in July that rents for residential, commercial, and industrial properties will remain frozen until further notice—except in areas managed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) such as Al Maryah Island and Reem Island.
Expanding Development and Hospitality Strength
During the first six months of 2026, Adrec approved eight new investment zones, bringing the total to 50 across Abu Dhabi. Additionally, 28 new real estate developments were registered, marking a 16% increase from the previous year and providing fresh opportunities for both local and international investors.
The hospitality sector in Abu Dhabi also showed robust performance, recording the highest occupancy rates in the UAE at 66.8% during the first half of 2026. June figures remained steady at 65.2%, with domestic tourism playing a key role, as reported by JLL.
UAE-Wide Market Momentum
The strong performance in Abu Dhabi is part of the wider UAE property market trend. Dubai’s Land Department reported a 52% year-on-year increase in investments for completed real estate projects, reaching Dh111 billion across 104 developments in H1 2026. Ras Al Khaimah’s residential sector also shows promise, with Dh12.3 billion sales recorded in 2025 and hospitality occupancy nearing 50% in the first half of 2026.
Implications for Real Estate Agents
For real estate agents operating in Abu Dhabi, focusing efforts on Al Hudayriyat Island and other high-performing zones like Saadiyat and Reem Islands can be advantageous given their market dominance and strong sales figures. Off-plan properties continue to drive sales, so agents should keep abreast of new project launches and regulatory updates such as rent freezes to advise clients effectively. The sustained interest from investors and the hospitality sector’s strength also point to continued opportunities for growth across Abu Dhabi's property market.
Based on reporting from The National. Summary and analysis by Propilot AI.
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