On 17 September 2026, at the opening of the IREIS show at ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre reported a 76.6% rise in the value of real estate transactions over twelve months.
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On 17 September 2026, the opening day of the International Real Estate and Investment Show (IREIS) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) released figures that confirm the market's acceleration: the value of the emirate's real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi jumped by 76.6% to reach AED 203.01 billion over the twelve months ending 30 June 2026. The show, approved by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), runs from 17 to 19 September 2026 and brings together developers, investors, financial institutions and buyers.
Key takeaways
- The value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi reached AED 203.01 billion over the twelve months ending 30 June 2026, up 76.6%, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
- The number of transactions rose by 64.53% over the same period, reaching 53,177 deals.
- Sales in the first half of 2026 hit AED 88.25 billion, close to the full-year total for 2025.
- IREIS 2026 runs from 17 to 19 September 2026 at ADNEC, with the approval of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
- ADREC positions Abu Dhabi as a gateway to projects spread across the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
Growth visible in both value and volume
The rise reported by ADREC is all the more convincing because it holds true on the two axes that matter: the amount changing hands and the number of deals. The value of transactions climbs 76.6% to AED 203.01 billion, while the number of deeds grows 64.53% to 53,177 over the twelve months ending 30 June 2026. When value rises faster than volume, it signals higher average prices and a move up the quality ladder among the properties traded, rather than a mere catch-up effect.
The pace of the first half of 2026 confirms the momentum: with AED 88.25 billion in sales over six months, Abu Dhabi has already drawn close to its full-year 2025 total. For an investor studying the emirate, these figures provide a benchmark to calibrate an investment decision in Abu Dhabi rather than relying on gut feelings about the market.
IREIS as a window on the emirate's supply and taxation
IREIS 2026, at ADNEC from 17 to 19 September, brings leading developers, banks and buyers together on a single platform. This is the moment when new off-plan launches and payment plans are unveiled, and when the true depth of the supply becomes measurable. ADREC also underlines Abu Dhabi's growing role as a point of entry to projects located in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
The tax framework remains a central driver of this appeal. In the United Arab Emirates, individuals pay no tax on rental income or on real estate capital gains, which explains part of the influx of international investors captured by ADREC's figures.
What it means for investors
These figures point to a market in an expansion phase, but we would stress that double-digit growth in the volume traded does not automatically translate into returns for every buyer. What drives a property's performance in Abu Dhabi is the usual trio: location, developer quality and the entry price negotiated. A macro figure serves to confirm a trend, not to validate a specific purchase.
In practical terms, value rising faster than volume prompts us to watch entry prices closely across freehold zones and the off-plan projects showcased at IREIS: in a rising market, selectivity protects future resale value and the strength of rental yields. We also look at liquidity by district, because a market that is active at the emirate level can mask significant gaps from one area to another.
At Lucretia, our local presence lets us compare the projects genuinely available, verify payment plans and place each opportunity within a broader wealth strategy. For those considering the emirate, we set out the framework and the areas to prioritise in our guide to investing in Abu Dhabi.
Source: gulfnews.com — 2026-09-17
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About the author
Jean-Pierre MARTINI
Director of Technology & Innovation
With over 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, marketing and project management, Jean-Pierre has helped dozens of companies with their business development across several industries. An entrepreneur by training, he founded and led several companies, ranging from specialized retail to innovative digital solutions. Since 2021, he has turned his focus to real estate and the Dubai market, advising investors on their wealth strategies. Currently at Lucretia, his role includes managing technological innovation, optimizing business processes, and developing team skills. He also ensures client follow-up and provides personalized strategic advice to investors.
