UAE Property Market Records Strong Growth as Transactions Rise Across Five Emirates in 2026
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah report continued real estate activity, supported by investor demand, new developments and expanding market opportunities.
The UAE real estate market continues to demonstrate strong growth in 2026, with major emirates recording significant property transactions and attracting interest from both domestic and international investors.
Recent figures released by real estate authorities highlight the strength of the country's property sector, supported by a wider selection of residential and commercial developments, improved regulatory frameworks and increasing participation from investors representing different nationalities.
The latest market performance also reflects the growing role of real estate in the UAE's economic diversification strategy, as individual emirates continue to expand their development pipelines and investment opportunities.
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Transactions Reach AED171.26 Billion
Abu Dhabi recorded AED171.26 billion in real estate transactions during the first nine months of 2026, covering 38,483 transactions. This represented a 76.1% increase in transaction value and a 32.8% rise in volume compared with the corresponding period last year.
According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), foreign investment within designated investment zones increased by 131% year-on-year to AED86.11 billion, accounting for 81% of the total investment value in those areas.
Investment by non-resident individuals also gained momentum, reaching AED17.22 billion during the first nine months of 2026. This figure was more than twice the AED8.2 billion recorded throughout 2025.
Property sales contributed AED119.33 billion through 23,749 transactions, representing a 105% increase in value. Mortgage activity reached AED45.92 billion during the same period.
The emirate also registered 54 new real estate development projects, while its licensed real estate professionals increased to 3,677, reflecting a 32% annual rise.
Dubai Property Transactions Approach AED625 Billion
Dubai maintained substantial momentum, with real estate transactions approaching AED625 billion during the first ten months of 2026.
Dubai Land Department figures showed that the emirate recorded 181,866 transactions between January and October. Property sales accounted for approximately AED411.98 billion, while mortgage transactions reached around AED164 billion. Property gifts contributed a further AED49 billion.
Development activity also expanded during the first half of the year. Dubai completed 104 real estate projects with a combined investment value exceeding AED111 billion, compared with 75 completed projects worth AED73 billion during the same period in 2025.
The increase in completed developments highlights the scale of construction and investment activity across the emirate, alongside continued demand for different types of residential and commercial properties.
Sharjah Records AED46.8 Billion in Property Transactions
Sharjah's real estate market also maintained positive momentum, recording AED46.8 billion in transaction value during the first nine months of 2026, compared with AED44.3 billion a year earlier.
The 5.6% annual increase was accompanied by a 14% rise in transaction volume, which reached 91,560.
The emirate attracted investors from 130 nationalities, with 46,125 properties traded across different investment categories. A further 9,891 investors entered the market during the reporting period.
Sales activity generated AED35 billion through 24,749 transactions, while mortgage transactions reached approximately AED10.2 billion across 3,839 deals.
These figures demonstrate the breadth of Sharjah's property market and its appeal to a diverse group of investors.
Ajman Real Estate Market Records AED1.95 Billion in October
Ajman reported AED1.95 billion in real estate transactions during October 2026, covering 1,140 deals.
Property trading accounted for AED1.22 billion through 900 transactions, while mortgage activity contributed AED373 million across 139 transactions.
The monthly figures reflect continued movement across the emirate's residential property market, with sales and financing activity contributing to overall transaction volumes.
Ras Al Khaimah Records AED2.89 Billion in First-Half Transactions
Ras Al Khaimah recorded approximately AED2.89 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026.
Sales activity accounted for AED1.353 billion through 1,274 transactions, while mortgage deals reached AED1.160 billion across 463 transactions.
Property waivers contributed approximately AED380 million through 348 transactions.
The figures highlight the continued expansion of real estate activity in the northern emirate, which is attracting growing attention from property investors and developers.
UAE Real Estate Market Continues to Attract International Investment
The latest figures from the five emirates highlight the scale and diversity of the UAE's property sector. While each market has its own development priorities and investment characteristics, continued transaction activity reflects the country's position as an important destination for residential and commercial real estate investment.
Growing foreign participation, new project registrations, mortgage activity and rising property sales are contributing to the sector's development across the country.
With major emirates continuing to record substantial market activity in 2026, the UAE real estate industry remains an important part of the country's wider economic growth and long-term investment landscape.
END.
