Value of Abu Dhabi property deals up by a third in Q1

Abu Dhabi recorded strong real estate activity in the first quarter of 2025 as property deal value grew by around a third annually to AED25 billion ($7 billion) across 6,896 transactions.

The value of sales and purchases rose 27 percent to AED15.5 billion, while the volume grew by 11 percent to 3,819, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

Mortgage transactions also recorded strong growth, reaching AED9.8 billion through 3,077 deals, up 49 per cent year on year. 

Saadiyat Island was the top choice for property investors in the quarter; deals amountedg to AED5.6 billion. 

It was followed by Yas Island, with AED3.6 billion, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, with around AED2 billion. 

Deals in Al Reem Island and Al Hudayriyat Island reached more than AED1 billion.

There was a sustained level of Foreign Direct Investment activity in the emirate’s property market. Investors from 68 nationalities – up from 58 nationalities recorded during the same period last year – completed 384 transactions valued AED1.5 billion.

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“The notable growth in transaction value and volume, alongside the rise in foreign investment, underscores the effectiveness of our regulatory frameworks and reinforces investor confidence in the market,” said Rashed Al Omaira, acting director general of ADREC.

AGBI reported in March that increased interest from international buyers was helping to fuel the growth of Abu Dhabi’s real estate market.

Aldar Properties, the emirate’s largest real estate developer, reported a sales increase of 20 percent in 2024, with much of this growth down to foreign buyers, the company’s CEO said.