Abu Dhabi Property Market: 30 New Projects Worth up to $12.3Bn Forecast Before End of 2026

Abu Dhabi’s residential property market could see around 30 new project launches before the end of 2026, bringing an estimated AED33bn ($9bn) to AED45bn ($12.25bn) of new inventory to the market, according to research by Metropolitan Capital Real Estate.

The property consultancy’s analysis forecasts a launch roughly every three days during the period covered by its outlook, as developers prepare to introduce a substantial pipeline of residential projects.

However, the anticipated increase in supply is also changing buyer behaviour, with purchasers becoming more selective about location, design, pricing, community facilities and developer track records.

Abu Dhabi property market prepares for 30 new launches

Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, part of Metropolitan Group, said the expected wave of residential launches reflects the growing maturity of Abu Dhabi’s property market.

Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, said: “What we are seeing in Abu Dhabi is not simply a large number of new projects coming to market. It is a sign of how quickly the market itself is maturing. With around 30 launches expected over the next 90 days, buyers will have more choice than ever and that changes the conversation.

“Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a product market. The projects that will perform are not necessarily those that sell out the fastest, but those that offer the right combination of location, quality, pricing, lifestyle and long-term value. The fundamentals are encouraging. Off-plan remains the dominant part of the market, while resale activity and repeat-sale values are also growing.

“For us, the most important signal is that demand is becoming more diversified and more informed. As we move into 2027, we expect the market to become increasingly selective, and ultimately, the product will decide,” he added.

Abu Dhabi residential sales

According to developer reports and Metropolitan’s analysis of registry data, more than AED40bn ($10.9bn) of residential property had found buyers since the beginning of 2026 at the time of the research.

Several major developments accounted for a substantial proportion of this activity.

Modon’s Hudayriyat Golf Estates led with more than AED13bn ($3.54bn), followed by Ohana’s Manchester City Yas Residences Phase 1 at approximately AED6bn ($1.63bn).

Aldar’s Talay, Talay Beach and Yas Riva Reserve developments accounted for more than AED5bn ($1.36bn).

Other major projects included Eagle Hills’ Ramhan Island at approximately AED2bn ($545m), ORA’s BAYN at AED1.8bn ($490m) and Modon’s Tara Park at AED1.4bn ($381m).

More than 40 additional launches accounted for around AED14bn ($3.81bn), according to the analysis.

Abu Dhabi off-plan property

According to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) data and Metropolitan’s analysis, approximately 82 per cent of residential property transactions between January and mid-September 2026 were off-plan.

Resale transactions increased approximately 34 per cent year-on-year, while off-plan resales nearly tripled.

Repeat-sale prices also increased, rising approximately 20 per cent for apartments and 12 per cent for villas.

The analysis identified buyers from 116 nationalities, reflecting the international reach of Abu Dhabi’s residential property market.

Metropolitan also highlighted the role of regulation and digital property services, including DARI for property transactions and Madhmoun for verified listings, alongside escrow arrangements for off-plan payments.

A framework introduced in September allows buyers who have paid 50 per cent of an off-plan property’s value to finance the remaining balance during construction, according to the consultancy.

ADREC has also increased the number of investment zones to 50.

Abu Dhabi property outlook for 2027

Metropolitan expects the next phase of the market to be shaped by more selective buyers, changing sales strategies and growing demand for integrated residential communities.

The consultancy anticipates developers moving towards phased launches and more gradual sales, rather than concentrating on selling out projects immediately.

Buyers are also expected to place greater importance on complete districts offering schools, leisure facilities, marinas and transport connections.

Other anticipated trends include wider adoption of branded and serviced residences, expanded financing opportunities and increased participation from international developers.

Major infrastructure projects, including Etihad Rail and new bridges, are also expected to influence investment activity.

“In a market this active, not every project will win and that is a sign of health, not risk,” added Mr. Ratskevich. “The buyers who do well in 2027 will be the ones who ask which product is right for them, not how fast it sold.”