Over 100 nationalities invest $2.2bn in Abu Dhabi real estate

More than 100 nationalities bought property in Abu Dhabi in 2025 as overseas investment registered double-digit growth, official data shows.

Foreign direct investment in property reached AED8.2 billion ($2.2 billion) last year, a 13 percent increase from 2024, the state-run Wam news agency reported, quoting figures released by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (Adrec).

Russians, Chinese, Britons, Americans, French and Kazakhs were among the top buyers, though the article gave no breakdown of their investments.

Investment zones accounted for 72 percent of all inflows from abroad, with a 65 percent increase in value to AED54 billion in 2025.

Total real estate deals reached AED142 billion across 42,814 transactions, up 44 percent and 52 percent annually in value and volume, respectively.

AED99.4 billion was generated from sales and purchases of real estate, while mortgage activity added AED42.7 billion. 

The scale and diversity of transactions show that Abu Dhabi has evolved into a market where capital is not only attracted, but retained through confidence in the system, Adrec director-general Rashed Al Omaira said.

The data also showed that 56 new projects were registered last year, while licences for real estate professionals rose 57.7 percent to 3,566.

Further reading:

• L’imad marks rise of new generation in Abu Dhabi
• Aldar revenue jumps 50% as overseas buyers fuel UAE sales
• Abu Dhabi’s quarterly GDP hits record $89bn

In September 2025 the Abu Dhabi government said it would invest AED42 billion in projects that aim to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The first phase of the strategy will focus on improving the integration of neighbourhoods – how easily residents can access essential facilities.

The emirate’s GDP grew by 7.7 percent year on year between July and September, reaching a record quarterly value of AED326 billion.

Construction was one of the strongest performers, growing by 14 percent annually and adding AED31 billion to GDP. Real estate rose 13 percent, adding AED12.1 billion to the economy.