Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position in the global property sector as improvements in digital services, regulations and real estate data make the market more transparent for investors. JLL’s 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index identifies Abu Dhabi, alongside Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, among the Gulf markets that have made significant progress in transparency over the past decade.
The development comes as Abu Dhabi’s property market continues to record strong transaction activity. Official data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) shows that real estate transactions reached AED 117 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 112% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Gains Global Attention
The latest JLL assessment highlights the importance of better data and digital systems in attracting real estate capital. Its 2026 index evaluates transparency across 260 measures covering areas such as market information, regulation, transaction processes and sustainability.
Abu Dhabi has been improving its digital real estate infrastructure and regulatory environment, helping market participants access clearer information and complete property-related services more efficiently. JLL said Gulf markets including Abu Dhabi have sustained progress despite wider regional disruption.
For investors researching an Abu Dhabi real estate market overview, greater access to reliable market information can make it easier to understand property activity, regulations and investment opportunities.
Strong Growth in Abu Dhabi Real Estate Transactions
The latest transaction figures also show the scale of activity in the emirate.
During the first half of 2026, Abu Dhabi recorded AED 86.1 billion in sales transactions across 16,838 deals. Mortgage transactions added AED 26.7 billion through 8,876 transactions.
The market was also active in 2024. ADREC reported 28,249 real estate transactions worth AED 96.2 billion during that year. Sales accounted for AED 58.5 billion, while mortgage transactions reached AED 37.7 billion.
These figures provide important context for current Abu Dhabi real estate news, showing how transaction activity has expanded alongside improvements in market infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Projects and Digital Transparency
The future of real estate in Abu Dhabi is increasingly connected to technology and better access to information. Digital records, clearer regulations and improved transaction systems can support developers, buyers, lenders and international investors.
JLL’s wider research found that two-thirds of global markets improved their real estate transparency over the past two years. The report also identified digitisation, sustainability data, alternative property sectors and credit-market information as important areas of progress.
This development is relevant as new Abu Dhabi real estate projects continue to expand the emirate’s residential, commercial and mixed-use property landscape.
How Abu Dhabi Compares With Dubai
The future of real estate Dubai and Abu Dhabi is being shaped by similar trends, particularly digitalisation and greater availability of market information.
However, the two markets have different structures and development patterns. JLL’s 2026 research places both cities among the Gulf markets showing long-term improvement in transparency.
For Abu Dhabi, continued improvements in data availability could help strengthen confidence among international investors while supporting the emirate’s broader economic diversification strategy.
The Future of Abu Dhabi Real Estate
The future of real estate in Abu Dhabi will depend not only on new developments but also on how effectively the market provides accurate information, clear regulations and efficient digital services.
تواصل أبوظبي تعزيز شفافية سوقها العقاري من خلال التحول الرقمي وتطوير الأنظمة التنظيمية وتوفير بيانات أكثر وضوحًا للمستثمرين.
As transaction activity remains strong, transparency is becoming an increasingly important part of Abu Dhabi’s property story. The future of Abu Dhabi real estate is therefore likely to be shaped by a combination of development, technology, regulation and accessible market information.
A More Transparent Property Market
Abu Dhabi’s progress in real estate transparency comes at a time when investors are placing greater importance on reliable data and clear market rules. With strong transaction growth in 2026 and continued investment in digital infrastructure, the emirate is building a property market designed to support both local and international participants.
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