Abu Dhabi’s property market is in the middle of a rapid growth cycle. Global investors are buying in record numbers, yet supply is struggling to keep pace, according to an official.
The trend was in sharp focus at the International Real Estate Conference, part of the IREIS 2025 exhibition at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where industry leaders warned that the market needs fresh residential pipelines to sustain momentum.
Amer Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Capstone Real Estate, framed the moment as both an opportunity and a challenge. “Economic diversification is creating new jobs and attracting talent, but the demand for quality residential units is far ahead of the pace of supply. Developers must invest in new homes to avoid overheating the market,” he said.
The imbalance is already showing, he said. Properties are selling out at launch, premiums are rising quickly, and investors view Abu Dhabi as one of the safest places in the world to live and invest. Options such as the Golden Visa and property tokenisation are drawing international buyers eager to combine residency with returns. “The UAE has one of the best regulatory systems for real estate. Investors are well protected, which reinforces confidence,” Al Ahbabi added.
Data from Cavendish Maxwell supports the outlook. Abu Dhabi could see more than 11,900 new homes completed in 2025, with another 33,000 under construction through 2029. Yet with population growth, rising incomes, and inflows of foreign capital, demand may still outstrip these numbers.
