The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for the residential real estate sector in Abu Dhabi, with a remarkable 83% year-over-year increase in sales, totaling 11,200 units across the city. This surge in demand can be attributed to a series of positive developments and increased market transparency, which have broadened the investor base beyond traditional segments. Under-construction properties dominated the market, accounting for 75% of transactions, reflecting the developers’ proactive response to the buoyant market conditions by introducing over 8,000 new units.
Notably, high-end villas and townhouses emerged as preferred segments, with 4,800 units sold, particularly in sought-after locations such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Reem Island. These areas collectively accounted for 51% of the total villa and townhouse transactions. The average capital value for villas saw a year-over-year growth of 6%, reaching 11,800 AED per square meter, with prime locations like Saadiyat and Yas Islands recording even higher values.
Apartments continued to dominate the market, representing 57% of overall transactions, with off-plan properties comprising 69% of this demand. The robust demand spurred the launch of nearly 3,400 apartment units, with a significant portion concentrated in Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. These areas have gained popularity due to their enhanced family entertainment amenities and prestigious developments by leading property developers.
The capital value for apartments grew by an average of 6% year-over-year, reaching 14,800 AED per square meter, with some areas experiencing growth as high as 18%. Despite the dynamic sales environment, rental values for apartments remained relatively stable with minimal growth.


The introduction of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Abu Dhabi is poised to significantly enhance the organization, transparency, and efficiency of the real estate market. By centralizing property listings, Abu Dhabi MLS will provide a comprehensive and accurate database accessible to all market participants, including buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
This centralized platform will facilitate more informed decision-making by offering detailed property information, historical data, and real-time market analytics. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi MLS will streamline transactions by reducing redundancy and minimizing the time required to verify property details, thereby accelerating the buying and selling process.
Abu Dhabi MLS will also foster increased market transparency, attracting a broader range of investors, including foreign nationals, by instilling greater confidence in the market’s integrity. Enhanced transparency will help mitigate risks associated with property transactions, such as fraud and misinformation, thus protecting both buyers and sellers.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi MLS will support better market regulation and oversight by providing authorities with accurate data to monitor trends and enforce standards. Overall, the implementation of Abu Dhabi MLS will not only boost investor confidence and market liquidity but also ensure sustained growth and stability in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic real estate sector.