The figures are clear: Abu Dhabi’s luxury real estate sector is seeing a boom in 2025 and is now becoming a significant force in the area’s premium real estate market.
According to data from Metropolitan Capital Real Estate (MCRE), sales of properties valued at Dh7 million and more reached Dh6.3 billion in just the first four months of the year.
The fact that over half of the transactions fell into the super-luxury Dh10 million+ range highlights the rising demand for upscale real estate among high-net-worth buyers, long-term residents, and foreign investors.
Demand for branded residences soar
The real estate market in Abu Dhabi is changing due to lifestyle factors. The city is anticipated to launch 25 branded residential complexes in 2025 alone, which is four times more than in 2024. Among the well-known new developments are the Waldorf Astoria Residences, the Jacob & Co. Beachfront Residences, and the record-breaking Nobu Residences, which gained notoriety after a penthouse there sold for Dh137 million, the most expensive house in the capital to date.
Prime waterfront areas like Saadiyat Island, Reem Island, and the soon-to-be Mariah Island are where the demand for branded living is centered. At prices that are still more appealing than comparable options in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, these communities provide resort-style amenities, wellness-focused living, and name-brand exclusivity. These branded communities offer relative affordability without sacrificing luxury, with average costs ranging from Dh2,500 to Dh4,000 per square meter.
Super-luxury resales soar 158%
However, momentum is being driven by more than just fresh launches. The secondary luxury resale market has also exploded, with a 158% increase in transaction volume year over year. 60% of the nearly Dh3 billion in resale transactions that were recorded through April were from residences that cost more above Dh10 million.
With many purchasers choosing the ease of completed houses over off-plan purchases, that is a key measure of investor confidence, especially in ready-to-move-in inventories.
Who’s buying — and where?
The demographics of investors are also changing. Although early 2024 was dominated by Russian and CIS investors, MCRE observes that in 2025, buyers from the US, UK, GCC, and UAE will become more active. Encouraged by growing trust in Abu Dhabi’s real estate fundamentals, end-users—long-term residents who prefer to buy rather than rent—make up over half of all recent buyers.
Hotspots including Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Hidayriyyat—where sales have already surpassed 20% of 2024’s full-year total—are all gaining from better community design, beachfront access, and upgraded infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi appears to be rapidly becoming a destination for luxury real estate due to its robust resale market, expanding global buyer base, and pipeline of well-known branded constructions. Property watchers in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly choosing the capital’s premium market as their first option.
