To address increasing demand for housing, Aldar Properties, a real estate development company owned by the Abu Dhabi government, will commence construction on 2,900 new homes in the UAE capital in 2026 with a gross development value of 23 billion UAE dirhams (USD 6.26 billion).
The developer has a land bank of 2.3 million square metres across Saadiyat Island (plots will house large-format villas and mansions) and Yas Island, according to a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
The Yas Island plots, on the other hand, will be allocated to large-scale, master-planned family living communities supported by established retail, entertainment and lifestyle infrastructure, and the projects will be launched in a phased manner from 2026, in line with market demand, by a joint venture with an established partner to activate the land plots.
In an investor presentation in November 2025, Aldar Properties announced that its land bank in Abu Dhabi consists of a gross floor area (GFA) totalling 7.8 million square metres and a total land bank of 59.9 million square metres. The company’s revenue backlog in the UAE stands at AED 57.3 billion, with approximately AED 36–37 billion generated from Abu Dhabi.
The presentation also highlighted two major residential master plans in Abu Dhabi: Fahid Island, which has a gross development value (GDV) of AED 40 billion (approximately USD 11 billion), and a strategic development on Saadiyat Island, in joint venture with Mubadala, with a GDV of about USD 1.1 billion.
The news of Aldar Properties expanding its housing portfolio also comes at a good time, as Skyscanner’s “Travel Trends Report” sees the UAE likely emerging as one of the most popular destinations for international travellers in 2026, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah being the most desired destinations.
The increase will be primarily due to holidaymakers seeking hotel experiences, and Dubai is leading the way in advance hotel bookings with a 89.7% increase in bookings over 2024.
“Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and South Korea are looking for destinations with comfort, culture, and unique experiences, and Sharjah has seen 101% more searches from German tourists attracted by its heritage sites and beaches, as well as low-cost flights, while Switzerland has seen a 99% increase in searches,” the report stated.