The study found that the UAE leads the GCC in confirmed construction demand, supported by a broad pipeline of projects that are either under way or ready for execution. Saudi Arabia follows with 628 confirmed projects valued at USD 168 billion, while Oman ranks a distant third with 85 projects worth USD 19 billion.

In primary construction demand, however, Saudi Arabia remains ahead, with 78 major projects valued at USD 89.5 billion compared with the UAE’s 129 projects worth USD 50.1 billion.

The report highlights a significant transformation in Abu Dhabi’s construction sector, where value creation is increasingly shifting from traditional building activities towards advanced downstream construction systems. These include engineered mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) solutions, industrialized building methods, and integrated control systems designed to improve efficiency and project delivery.

The transition is being supported by wider adoption of modular and prefabricated construction, low-carbon building materials, artificial intelligence-enabled project management, and fully digital delivery models, reflecting broader global trends in infrastructure and industrial development.

ADCCI Director General Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi said the emirate’s construction industry is becoming increasingly focused on integration, quality, and delivery certainty rather than simply project size.

He added that stronger private sector participation demonstrates growing confidence in Abu Dhabi’s evolving construction ecosystem and supports the emirate’s ambition to become a global hub for high-value construction and advanced manufacturing.

The sector’s expansion is also reflected in business activity. By February 2026, Abu Dhabi had more than 38,600 active construction licenses, while new business registrations increased by 66% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Active construction memberships also rose by nearly 25%, with new memberships recording a compound annual growth rate of almost 28% between 2019 and 2025.

The report also identifies growing export opportunities across the construction value chain, ranging from raw materials such as clay and limestone to manufactured components including ductwork, valves, switchgear, and power distribution systems.

Supported by improved digital permitting, industrial incentives, and sustainability-focused regulations, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself to compete internationally in high-performance construction systems.

ADCCI said the emirate’s strategic location, logistics network, and expanding industrial base are strengthening its role as a regional center for advanced construction as infrastructure investment across the Middle East and North Africa remains resilient.

The post With 700 projects worth USD 138 billion, UAE emerges as Gulf’s leading real estate market appeared first on International Finance.

According to the report, lands acquired comprised 66 percent of total sales with a value of Dh3.3 billion made through 777 transactions. The share of real estate units in the total sales value during the same period totalled 34 percent with sales and were valued at Dh1.7 billion, covering 978 transactions.

Dr Adeeb Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Real Estate Sector in the Department of Municipalities and Transport told the media, “We are fully confident that our long-term approach will contribute to Abu Dhabi’s success and strategy, which has set an outstanding global example on how to overcome the economic, health and social challenges imposed by last year’s pandemic.

“Working closely with our stakeholders and partners across public and private sectors, enabled us to plan and execute sustainable initiatives and procedures in our market. Led by our leadership vision and support, these developments will ensure creating an attractive investment environment aligned with Abu Dhabi Plan and the Abu Dhabi Government Accelerator’s Programme ‘Ghadan 21’ through more stimulus packages and opportunities.”

Last year, Abu Dhabi recorded around 19,000 real estate transactions worth Dh74 billion. It was a 28 percent increase when compared to the Dh58 billion recorded in 2019. Around 11,000 real estate mortgage transactions were completed during the period amounting to Dh44 million.

The post Abu Dhabi sees real estate transactions worth Dh11.5 bn during Q1 21 appeared first on International Finance.

The report further revealed that around 11,000 real estate mortgage transactions were completed during the period amounting to Dh44 million. Lands and buildings made up the majority of these transactions, with a value of Dh 42.5 billion, accounting for 96.8 percent of the total value of mortgages made through 7,730 deals. While Khalifa City has the highest value in terms of total sales followed by Yas Islands and Al Reem Island in second and third respectively.

Recently, it was also reported that Dubai’s real estate sector recorded around 51,414 sales transactions worth Dh175 billion in 2020 despite the coronavirus pandemic and economic uncertainties, according to a report by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). During the period, Dubai attracted 31,648 new investors and investments worth over Dh73.2 billion.

Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of DLD told the media, “Dubai’s robust investment environment and its ability to adapt to various circumstances, guided by the leadership’s strategic vision to strengthen the capabilities of the emirate’s real estate sector.

The 51,414 transactions recorded in 2020 validate the success of the government incentive packages that enhanced the market’s attractiveness and provided several opportunities for investors and developers who were keen to continue construction and deliver projects accordingly.”

The post Abu Dhabi sees 19000 real estate transactions in 2020 worth Dh74 bn appeared first on International Finance.

The project, known as Noya, features 510 residences, including 4-bedroom villas and 2-and 3-bedroom townhouses. Noya offers residents amenities such as community gardens, sports facilities, a community pool, gym, golf courses as well as retail and entertainment destinations. Aldar is expected to start construction in the second quarter of  2021, with handovers to commence during the same period in 2023.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, chief executive officer, Aldar Properties told the media, “Noya will welcome its prospective residents with a unique balance of modern, efficient design, abundant outdoor spaces, and connectivity to central Abu Dhabi. As Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developer, Aldar is committed to continuously delivering property that meets the demands of the market in a sustainable way. The launch of Noya is testament to the strong fundamentals and resilience of the capital’s real estate market and the trust customers have placed in Aldar.”

Aldar Properties posted an 8 percent increase in its third-quarter net profit for 2020. The company was helped by strong sales of residential units and income from its third-party development management business. Aldar recorded a net profit of $113.27 million during the period.

Recently, Aldar Properties emerged as the biggest listed developer in the UAE after its shares rose to a six-year high. The rise was attributed to a deal signed between Aldar and ADQ.

The post Aldar Properties to build $256.13 mn residential community appeared first on International Finance.

The launch of the property management services by Eltizam is in line with the company’s plan to become a leading player in the region’s asset management space.

Omnius Estate Services has its office in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, according to the media.

With regard to the launch of the new property management services, Eltizam chief executive officer Chris Roberts told the media “Omnius provides asset owners with comprehensive and integrated property management services set to globally recognized standards and the best industry practices.”

“The team comprises of global professionals who have both local and regional market experience and are committed to delivering top level value to their clients involved in residential, commercial, and mixed-use real estate developments,” he added.

Dubai’s real estate sector has witnessed the completion of around 14000 residential units during the first six months of this year, despite Covid-19 crisis, the media reported.

This is about 30 percent of the units that are scheduled to be handed over in 2020.

According to ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) report, second-quarter residential home sales transactions accounted to 4,459 units, down 48.8 percent quarter-on-quarter and 39.3 percent year-on-year with a value of Dh7 billion and an average ticket size of Dh1.57 million.

Sales volume in the Abu Dhabi real estate market is expected to pick up during the second half of the year, global real estate services firm Chestertons revealed in the month of July.

In a report, Chestertons revealed that sales volume are expected to pick up as developers in the Abu Dhabi real estate market will provide lucrative incentives to potential buyers.

The post Eltizam launches end-to-end property management services in MENA appeared first on International Finance.

In a report, Chestertons revealed that sales volume are expected to pick up as developers in the Abu Dhabi real estate market will provide lucrative incentives to potential buyers.

Chris Hobden, Head of Strategic Consultancy, Chestertons MENA told the media, “While we expect Abu Dhabi to see falls in sales prices over the second half of 2020, generous developer incentives, such as extended post-handover payment plans, initial service charge waivers, and discounted prices should serve to support transaction volumes.”

“Further initiatives, by both UAE and Abu Dhabi authorities, to support an economic recovery over 2021 bode well for the capital’s real estate market medium term,” he added.

Reportedly, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) also exempted individuals and companies from 34 real estate registration fees until the end of this year. This will also help to increase sales volumes in Abu Dhabi.

The exemptions include a 2 percent sale and purchase fee and a 2 percent off-plan sale fee. DMT is also exemption fees such as land exchange fees, mortgage registration, mortgage transfer, mortgage amendment and mortgage redemption.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, sales prices dropped moderately during the second quarter in Abu Dhabi.

“The most significant ongoing threat to the rental sector comes from a fall in demand driven by rising unemployment and declining income levels for private sector workers. The second quarter witnessed a rise in unemployment, especially across travel-related sectors, and a further fall in Abu Dhabi’s expatriate population presents a clear risk moving forward,” Hobden pointed out.

The post Sales volume in Abu Dhabi real estate market to pick up in H2 appeared first on International Finance.

In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority said that the new feature has launched keeping in mind the current circumstances.

Reportedly, the new service will allow customers to access their forms digitally, at the request of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority employees. Once accessed, he can fill in information such as missing data, upload supporting documents, and answer inquiries related to missing information.

Statistics released by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) last month revealed that the value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi increased by 34 percent to reach Dh6.3 billion by the end of last April. During the period, around 2,617 real estate deals were signed, compared to Dh4.6 billion through 1,840 deals during the same period last year.

Dr. Adeeb Alafeefi, Managing Director of the real estate sector at the DMT told the media, “Based on the directives of the wise leadership to support business sectors during these exceptional circumstances, the Abu Dhabi real estate market has maintained its vitality, position and excellence despite these unprecedented repercussions caused by the coronavirus on the global economy and its repercussions on real estate markets around the world.”

He added, “The incentive plans launched by the UAE government and the economic support plan of the central bank along with the economic incentives package launched by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, according to which the DMT has exempted individuals and companies from 34 real estate registration fees until the end of 2020, all contributed to providing sufficient flexibility and helping the real estate market in Abu Dhabi respond to the current circumstances and continue its growth and maintain the momentum of its transactions.”

The post Abu Dhabi Housing Authority digitalises application process appeared first on International Finance.

The sustainable real estate investment trust, launched by Masdar, will have an initial valuation between Dh950 million and Dh1 billion.

The sustainable real estate investment trust will be based in the Abu Dhabi General Market and will include four commercial properties in Masdar city.

According to media reports, the REIT will be launched as a ‘Qualified Investor Fund’ and will only be accessible by investors through private placement.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive at Masdar told the media, “This REIT is a significant milestone for green investment in the region, and demonstrates Masdar’s leadership in sustainable development. This is the first venture of its kind here, and offers investors an attractive option to invest in sustainable income-generating real-estate assets that are helping to contribute to a greater future for all.”

“Investors are increasingly looking for responsible investments and are evaluating companies based on specific environmental, social and governance practices criteria. “

He believes the REIT will contribute to the development of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector and bring in greater investment from both domestic and international investors.

In 2018, Masdar also launched the region’s first green revolving credit facility.

Earlier this month, Masdar and Infinity Energy, an Egypt-based renewable energy company, have agreed to establish a joint venture company to develop solar energy and wind power projects in Africa. The new venture will be called Infinity Power.

During the same period, Masdar also signed an agreement with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to develop and operate a 200 megawatt solar plant near Baku.

The post Masdar to launch UAE’s first ‘sustainable’ REIT appeared first on International Finance.

According to media reports, the issue was six-fold oversubscribed and around 71 percent of total allocations went to foreign investors.

Aldar Investments revealed that the fund raised from the sukuk sale will be used to refinance existing debt, contribute to an optimal diversification of the firm’s funding base and extend the company’s overall duration of liabilities.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar, told the media, “The Aldar Investments sukuk issuance attracted strong global investor interest to finance a business with robust fundamentals. Secondary market liquidity plays a role in a successful transaction, and our dual listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dublin Euronext provides a connection to geographically diverse and deep pools of capital.”

Last year, Aldar successfully issued another seven-year $500 million sukuk on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, which was also the first corporate sukuk to trade on the exchange.

The sukuk sale by Adlar was globally coordinated by Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank as well as HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank. Similarly, the issuance was jointly managed by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank as well as Emirates NBD Capital and Sharjah Islamic Bank.

Aldar Investments owns and manages a Dh20 billion portfolio consisting of high-quality residential, retail, commercial and hospitality assets.

The post Aldar lists $500 mn sukuk on the Abu Dhabi Exchange appeared first on International Finance.

The project features 1306 villa plots of various sizes, ranging between 600 to 1,400 square metres that can be used for four, five, or six bedroom residential units. The community will also include community centres, parks, schools, mosques, and other retail facilities.

According to Aldar Properties, the Saadiyat Reserve project is expected to begin within the first three months of 2020, while handover will begin from mid-2022.

Speaking about the project, chief executive officer of Aldar Properties, Talal Al Dhiyebi told the media that, “With the launch of Saadiyat Reserve, we wanted to cater to this demand and the increasing interest in land plot sales in Abu Dhabi.”

He added, “We believe that this project offers an exciting opportunity for potential buyers who are looking to own freehold land and design bespoke homes minutes away from some of the capital’s most inspiring cultural and educational landmarks.”

Aldar is also providing a wide range of payment plans to its customers along with a 5 percent down payment.

Earlier this year, Aldar also announced the Alreeman II project. The Dh1.7 billion residential community in the Alshamkha area of Abu Dhabi covers an area of 2.4 million square metres. The project features 1,690 villa plots, which range between 500 to 1,000 square metres in size.

Aldar has launched the Alreeman II project after the success of its predecessor Alreeman which generated around Dh1.6 billion in sales. While sale has already commenced, construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.

The post Aldar launches its first Dh722 mn Saadiyat community appeared first on International Finance.