Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi approved exhibition to unite leading developers, investors and homebuyers as the UAE’s real estate market enters a new phase of sustained growth as residential property transaction value exceeds Dh95.8 billion through 21,416 home sales in the first 9 months of 2026
Date: Abu Dhabi, UAE, October 15, 2026
News Highlights:
- Abu Dhabi recorded Dh95.8 billion through 21,416 home sale in the first 9 months of 2026;
- Property transaction value in Abu Dhabi reached Dh175.7 billion in the first 9 months of 2026;
- Residential supply in Abu Dhabi reaches 409,000 units, with 71,000 additional units projected by 2030;
- Total value of ongoing development projects exceeds Dh200 billion across 600 projects.
The International Real Estate and Investment Show (IREIS) 2026 will return to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from November 10 to 12, 2026, bringing together leading property developers, investors, financial institutions, real estate professionals and homebuyers for one of the UAE’s most prominent dedicated real estate sales exhibitions.
The news comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global investment destination, supported by economic diversification, population growth, major infrastructure development and long-term development strategies. The emirate’s expanding business, tourism, cultural and lifestyle ecosystem is generating new demand for residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use real estate.
The emirate of Abu Dhabi recorded Dh95.8 billion through 21,416 registered home sales during the first 9 months (January to September) of 2026. Total real estate transaction value for the first nine months of 2026 reached Dh175.7 billion, according to Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
Residential unit sales in Abu Dhabi reached Dh70.4 billion in the first six months of 2026, with off-plan accounting for 89 percent of sales value. Ten leading developers accounted for 90 percent of off-plan primary sales at Dh51 billion, and ten projects accounted for 43 percent of residential unit sales at Dh30 billion. In the ready market, 61 percent of purchases were completed in cash, says ADREC.
Emirati buyers committed Dh21 billion, against Dh8.9 billion in H1 2025. Resident expatriates and non-resident foreign buyers together accounted for 70 percent of residential sales value. Hudayriyat Island recorded Dh19 billion, 27 percent of residential sales value, followed by Saadiyat Island at Dh13.3 billion, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island (operated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market area) at Dh10.5 billion, and Yas Island at Dh7.3 billion.
Residential supply in Abu Dhabi reaches approximately 409,000 units, with 71,000 additional units projected by 2030 and deliveries peaking in 2028, according to ADREC. Around 7,562 to 8,000 residential units are scheduled for completion across 2026, with activity heavily back-loaded toward the second half of the year. As many as 233,000 active residential lease contracts were recorded across the emirate, with lease values reaching Dh9.3 billion in the first half of 2026.
On top of these, the total value of ongoing infrastructure and development projects managed by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) exceeds Dh200 billion ($54.5 billion) across more than 600 active projects. These projects, along with the multi-billion dollar mega projects announced by developers in recent months, will create massive opportunities for buyers and investors as well as contractors and suppliers, change the economic landscape of Abu Dhabi – the economic powerhouse of the Middle East.
Approved by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), IREIS has established itself as a dedicated platform for real estate sales, investment and direct engagement between developers and buyers. The three-day exhibition will showcase residential, commercial and mixed-use investment opportunities from Abu Dhabi and across the wider UAE.
As the UAE’s real estate market continues its growth trajectory, IREIS 2026 will provide investors with access to opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other emerging markets. The exhibition reflects the growing diversification of property investment among UAE-based investors, while providing developers from across the Emirates with direct access to one of the region’s most active investor communities.
Leading property developers and other stakeholders are joining IREIS 2026, as investor confidence strengthens in UAE’s real estate. Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) joins IREIS as its Official Knowledge Partner while Emirates Development, Aqaar and Al Rasikhoon Real Estate partners with IREIS as Gold Sponsor, D’Souza Holding as Platinum Sponsor in addition to Silver Sponsors Azizi Developments, Ellington Properties, Dugasta Properties, Zimaya Properties and Capstone Real Estate and Vertix Holding reaffirming commitment as Strategic Partner of IREIS 2026.
IREIS Conferences
IREIS 2026 is going to host a series of interesting conversation under its busy conference agenda, supported by Conference Partner Knight Frank, which will focus on Proptech, Artificial Intelligence and innovation in real estate and construction
Among the conferences, AI Partnership Forum is a major conference session investment and networking platform connecting the companies developing real estate, the institutions financing it, the investors allocating capital and the technologies transforming the entire property lifecycle at IREIS 2026. Conversation will examine how AI and high-quality data are changing the way investors discover, evaluate and manage real estate opportunities.
In addition to Abu Dhabi, Dubai continues to attract significant international interest through its diverse pipeline of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, while Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah are gaining attention for their competitive pricing, waterfront communities, hospitality projects and lifestyle developments. Together, these markets are creating a broader range of opportunities for investors seeking diversification across the UAE. Developers will promote their projects spread across all over the UAE.
The success of IREIS 2025 reflected the continued strength of the UAE’s real estate sector. The previous edition featured developers representing an active project pipeline valued at approximately Dh2.78 trillion (US$758.8 billion), with participating companies presenting projects from across the UAE and offering exhibition-only incentives, project launches, flexible payment plans and on-site booking opportunities.
IREIS is designed not simply as a traditional property showcase, but as a results-driven real estate sales platform. Developers have the opportunity to engage directly with qualified investors and end-users, while visitors can compare projects, explore investment options and access exclusive offers and payment plans under one roof.
Alongside the exhibition, IREIS 2026 will feature a high-level conference bringing together government representatives, developers, financial institutions, economists and industry experts. Discussions will explore the future of real estate investment in the UAE, with key topics expected to include Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a regional investment hub, real estate and banking growth, sustainable infrastructure, fractional ownership, PropTech, foreign direct investment, economic diversification, UAE–Europe investment corridors and the evolving role of real estate brokerage.
Commenting on the announcement, Arun Bose, IREIS, said: “IREIS has evolved into much more than a traditional exhibition. It is a platform where developers connect directly with serious investors, buyers explore opportunities across the UAE and real estate transactions can take place. Abu Dhabi provides an ideal setting, with its strong economy, growing investor community and position as an international business and investment hub. At the same time, the exhibition reflects the diversity of opportunities available across the UAE. IREIS 2026 will bring developers, investors and buyers together under one roof to create new opportunities for sales, investment and strategic partnerships.”
The exhibition supports the UAE’s broader objectives of attracting international investment, strengthening economic diversification and developing deeper collaboration between developers, financial institutions and global investors. By bringing together projects and investment opportunities from multiple emirates, IREIS aims to reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.
With participation expected from leading UAE and international developers, investors, institutional buyers, property professionals and other industry stakeholders, IREIS 2026 is set to provide a comprehensive marketplace for real estate investment and sales.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore investment opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other emerging destinations, while meeting developers and industry professionals directly.
IREIS 2026 will be held from November 10 to 12, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Further details regarding exhibitors, conference sessions, investment forums and visitor registration will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ends
About The International Real Estate & Investment Show 2026 (IREIS 2026)
The International Real Estate & Investment Show (IREIS) is Abu Dhabi’s premier annual platform for property and investment professionals, hosted by Dome Exhibitions. Since its inception in 2005, IREIS has connected thousands of developers, investors, brokers, and consultants from across the globe. The event is uniquely positioned as a transactional hub, enabling real-time sales, investment discussions, and international partnerships.
Now in its 15th edition, IREIS 2026 will be held from November 10-12, 2026, at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. The show features cutting-edge property showcases, country pavilios, investment advisory zones, and thought-leadership conferences covering golden visa opportunities, sustainable development, cross-border investments, and more. With over 3,000 expected attendees and participation, IREIS continues to shape the future of real estate across the UAE and beyond.
IREIS has earned a reputation as a trusted bridge between global markets and regional opportunities, drawing key stakeholders from the GCC, MENA, Europe, and Asia. Whether for residential buyers, institutional investors, or immigration consultants, the event offers a dynamic, deal-driven environment that empowers both established and emerging players in the real estate sector.
For more information, visit: www.realestateshow.ae
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