Overview of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market
The Abu Dhabi real estate market is divided into two main segments: residential and commercial. The residential segment includes apartments, villas, and townhouses, while the commercial segment includes office buildings, hotels, and retail spaces.
The Abu Dhabi real estate market has experienced significant growth over the past few years. According to a report by JLL, the total value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi increased by 27% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including government initiatives to attract foreign investments, the growing tourism industry, and a strong economy.
Residential Real Estate Market in Abu Dhabi
The residential real estate market in Abu Dhabi is divided into two main segments: the luxury segment and the affordable segment. The luxury segment includes high-end properties located in prime locations, while the affordable segment includes properties located in the suburbs.
The luxury segment of the residential real estate market in Abu Dhabi has experienced significant growth over the past few years. According to a report by Core Savills, the prime residential market in Abu Dhabi witnessed a 1.6% increase in prices in 2020 compared to the previous year. The demand for luxury properties in Abu Dhabi is driven by the growing number of high-net-worth individuals in the city.

Commercial Real Estate Market in Abu Dhabi
The commercial real estate market in Abu Dhabi is also experiencing growth. According to a report by CBRE, the total office stock in Abu Dhabi increased by 3.3% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to government initiatives to attract foreign investments and the growing economy.
The hospitality sector in Abu Dhabi is also experiencing growth. According to a report by STR, the average daily rate for hotels in Abu Dhabi increased by 8.7% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the growing tourism industry in the city.
Government Initiatives to Attract Foreign Investments
The Abu Dhabi government has implemented several initiatives to attract foreign investments into the real estate market. One of these initiatives is the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), which was launched in 2019 to attract foreign investments into the city. The ADIO offers several incentives to foreign investors, including tax exemptions and streamlined business registration processes.
Another initiative is the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which is a financial free zone located in Abu Dhabi. The ADGM offers several incentives to foreign investors, including 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes on profits and capital gains.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Abu Dhabi real estate market. The demand for residential properties in the city decreased in 2020 due to the pandemic. According to a report by Property Finder, the total number of transactions for apartments in Abu Dhabi decreased by 10.4% in 2020 compared to the previous year.