PSI Team
Real Estate Expert
Abu Dhabi's property market has had a busy start to 2026, with several new and established projects attracting billions of dirhams in sales.
The interesting part is where buyers are choosing to invest and buy homes.
Based on the H1 2026 data shown in the reference infographic, the top 10 projects accounted for 43% of total residential unit sales value, with combined sales of around AED 30 billion.
Hudayriyat Island stands out in particular, with five projects making the list. Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Ramhan Island and Al Jurf also feature among Abu Dhabi's strongest-performing destinations.
From large waterfront villas to apartments, branded residences and wellness-focused homes, these projects show the wide range of properties attracting buyers in 2026.
Let's take a closer look.
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Sales Value: AED 4.3 billion
Taking the number one spot is Al Naseem on Hudayriyat Island.
The project recorded around AED 4.3 billion in sales during the first half of 2026. Its strong performance highlights the demand for large, high-value villas in Abu Dhabi.
Hudayriyat Island is quickly becoming more than a leisure destination. New residential communities are being introduced alongside its beaches, outdoor attractions, and lifestyle facilities.
For buyers looking for a new villa community in a waterfront setting, Al Naseem has become one of the biggest names in the market this year.
Sales Value: AED 4.2 billion
Coming in second is Nawayef West, also located on Hudayriyat Island.
The project recorded approximately AED 4.2 billion in sales. It is part of the wider Nawayef development, known for its elevated landscape and large luxury homes.
Nawayef offers something a little different from the traditional villa communities found elsewhere in Abu Dhabi. The focus is on spacious homes within a new destination that is still growing.
Its strong sales performance shows that buyers are paying close attention to Hudayriyat's future.
Sales Value: AED 4.1 billion
Nawayef East takes third place with around AED 4.1 billion in sales.
Like Nawayef West, the project is part of Hudayriyat's growing luxury residential offering. It includes larger villas and homes designed for families looking for more privacy and room.
Together, Nawayef East and Nawayef West recorded more than AED 8 billion in sales value.
That is a major contribution from just two projects and gives a clear idea of how much attention Hudayriyat Island is receiving from buyers in 2026.
Sales Value: AED 3.2 billion
Next on the list is The Row Saadiyat, located on Saadiyat Island.
Saadiyat is already one of Abu Dhabi's best-known luxury destinations, and The Row adds another option for buyers who want to live close to the island's beaches and Cultural District.
The location is a big part of its appeal. Residents are close to major cultural attractions, luxury hotels, and some of Abu Dhabi's most popular beachfront areas.
With around AED 3.2 billion in sales, The Row Saadiyat shows that demand for premium homes on Saadiyat Island remains strong.
Sales Value: AED 3.2 billion
Also recording around AED 3.2 billion in sales is Four Seasons Private Residences.
Branded residences continue to attract attention in the UAE, especially among buyers looking for high-end homes connected to well-known hospitality brands.
The appeal is not only about the address. Buyers are also drawn to the style of living and services often associated with branded residential projects.
Its place in the top five shows that Abu Dhabi's luxury market continues to attract buyers looking for premium and distinctive homes.
Sales Value: AED 2.9 billion
Ramhan Island takes sixth place with approximately AED 2.9 billion in sales.
The project offers a private island lifestyle with waterfront villas, marina access, and a quieter setting.
Compared with busier destinations such as Yas Island, Ramhan offers a more private and low-density environment.
Its strong performance also continues a clear trend in the 2026 market: buyers are showing strong interest in waterfront and island communities.
Sales Value: AED 2.2 billion
With around AED 2.2 billion in sales, Yas Riva Residences is another important project to watch.
What makes Yas Riva interesting is that it was also one of the most active projects in terms of the number of sales.
This is different from the villa projects at the top of the list. A luxury villa can have a very high individual price, while an apartment project may record a larger number of transactions.
Yas Island continues to be popular because it offers a lively mix of homes, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and leisure attractions.
For buyers who enjoy an active lifestyle, Yas Island remains one of Abu Dhabi's most attractive residential destinations.
Sales Value: AED 2.0 billion
SHA Residences in Al Jurf recorded approximately AED 2 billion in sales.
The project takes a different approach to residential living by focusing on wellness and a more relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Al Jurf offers a quieter alternative to the city's major island communities.
The project's place in the top 10 shows that buyers are also interested in destinations outside central Abu Dhabi, especially those offering a different lifestyle and location.
Sales Value: AED 2.0 billion
Hudayriyat Island appears again with Bashayer Residences.
The project brings more variety to the island by offering waterfront apartments and other residential options alongside the large villas already being developed in the area.
This is important because Hudayriyat is starting to offer a wider range of homes.
Buyers are no longer limited to one type of property. Depending on the project, they can explore apartments, villas and other residential options within the same growing destination.
Sales Value: AED 2.0 billion
Completing the list is Bashayer Villas, with around AED 2 billion in sales.
The project focuses on larger family homes and waterfront villa living.
Having both Bashayer Residences and Bashayer Villas in the top 10 highlights the growing demand for different property types on Hudayriyat Island.
Some buyers are looking for apartments, while others want larger private homes. The growing number of options is helping Hudayriyat attract a broader mix of buyers.
Looking at the top 10 projects together, a few clear trends stand out.
Five projects on the list are located on Hudayriyat Island:
That is a strong sign of how quickly the island is growing as a residential destination.
Hudayriyat is attracting buyers who want new communities, waterfront living, and a choice of property types.
The island is still developing, which also makes it one of the more closely watched areas in Abu Dhabi's property market.
Another clear trend is the popularity of waterfront and island communities.
Projects on Hudayriyat, Saadiyat, Yas Island, Ramhan Island and Al Jurf all made the top 10.
For many buyers, location is just as important as the property itself.
Living near the beach, marina or waterfront can be a major part of the appeal, especially when the wider community also offers leisure, dining and lifestyle facilities.
The three highest-ranking projects are all connected to the growing demand for premium villas.
Al Naseem, Nawayef West and Nawayef East each recorded more than AED 4 billion in sales.
This does not mean villas have the highest number of sales. Apartment projects can record more individual transactions.
However, because villas usually come with higher price tags, they can contribute significantly to the total sales value.
One of the positive changes in Abu Dhabi's property market is the growing variety of homes available.
The top 10 includes:
This means buyers can choose between very different lifestyles depending on what matters most to them.
The top 10 projects in Abu Dhabi in 2026 give us a good look at where buyer interest is strongest so far.
Hudayriyat Island is clearly one of the biggest stories of the year, with several projects generating billions of dirhams in sales. At the same time, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island continue to attract strong interest, while newer destinations such as Ramhan Island and Al Jurf are also gaining attention.
What makes the market interesting is the variety. Buyers can choose from luxury villas, waterfront apartments, branded residences, and homes designed around different lifestyles.
The best project will always depend on what you are looking for, but these top-performing developments offer a useful starting point for anyone exploring the Abu Dhabi property market in 2026.
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