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Abu Dhabi Approves Major Projects, Reshaping 2026 Home Prices

Large-scale approvals and residential launches are setting the supply backdrop for buyers tracking 2026 handovers on Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island.

By Abu Dhabi Property Desk · Published 19 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Abu Dhabi is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

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Abu Dhabi approved over 30 million square meters of new Gross Floor Area in the first half of 2025, a 133% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The approvals span residential, commercial, healthcare and mixed-use communities and form the immediate supply context for price movements in new developments.

Scale of Residential Pipeline

The UAE President launched 13 new residential projects in April 2025 to provide more than 40,000 homes and plots for Emirati citizens at a total cost of Dh106 billion. Of these, 25,244 housing units are scheduled for construction over five years. The volume of new units entering the market supplies the main driver behind current pricing dynamics for both Emirati and non-Emirati buyers.

Saadiyat Island Handovers in View

Saadiyat Lagoons on Saadiyat Island is a major upcoming luxury development by Aldar set for handover in Q2 2026, with prices starting from AED 6.4M. The Source on Saadiyat, a nine-storey residential complex with 200 apartments, is also scheduled for handover in 2026. Buyers evaluating entry points on the island now have two confirmed 2026 delivery timelines and a clear entry price for the Lagoons scheme.

Branded Residences and Timing Signals

New luxury branded residences include Nobu Abu Dhabi opening in 2027, Mandarin Oriental Residences near the Zayed National Museum, and Elie Saab Waterfront on Al Reem Island featuring 174 residences with prices up to Dh300 million. Straylight Yas, a Vignette Collection hotel by IHG, is expected to open in Q4 2025. These staggered delivery dates give buyers concrete windows to assess how supply additions may affect pricing in each micro-location.

Practical Considerations for Buyers

Buyers should track the confirmed handover quarters for Saadiyat Lagoons and The Source on Saadiyat in 2026, alongside the Dh106 billion investment programme that underpins the broader unit pipeline. Monitoring the progression of the 25,244 units slated for the five-year period provides the clearest indication of when additional supply may influence price levels in the targeted communities.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.