Yes, in record numbers. In its first-half 2026 figures, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) listed the UK first among the leading sources of foreign direct investment into Abu Dhabi property, ahead of China, Russia, the US, Germany and France. Foreign investment reached AED 13.8 billion in six months, up 309% and more than in the whole of 2025.
The official numbers: first half of 2026
| Measure | H1 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| All property transactions | AED 117 billion | Up 112% year on year |
| Foreign direct investment | AED 13.8 billion | Up 309%, above the AED 8.2 billion for all of 2025 |
| Investment in freehold zones open to all nationalities | AED 75 billion | Up 181% from AED 26.7 billion |
| Nationalities buying | 116 | Up from 82 in H1 2025 |
| Leading sources of foreign investment | UK, China, Russia, US, Germany, France (in the order ADREC listed them) | |
Source: ADREC first-half 2026 results, as published by Invest Abu Dhabi and reported by Gulf News. ADREC does not publish a separate figure for UK buyers. 2025 total from ADREC's 2025 results, which also named the UK among the main foreign buyers.
What UK buyers are buying
Mitch's UK clients mostly buy off-plan on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, from Aldar and Modon. Off-plan made up most of the market: ADREC data reported by MoneyMagpie puts it at 89% of sales value in the first half of 2026.
- Saadiyat Cultural District apartments, beside the Louvre Abu Dhabi, for long-term growth.
- Yas Island villas and townhouses, where Mitch has tracked 17% to 22% average yearly growth.
- New launches with low deposits, often around 5% down plus the 2% registration fee.
Why UK buyers are choosing Abu Dhabi
- Lower cash to get in than Dubai: often 5% + 2% against 20% + 4%. See Abu Dhabi vs Dubai.
- No UAE tax on rent, gains or inheritance. UK tax can still apply. See the tax answer.
- Residency: property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
- Tighter supply, with most new homes coming from two large developers.
Figures from ADREC releases as reported in October 2026. Mitch's observations are from his own transactions. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.
“So why should a UK investor buy in Abu Dhabi? First thing is the safety. Then there's the tax elements. What tax?”
General information, not financial advice. Figures attributed to Mitch come from transactions he tracks.