The UAE’s real estate market continues to evolve at remarkable speed. While Dubai dominates in transaction volume, Abu Dhabi — the nation’s capital — is quietly emerging as a market with compelling long-term potential. Its population growth is outpacing Dubai’s, yet its off-plan property supply is far more constrained.
For high-net-worth investors, understanding this dynamic is key: where lies the smarter, strategic value?
Population Growth: Abu Dhabi Surges Past Dubai
In 2024, Abu Dhabi’s population jumped to 4.136 million, a 7.5% increase equivalent to ~290,000 new residents. By comparison, Dubai’s population grew to 3.8 million, a 4.5% increase, adding ~170,000 residents.
Key takeaway: Abu Dhabi is growing faster than Dubai, both in absolute numbers and in growth rate, setting the stage for a demand-driven real estate market.
Off-Plan Property Sales: The Market Reality
The 2024 off-plan property numbers reveal a stark contrast:
| Metric | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Total Residential Sales | 9,700 | 169,000 |
| Off-plan Sales | 5,450 | 102,000 |
| Ratio: Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi (Off-plan Sales) | – | ~19× more |
| Residents per Off-plan Unit Sold | ~53 | ~1.7 |
While Dubai sold ~19× more off-plan units than Abu Dhabi in 2024, Abu Dhabi absorbed ~53 new residents per off-plan unit sold, compared to just ~1.7 residents per unit in Dubai.
Interpretation: Abu Dhabi’s housing supply is not keeping pace with its rapidly growing population, while Dubai’s massive development pipeline maintains a more balanced ratio.
H1 2025 Snapshot: Trend Continues
Early 2025 data shows the pattern persists:
| Metric | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Total Residential Sales | 3,300 | 91,900 |
| Off-plan Sales | 1,100 | 64,000 |
| Ratio: Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi (Off-plan Sales) | – | ~58× more |
Note: Half-year population growth data is not yet available, so residents-per-unit cannot be calculated.
Key takeaway H1 2025: Dubai continues to dominate absolute sales, selling ~58× more off-plan units than Abu Dhabi in just six months, while Abu Dhabi’s supply remains constrained despite its stronger population growth.
What This Means for Investors
- Dubai: Offers scale, liquidity, and global recognition, with off-plan transactions dominating the market and consistent development keeping pace with demand.
- Abu Dhabi: Presents a strategically underexplored opportunity. Its fast-growing population and limited off-plan pipeline create conditions for long-term price appreciation, especially in prime and luxury segments.
Investor takeaway: Dubai delivers volume; Abu Dhabi delivers scarcity-driven upside potential.
Conclusion: The Smarter Play May Be Abu Dhabi
While Dubai remains the UAE’s real estate powerhouse, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a market for strategic, long-term investors. Its combination of booming population growth and constrained new supply suggests that well-positioned investments could outperform over the next decade.
Partner With LIVERIA
At LIVERIA, we help high-net-worth individuals and families identify opportunities others overlook. Whether your strategy is liquidity-driven in Dubai or value-focused in Abu Dhabi, our team provides exclusive access, tailored insights, and end-to-end advisory across the UAE’s luxury real estate markets.
👉 Contact us today to explore bespoke investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and secure your position in the UAE’s most promising property markets.
