Christie’s International Real Estate Enters Abu Dhabi as Luxury Property Demand Grows

The new Abu Dhabi operation is owned by Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, who also lead Christie’s International Real Estate Dubai. Their Dubai business was named the network’s 2025 Affiliate of the Year, providing the new Abu Dhabi operation with an established regional platform and experience in serving high-end property buyers.

The expansion comes as Abu Dhabi attracts increasing interest from international investors, high-net-worth individuals and buyers seeking luxury homes in a market supported by strong economic fundamentals, major infrastructure investment and an expanding lifestyle offering.

Abu Dhabi Property Market Hits Record Levels

The timing of Christie’s expansion reflects the rapid acceleration of Abu Dhabi’s real estate market.

According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, total real estate transactions reached AED 117 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 112% increase compared with the same period a year earlier. Transaction volumes rose 61.7% to 16,838 deals.

Sales activity was particularly strong, reaching AED 86.1 billion across 16,838 transactions, while foreign direct investment climbed to AED 13.8 billion, a 309% increase year-on-year. International investors from 116 nationalities participated in Abu Dhabi's property market during the first six months of the year.

The figures build on an exceptionally strong first quarter, when Abu Dhabi recorded AED 66 billion in transactions its highest quarterly performance on record at the time.

Luxury Segment Continues to Gain Momentum

The growth is particularly evident across Abu Dhabi’s prime residential communities.

Knight Frank reported that apartment prices on Yas Island and Al Reem Island increased by approximately 18% year-on-year through June 2026. Saadiyat Island remained the emirate’s most expensive apartment market, with average transaction prices reaching around AED 43,100 per square metre, up approximately 21% annually.

The villa market has also delivered strong gains in selected locations. Al Jubail Island recorded approximately 40% annual price growth, while Saadiyat Island continued to command the highest average villa prices at around AED 26,500 per square metre.

These trends highlight why Abu Dhabi is increasingly being viewed as more than a traditional investment market. Waterfront communities, high-end developments and lifestyle-oriented destinations are attracting buyers looking for both luxury and long-term value.

A Broader Luxury Lifestyle Proposition

Christie’s International Real Estate’s arrival also coincides with Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a major global destination for culture, tourism, business and entertainment.

The emirate has invested heavily in attractions and institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, while major developments such as Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and other entertainment projects are helping broaden the capital’s international appeal.

For luxury property buyers, these investments contribute to a wider ecosystem in which real estate is closely connected to lifestyle, accessibility, culture and long-term economic growth.

The growing pipeline of premium residential developments is another factor supporting the market. Knight Frank estimates that approximately 36,900 residential units are under construction across Abu Dhabi between 2026 and 2030, with Yas Island, Fahid Island and Saadiyat Island among the areas with significant upcoming supply.

Positioning for the Next Phase of Growth

For Christie’s International Real Estate, establishing a dedicated Abu Dhabi presence provides an opportunity to connect the emirate’s expanding luxury market with a global network of affluent buyers and investors.

The move also reflects a broader shift in the UAE’s luxury property landscape. While Dubai continues to attract substantial international attention, Abu Dhabi is developing its own distinct proposition, supported by government investment, economic diversification, growing international connectivity and a rapidly evolving residential offering.

As international capital continues to flow into the emirate, demand for high-quality homes and investment opportunities is expected to remain an important component of Abu Dhabi’s property story.

With transaction values, foreign investment and luxury residential prices all recording significant gains in 2026, Christie’s entry arrives at a pivotal moment positioning the brand to participate in what could become one of the capital’s most significant periods of real estate growth.