Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is quickly establishing itself as a global contender.  In 2024 alone, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) recorded 24.2% growth in real estate transactions from 2023, reaching AED 96.2 billion in value. Supported by strong foreign investment, a wave of high-profile developments and significant price appreciation, the emirate attracts growing interest from buyers seeking capital appreciation and long-term value. Artemiy Marinin, Project director from MERED, highlights five areas that stand out for premium property investors, offering distinct advantages, from strategic locations to future-ready infrastructure:

1. Al Reem Island

Al Reem Island has transformed into one of the most attractive investment areas in Abu Dhabi. Its recent inclusion in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone has added significant appeal, placing the island within one of the world’s largest international financial hubs. This development offers investors a rare combination: prime waterfront real estate, strong rental returns, and opportunities for capital growth.

With major infrastructure projects underway, such as the 2027 bridge linking Reem Island to Saadiyat Island and the expansion of nearby business districts like Al Maryah Island, the island is quickly becoming one of the best choices for high-end apartments. MERED’s upcoming luxury waterfront development in this area is a direct response to this growing market. It’s designed to cater to an expanding base of investors looking for quality, connectivity, and long-term value. Positioned in one of the most promising locations, designed by Pritzker Prize laureates, the project will offer premium living spaces with incredible views, large modern amenities and retail, making it a key player in the future of Al Reem Island and a new landmark.

2. Saadiyat Island

Divided into seven districts, Saadiyat Island offers a mix of residential and commercial opportunities, anchored by world-class resorts, beaches, and luxury communities that appeal to high-end property investors. It is home to some of the most prestigious attractions in Abu Dhabi, including the Louvre and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat has recorded price increases of 32.4% in 2024, making it the emirate’s highest appreciating residential area. Demand for high-end apartments remains robust, driven by the island’s exclusivity and cultural ecosystem. While near-term development is constrained by land availability, long-term potential remains strong, particularly in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Investors targeting asset preservation and premium rental returns continue to prioritise Saadiyat as a resilient, high-performing market.

3. Yas Island

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, with excellent highway links and proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Yas Island attracts young professionals and expatriates. Many multinational firms based on Yas also lease residences for their staff, contributing to high occupancy rates of 85–95%. Average gross rental yields for luxury apartments hover between 4-6%, with prime freehold units reaching 6-8%. Limited land availability is expected to drive future price appreciation. This ensures investors earn a regular rental income stream regardless of market cycles. Meanwhile, rising demand from tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and access to entertainment hubs like Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and luxury hotels make Yas Island a high-performing, well-rounded asset in any property portfolio.

4. Al Maryah Island

As Abu Dhabi’s central business district, Al Maryah Island offers a tightly integrated environment for both living and working. Its proximity to financial institutions, luxury retail, healthcare, and cultural venues creates a stable base for long-term residential demand. The island’s master plan supports an active, high-quality lifestyle with strong infrastructure and urban planning standards, translating into reliable tenant profiles and stable occupancy rates. As Abu Dhabi scales its knowledge economy ambitions, Al Maryah is expected to remain a prime asset for investors seeking stable yields and sustainable value growth.

5. Hudayriyat Island

Hudayriyat Island represents one of the most forward-looking investment opportunities. The island, home to several high-profile developments, including luxury resorts, beachfront villas, and world-class recreational facilities, is a high-value, low-density destination for future residents. Sustainability lies at the heart of Hudayriyat’s development, with smart city technologies and green infrastructure creating a future-proof model for urban living. This appeals to environmentally-conscious buyers and strengthens long-term asset value in an increasingly ESG-driven market. Early investors stand to benefit from strong capital appreciation once the island’s projects fully mature.

As the city’s residential footprint expands outward and infrastructure and amenities take shape, long-term returns are expected to follow.

GJ Properties concluded a successful showcase at the Ajman Real Estate Investment Exhibition 2025, held from April 29 to May 1 at the Emirates Hospitality Center, Ajman. The event highlighted six of the company’s landmark developments, drawing significant attention from investors, brokers, and end-users alike.

As one of the UAE’s fastest-growing real estate hubs, Ajman is attracting investors with its affordable luxury offerings, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies. The emirate is fast becoming a preferred destination for buyers seeking high returns and long-term value in a stable market.

During the three-day exhibition, GJ Properties reaffirmed its position as a key player in the Northern Emirates’ real estate landscape by spotlighting its flagship projects—Biltmore Residences, Ajman Creek Tower, ONE678 Residences, Sky Gardens Tower, Barajeel Towers, and Ajman Pearl Tower. Together, these developments span over 8.80 million square feet of built-up area and will introduce more than 4,500 new residential units to the UAE market in 2025–26.

Visitors and stakeholders responded enthusiastically to the exclusive incentives unveiled during the event, which included:

• 20% discount on cash payments
• 7% commission for brokers
• 5% direct discount for buyers

These offers proved highly attractive, fueling strong engagement and discussions with prospective buyers and agents looking to capitalize on Ajman’s booming real estate sector.

“Ajman is a vital part of our long-term strategy as we continue to expand across the UAE,” said Ali Jaber, CEO of GJ Properties. “The Ajman Real Estate Investment Exhibition gave us a dynamic platform to engage with the investor community, showcase our vision of affordable luxury, and demonstrate how we’re contributing to the emirate’s transformation.”

GJ Properties enters 2025 with momentum, having already delivered over 800 residential units and an active project pipeline valued at over AED 550 million. The company recorded 10% annual growth in 2024, underscoring growing demand and strong investor confidence in its developments.

The Ajman Real Estate Investment Exhibition served as a vital meeting point for real estate professionals to explore trends, forge partnerships, and drive future growth. GJ Properties’ participation underscored its dedication to transparency, community development, and building modern, sustainable lifestyles for the UAE.

In a significant move set to bring Manhattan’s creative legacy to the Middle East, Clédor has officially signed a partnership agreement with Arthouse Hotel, NYC. Coming to the iconic Al Marjan Islands in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Marjan Arthouse, valued at AED 400 Million, will be the brand’s first residences outside of the USA.

With a project development pipeline valued at over AED 2.1 billion, Clédor continues to make bold strides in reshaping the region’s real estate landscape. These branded residences are part of Clédor’s vision to deliver high-yield, design-forward communities that offer 150%+ investor returns and average unit prices exceeding AED 14 million.

The signing ceremony took place today, at the elegant Amelia Lounge in Downtown Dubai, in the presence of Omar Gull, Founder & Chairman of Clédor, Karim El Aqabi, from Arthouse, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO, Marjan and Islam El Dafrawy,  Co-founder, Prospect.

“Today’s signing marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration rooted in excellence, heritage, and innovation. We are very excited to partner with Arthouse Hotel, NYC, to bring a legacy of refined and artistic living into the heart of the UAE’s most dynamic communities – Al Marjan Island. With Arthouse, we’re introducing a new style of luxury, one that brings a creative, cultural dimension to Ras Al Khaimah.

“Al Marjan Island is already a powerhouse for leisure and entertainment, drawing visitors and investors from all over the world. Through this partnership with Arthouse, we hope to add a new layer to the island’s story, a place where art and culture live side by side with lifestyle and hospitality. We are truly grateful to Arthouse NYC, and Marjan leadership and our strategic partner Prospect for believing in our vision. Together our partnership will continue to add to the UAE’s every-growing and vibrant real estate landscape,” said Omar Gull, Founder & Chairman of Clédor.

The collaboration brings together Clédor’s robust development expertise with the refined hospitality legacy of Arthouse NYC to introduce a new standard of living through branded residences on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah and Meydan, Dubai. The residences will reflect the same elevated design, service, and lifestyle experience that have defined Arthouse’s presence on New York’s Upper West Side for over 100 years.

“I am excited to announce this new chapter for Arthouse and we are honoured to partner with Clédor, who have a deep understanding of the UAE market and clientele. We trust in their experience to build something special and lasting. This is the first time Arthouse is stepping outside the United States of America and together we hope to build a timeless legacy. We chose the UAE, and especially Al Marjan Island, because of the robust growth of real estate, vision of the leadership, and ambition and forward-thinking outlook of the region. This is the beginning of more projects to come to this region from the Arthouse brand portfolio. We would like to express our gratitude to all our stakeholders for the trust and partnership, said  Karim El Aqabi, spokesperson of Arthouse.

“The exquisite mix of fascinating nature and well-preserved history of Ras Al Khaimah has been attracting luxurious facilities and projects to the emirate, elevating our iconic island to one of the UAE’s top destinations for tourism and growth, attracting the best of investments. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Arthouse Residences to Al Marjan Island. Their presence reflects our continued commitment to developing a world-class destination defined by architectural excellence, cultural enrichment, and exceptional quality of life. We look forward to the unique character and prestige Arthouse Residences will bring to our evolving landscape and growing community,” said Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO, Marjan.

“We are proud to partner with Clédor in bringing Arthouse NYC to the UAE — a bold and visionary undertaking that bridges global creativity with the region’s dynamic real estate landscape. This collaboration reflects our shared belief in the power of a reputed global brand, investment prospects in Al Marjan Island and innovation in our industry that can shape extraordinary spaces and enduring value. Together, we are laying the foundation for yet another new benchmark in culturally inspired development that resonates with international sensibilities and local ambitions,” added Islam El Dafrawy, Co-founder, Prospect.

This strategic alliance not only solidifies Clédor’s role in driving the UAE property market forward but also marks Arthouse’s official entry into the Middle East—bringing with it a century of curated living to a new generation of luxury homeowners.