Abu Dhabi Development: 43.6 Million Sq Metres Approved in H1 2026
Abu Dhabi approved 43.6 million square metres of development space during the first half of 2026, highlighting continued construction and investment activity across the emirate.
The approvals covered new development projects and planning activity during the six months to June 2026. The total represented a 40% increase compared with the same period in 2025, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport.
The growth reflects rising activity across Abu Dhabi’s residential, commercial and mixed-use development sectors. New approvals are also supporting the emirate’s wider urban expansion and infrastructure plans.
The figures were released by the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, which oversees planning and development-related approvals across Abu Dhabi.
The increase in approved development space comes as Abu Dhabi continues to attract businesses, investors and residents. Large-scale projects are expanding the emirate’s built environment, while new communities are being developed alongside transport and public infrastructure.
The approvals also provide an indication of the scale of construction activity expected across the emirate. More approved development space can translate into new residential units, commercial properties, offices and other facilities as projects move from planning to construction.
Abu Dhabi has been pursuing long-term urban development plans focused on sustainable growth and improved quality of life. The latest figures show that development activity remained strong through the first six months of 2026.
