Abu Dhabi LIVEX 2026 secures Dh150bn in deals as real estate demand doubles

Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Liveability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX 2026) concluded with over 50 agreements and initiatives valued at more than Dh150 billion, signaling a shift in the UAE’s economic strategy to leverage quality of life as a primary investment asset. The event, held from 29 September to 1 October, drew approximately 26,500 visitors and 1,500 international investors. Real estate and infrastructure growth Data released during the forum highlights a significant expansion in the capital’s real estate sector. During the first half of 2026, total real estate transactions reached Dh117 billion, a 112 per cent year-on-year increase in value. Foreign direct investment accounted for Dh13.8 billion of this total, involving investors from 116 nationalities. Residential sales alone reached Dh70.4 billion, supported by 233,000 active lease contracts valued at Dh9.3 billion. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) reported that development activity is accelerating. In the first quarter of 2026, the DMT approved 20.8 million square metres of gross floor area, representing a 17.3 per cent year-on-year rise. Permit requests and work-start notices both increased by approximately 14 per cent during the same period. Livability by Design framework To sustain this growth, Abu Dhabi introduced the Livability by Design Framework in 2026. The policy mandates the integration of walkability, high-quality public spaces, and accessibility into all major developments designed…