Abu Dhabi Approves 43.6 Million sqm of Development Capacity in H1 2026

Abu Dhabi continues to expand its urban development pipeline, with 43.6 million sqm of gross floor area approved during the first half of 2026, according to figures from the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

The approved development capacity increased by 12.46 million sqm compared with the first half of 2025, representing year-on-year growth of approximately 40%.

The figure covers development capacity approved across individual projects and wider master plans and will support future planning for residential communities, public amenities, transportation and infrastructure across the emirate.

The approved gross floor area represents future development capacity and does not indicate the amount of floor space completed or delivered to the market during the period.

Building Permits and Development Activity Increase

Alongside the growth in approved development capacity, Abu Dhabi issued 4,730 new building permits during the first half of 2026, representing an increase of 0.9% year on year.

The emirate also registered and licensed 4,574 new engineers, bringing the total number of engineers on the register to 10,280.

Development-related infrastructure services recorded stronger growth, increasing by 31.5% to 22,035 services.

These services covered a range of infrastructure requirements, including utility corridors, residential connections, parking facilities, pavements, building entrances, road projects and no-objection certificates.

More Than 54,000 Technical Site Inspections

The Department of Municipalities and Transport also completed 54,852 technical site inspection requests during the period, representing a 9.9% increase.

In addition, 15,375 out of 18,777 survey transactions and field visits were completed within 24 hours, equivalent to approximately 82% of the total.

The figures highlight the scale of development activity taking place across Abu Dhabi as authorities work to support continued urban expansion while maintaining planning and infrastructure requirements.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Long-Term Urban Growth

The increase in approved development capacity comes as Abu Dhabi continues to expand its residential communities, infrastructure and public amenities in line with the emirate’s wider urban development strategy.

The Urban Planning and Permits Centre has emphasised that development approvals are considered alongside Abu Dhabi’s urban planning objectives, quality-of-life priorities and the capacity of existing and planned transportation and infrastructure networks.

With 43.6 million sqm of development capacity approved in just six months, the latest figures demonstrate the scale of Abu Dhabi’s future development pipeline and the continued expansion of its built environment.

The growth also provides a foundation for future residential and infrastructure development as Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a major destination for residents, businesses and long-term real estate investment.