Christie's International Real Estate Launches In Abu Dhabi Amid Historic Housing-Market Growth

Christie's International Real Estate has launched an affiliate in Abu Dhabi, expanding the luxury brokerage's global network into an emirate experiencing record-setting housing-market growth. Christie's International Real Estate Abu Dhabi is owned by Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, the team behind Christie's International Real Estate Dubai — the brand's 2025 Affiliate of the Year — and arrives as residential sales in Abu Dhabi surged to AED 86.1 billion ($23.4 billion) in the first half of 2026, up 163.7% from the same period a year earlier.

"We've had a front-row seat to the extraordinary evolution of luxury real estate in the UAE, and we believe Abu Dhabi is entering a defining period," said Jackie Johns. "What is happening here isn't merely an extension of Dubai's growth or a short-term market cycle. Abu Dhabi has its own powerful fundamentals. The market is exceptionally strong today, but the long-term opportunity is what makes it so compelling."

Context and market details

The launch comes amid a broader upswing in transaction activity: total real estate transaction value in the emirate reached AED 117 billion ($31.9 billion) in H1 2026, a 112% year-over-year increase and already roughly 82% of Abu Dhabi's full-year total for 2025. Market drivers cited by the new affiliate include an influx of global capital and the emirate's substantial sovereign-wealth base, estimated at about $1.7 trillion, which supports ongoing development of large-scale residential, office, hotel, retail, cultural and entertainment projects.

• Residential sales (H1 2026): AED 86.1 billion ($23.4 billion), up 163.7% year-over-year
• Total real estate transactions (H1 2026): AED 117 billion ($31.9 billion), up 112% year-over-year
• Luxury property price range cited: approximately AED 2 million to more than AED 200 million ($544,600 to more than $54 million)
• Emirati millionaire population growth: up 80% over the past decade; projected to double by 2035

Johns and Chhatwani have leveraged Christie's International Real Estate's international referral network and the relationship with Christie's auction house in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to serve global clients, including consumers, investors and developers. Branded residences are highlighted as a major force in Abu Dhabi's luxury segment, with operating names such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons and The St. Regis already present in the market.

Christie's International Real Estate operates as a distinct brand under Compass International Holdings (NYSE: COMP) and describes its network as more than 125 independently owned and operated brokerage affiliates spanning over 50 countries and territories. The brand emphasizes global reach, technology and marketing capabilities, as well as cross-category referral opportunities that extend into fine art, jewelry, timepieces and other luxury goods through its affiliation with the auction house.

Outlook

The new Abu Dhabi affiliate positions Christie's International Real Estate to capture demand from a growing high-net-worth population and sustained capital inflows. With developers delivering tens of thousands of residential units alongside millions of square feet of commercial and hospitality space, the owners say the market's structural strengths point to long-term opportunity rather than a short-term cycle. Johns and Chhatwani will aim to deploy the firm's international referral channels and auction-house ties to connect global buyers with Abu Dhabi's expanding luxury offerings.