Japanese real estate brokerage Eminence Luxe Real Estate Brokerage has expanded into Abu Dhabi, giving the firm licensed operations in both of the UAE’s largest property markets as overseas buyers increasingly assess opportunities beyond Dubai.
The company opened its Abu Dhabi branch in May after obtaining a brokerage licence from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). The new office will provide property sales, leasing, and investment advisory services across the emirate, complementing the firm’s existing operations in Dubai, where it is licensed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
The move comes amid rising interest in Abu Dhabi from international investors, including buyers seeking to compare investment opportunities across the UAE’s two largest emirates before making a purchase decision.
Abu Dhabi records surge in property transaction activity
Abu Dhabi’s property market has attracted growing attention over the past year as transaction activity has accelerated and several major development projects have moved forward.
According to figures cited by Eminence Luxe from ADREC, the value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi during the first quarter of 2026 was approximately 2.6 times higher than in the same period a year earlier, reaching a record level.
Among the projects expected to influence future demand are the planned Disneyland resort on Yas Island, scheduled to open between 2030 and 2033, and Sphere Abu Dhabi, which is expected to open in 2029. The emirate is also part of wider transport plans intended to strengthen links between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
While both emirates continue to attract international capital, the regulatory frameworks differ. In Abu Dhabi, foreign ownership is restricted to designated investment zones and islands, creating a different investment landscape from Dubai.
Investors seek comparisons between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Eminence Luxe said it has received a growing number of enquiries from Japanese investors interested in evaluating opportunities in both emirates before committing capital.
The company said the Abu Dhabi branch will allow clients to access brokerage services across both markets through a single point of contact, covering property selection, transaction support, and post-acquisition services.
The expansion follows several years of activity in Dubai, where the brokerage said it completed approximately 70 transactions over the past year with a combined value of approximately ¥7bn ($43.85m). According to the company, repeat buyers accounted for roughly 40% of its client base during the period.
Dual-emirate presence expands UAE operations
Eminence Luxe said it received a four-star rating in the Dubai Land Department’s 2025 broker rankings, which assess broker performance across criteria including transaction activity, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
With the Abu Dhabi branch now operational, the brokerage will offer services across both emirates, providing Japanese-language support for clients seeking to invest in either market.