The first Euro Auctions Abu Dhabi sale of 2026, and the first since December 2025, has underlined the continued strength and resilience of the Middle East used construction equipment market, delivering strong demand, record attendance, and a sale total of approximately $8 million.
The June auction generated $7.9 million in total sales, with $4.7 million achieved from on-site bidders and a further $3.2 million secured online. The result closely matches the December 2025 performance, reinforcing the consistency of demand for quality used machinery in the region.
A total of 97 vendors consigned equipment to the sale, including 61 from the UAE, while 717 buyers registered to bid. Of these, 184 were first-time Euro Auctions customers, reflecting the continued expansion of the company’s buyer base across the Middle East and beyond. UAE buyers accounted for $6.4 million of total purchases, with additional bidding interest coming from the Netherlands, Oman, Georgia, Uganda, and Iraq. Strong competition was also seen from buyers in the UK, India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Despite ongoing regional challenges and logistical disruption, the June sale delivered what is widely regarded as the strongest Abu Dhabi turnout to date, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of the market.
Record attendance and buyer engagement
Commenting on the June sale, Richard Sweatt, General Manager of Euro Auctions Abu Dhabi, said: “There was a real sense of positivity throughout the sale. Our customers were pleased to see Euro Auctions back operating live auctions. Demand for machinery remains strong, and that was reflected in both the quality of equipment on offer and the competitive bidding seen throughout the auction.
“We’ve not held a sale in Abu Dhabi since December 2025 due to the conflict in the region, so while we’re not completely back to normal yet, we’re pleased to see consignors once again sending machinery into the UAE for auction. The market remains buoyant, driven by major infrastructure projects and limited availability of new equipment. As a result, late-model, low-hour used machines continue to attract significant buyer interest.
“The June sale saw the largest attendance in Euro Auctions history in the Middle East. We had to increase seating capacity, and even then the sales arena was packed, with spectators were standing four deep around the ring. The turnout was exceptional. The popularity of the live auction format continues to be a key differentiator for the business. Buyers still enjoy seeing equipment in person and competing in real time. We are currently the only major auction company operating live auctions in the Middle East, and that continues to attract buyers from across the region and beyond.”
Overcoming supply and logistics challenges
“The ongoing geopolitical situation in the region continues to present logistical challenges, particularly with shipping disruptions affecting key routes. With disruption affecting movements through the Strait of Hormuz, we’re working closely with consignors and using every available transport route to ensure machinery reaches our Abu Dhabi site,” said Sweatt. “We’re bringing equipment overland where possible and using every option available to support our customers.”
“Euro Auctions is also expanding its international sourcing network to meet growing demand. We’re working closely with suppliers in China and Indonesia, and I’m personally spending time in the Far East building relationships and securing future stock. We’re also transferring machines from our established operations in the UK and Germany to satisfy demand in the UAE market.”
Strong demand across key equipment categories
“Analysis of bidding activity highlighted particularly strong competition across several core sectors, including backhoe loaders, large excavators, telehandlers, and Caterpillar bulldozers. Late-model CAT D8 bulldozers saw extremely competitive bidding,” said Sweatt. “We also had strong interest in concrete pump trucks and CAT 349 excavators, which remain in very high demand. CAT D6 and D7 machines also performed exceptionally well, with buyers competing aggressively throughout the auction.
“Euro Auctions is now actively seeking additional consignments to meet sustained demand. We need more CAT motor graders, late-model CAT D8 bulldozers, 30-tonne-plus excavators, telehandlers, and access platforms. Demand remains particularly strong from buyers in the UAE and across Africa, where infrastructure development continues to drive requirements. Telehandlers, in particular, remain difficult to source.”
New auction format and outlook
“Following successful trials in 2025, Euro Auctions has introduced a revised two-day auction structure in Abu Dhabi. Thursday now hosts the traditional live auction, while Friday operates as a timed online sale. This format works extremely well for both buyers and consignors.”
Looking ahead, Euro Auctions plans to expand its auction calendar further, with five sales planned for 2027, the outlook remains very positive. We have a strong team, solid consignor relationships, and growing sourcing networks across Europe and Asia.
The message from Abu Dhabi is clear: demand remains strong, confidence is returning, and Euro Auctions is well positioned for continued growth across the Middle East. The next phase, moving into 2027, is going to be very exciting.
