Euro Auctions closed 2025 with a record-setting December auction in Abu Dhabi, achieving a $7.2 million hammer total at its December 15–16 sale, almost double the total achieved the year before.
The result reflects sustained demand for used construction equipment across the Middle East, driven by infrastructure investment, fleet renewal and cross-border trading activity, said a statement from Euro Auctions.
Abu Dhabi’s strength as a live-auction market was a defining feature of the sale. Of the total achieved, $4.3 million was transacted on site during the live auction, with a further $2.7 million completed online.
This split remains distinctive within the Euro Auctions global network, underlining the continued importance of physical inspection and live bidding for higher-value assets in the region.
Vendor participation increased significantly, with sellers from 16 countries consigning equipment. Buyer demand was led by the UAE, supported by strong participation from Egypt, Oman, India and wider regional and African markets. Overall, 89% of buyers were based in the Middle East, with an additional 8% from Africa, confirming Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a regional resale and redistribution centre, said the statement.
Buyer engagement reached new highs, with nearly 700 registered bidders, double the level recorded in December 2024, while first-time buyer registrations increased by 116%. More than half of all buyers purchased live on site, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination auction location.
Asset volumes doubled year-on-year, alongside a 25% increase in overall sales activity and a 30% rise in first-time vendors, as contractors released surplus machines while maintaining strong forward project pipelines, it added.
Richard Sweatt, General Manager – Middle East & Asia, said: "The December sale underlined the momentum we have built in Abu Dhabi. Strong regional participation, firm pricing and increased competition demonstrate growing confidence in the platform."
"Abu Dhabi has proven to be the right location culturally and commercially for our Middle East business, and that is translating directly into stronger results," stated Sweatt.
Prices were strong, with several standout machines in the December sale. These included:
*2022 CAT D8T - $255,000
*2022 CAT 980 - $116,000
*2021 CAT 349 - $92,000
*2025 Volvo EC210 - $82,000
*2025 Hitachi EX215 - $82,000
*2008 CAT 3512 1500k Va genset - $27,000
*2025 JCB 3DX Super - $52,000
*2021 MAN TGS33.400 6x6 with crane - $101,000
"The buyer mix continues to broaden and strengthen. We are seeing a noticeable rise in participation from Africa and India, with appetite increasing sale by sale. These buyers are becoming more confident, more active, and more competitive, contributing positively to pricing across multiple categories," said Sweatt.
"Equally important has been the progress made with UAE-based customers. Vendors are selling more through us, buyers are buying more, and overall, we are clearly operating in a sweet spot where trust, volume, and results align," stated the top official.
With continued investment in its Abu Dhabi operation, including its customs-bonded facility and enhanced customer experience, Euro Auctions has consolidated its position as a leading auction provider in the Middle East.
The December sale not only closed a record year but confirmed Abu Dhabi’s status as a cornerstone market within Euro Auctions’ global network, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
