Which body regulates the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi (outside the ADGM free zone)?
- RERA, the Dubai regulator, which covers all emirates
- The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport
- The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
- The federal Ministry of Economy
ADREC was launched by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in November 2023 to bring regulation, promotion and transaction management of the sector under one roof. RERA and the DLD only cover Dubai.
Abu Dhabi Media Office, DMT launches Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (2023-11) What is Madhmoun in Abu Dhabi?
- A government-backed listing service that verifies properties and issues the permit every online ad must carry
- The tenancy contract registration system
- A private property portal owned by a developer
- The escrow bank used for off-plan payments
Madhmoun ("verified") is the ADREC multiple listing service: a property is checked against the official register and gets an advertising permit before it can be advertised online. Tenancy contracts are registered in Tawtheeq, a different system.
Al Tamimi & Co, New transparency policies introduced by ADREC and ADGM (2025-09) A landlord in Abu Dhabi asks which official digital platform handles real estate services such as sales registration, Tawtheeq leases and Madhmoun ad permits. What do you answer?
- Ejari
- Dubai REST
- Oqood
- DARI
DARI is the Abu Dhabi real estate platform launched by the DMT with ADRES, and Madhmoun permits are issued through it. Ejari, Dubai REST and Oqood are Dubai systems.
Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi property listings and Madhmoun (2025-09) What is Tawtheeq?
- The off-plan interim register
- The Abu Dhabi system for registering tenancy contracts
- The ADGM advertising permit
- The title deed for a villa
Tawtheeq is the official registration of tenancy contracts in Abu Dhabi, done online through DARI or TAMM. A registered Tawtheeq is needed, for example, to connect water and electricity with ADDC.
Modon, What is Tawtheeq: a complete guide in 2026 (2026-07) A French client with no UAE or GCC nationality wants full freehold ownership in Abu Dhabi. Where can he buy freehold?
- Anywhere in the emirate since 2019
- Only in designated investment areas (investment zones)
- Nowhere: foreigners can only rent
- Only in Al Ain
Since the April 2019 amendment to Law No. 19 of 2005, non-UAE nationals can own freehold property, but only inside the investment areas designated by the government, such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island.
Al Tamimi & Co, Foreign ownership of land in Abu Dhabi: a major reform (2019-08) A buyer wants a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through property in Abu Dhabi. What is the minimum property value?
- 750,000
- 1 million
- 2 million
- 5 million
The real estate investor Golden Visa requires property worth at least 2 million. It is a federal visa, and in Abu Dhabi it is processed through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office on TAMM.
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Golden Visa for real estate investors (2026-10) Since 2 June 2026, by how much can an Abu Dhabi landlord raise the rent when a tenancy is renewed?
- 0%: increases are suspended until further notice
- Up to 5%
- Up to 10%
- Freely, if the tenant gets 90 days notice
On 2 June 2026 ADREC cut the maximum annual rent increase from 5% to 0% for residential, commercial and industrial properties, until further notice. The renewal rent cannot exceed the last registered Tawtheeq rent.
Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi rent freeze: what the decision means for tenants and landlords (2026-06) A buyer purchases an apartment on Al Reem Island for 1,800,000. Abu Dhabi charges a 2% registration (transfer) fee on the price. How much is the fee in total, in dirhams?
2% x 1,800,000 = 36,000. Who pays it (buyer alone or split with the seller) is negotiable, so agree it in writing early.
Property Finder, Abu Dhabi property tax and fees guide (2026-06) A broker licensed in Dubai moves to Abu Dhabi and wants to list a villa on Yas Island. What must they do first?
- Nothing: a RERA card is valid in every emirate
- Only register the listing on a property portal
- Get licensed as a broker in Abu Dhabi (ADREC broker licence number), then get a Madhmoun permit for the listing
- Ask the developer for a marketing NOC
Each emirate licenses its own brokers: in Abu Dhabi every agent needs a broker licence number issued under ADREC. Only then can they request a Madhmoun permit, with the owner approving it, before advertising.
Property Finder Partner Hub, Abu Dhabi broker licence and BLN requirements (2024-10) Under Madhmoun, how many licensed brokers can advertise the same property when the owner has not given an exclusive mandate?
- One
- Two
- Three
- Unlimited
A unit can be marketed by at most three licensed brokers, or by one exclusive broker if the owner prefers. The rule cut duplicate adverts: listings on major portals fell from about 75,000 to about 20,000.
Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi property listings and Madhmoun (2025-09) You want to advertise a landlord's apartment in Khalifa City on a portal, but the landlord never approves your Madhmoun permit request on DARI. What happens?
- You can still post the ad if you add your licence number
- You cannot advertise it online: the permit needs the owner's approval
- You can post it for 30 days while waiting
- You can advertise it on social media only
A Madhmoun permit is only issued once the owner approves the broker's request, and the permit number must appear on the ad. Listings without owner consent were taken down when the system came in.
Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi property listings and Madhmoun (2025-09) An Abu Dhabi apartment was let last year with a registered Tawtheeq rent of 120,000. It is now empty and the landlord wants 135,000 from a new tenant in July 2026. What is the rule?
- 135,000 is fine because it is a new tenant
- 126,000 is the maximum (5% more)
- Any rent is fine if the unit was vacant for more than 30 days
- The rent cannot exceed 120,000, the last registered Tawtheeq rent
The 2026 freeze also covers new leases on units that were let before: the rent is capped at the value in the latest registered Tawtheeq contract. Landlords cannot reset to market by changing tenant.
A&O Shearman, Abu Dhabi rental pricing reform: the 0% rent cap is temporary (2026-09) Which law opened freehold ownership to foreigners in Abu Dhabi investment areas?
- Law No. 13 of 2019, amending Law No. 19 of 2005 on real estate registration
- Law No. 7 of 2006 on real property registration
- Law No. 3 of 2015 on the real estate sector
- Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025
Law No. 13 of 2019 (April 2019) amended Law No. 19 of 2005 so that non-UAE nationals can own freehold in investment areas. Law No. 3 of 2015 regulates the sector (brokers, developers, escrow); Law No. 7 of 2006 is a Dubai law.
Al Tamimi & Co, Foreign ownership of land in Abu Dhabi: a major reform (2019-08) Who starts the Tawtheeq registration of a new lease in Abu Dhabi?
- The tenant, at an ADDC office
- The landlord (or their manager), online, and the tenant then approves it
- The broker, who signs alone
- The bank, when the tenant pays the first cheque
The landlord submits the contract online through DARI or TAMM and the tenant reviews and approves it. Without a registered Tawtheeq, ADDC will not open the water and electricity account.
Modon, What is Tawtheeq: a complete guide in 2026 (2026-07) A developer asks you to start marketing a new off-plan tower in Abu Dhabi next week. What should you check first?
- That the project is registered with the regulator (visible on DARI) and has approvals and an escrow account before any marketing
- Only that the developer has a trade licence
- That the brochure renders look good
- Nothing, as off-plan ads do not need a permit
Since Law No. 2 of 2025, developers must register projects in the Real Estate Development Register and get approvals before any marketing or sales, and off-plan sales need an escrow account. Off-plan ads also need a Madhmoun permit.
Horizlaw, Abu Dhabi enacts significant real estate reform (Law No. 2 of 2025) (2025-06) Since Law No. 2 of 2025 came into force in Abu Dhabi, which payments can a developer NOT make from an off-plan escrow account?
- Construction costs
- Payments to contractors
- Buying the land and paying broker commissions
- Direct project completion costs
Escrow money is ring-fenced for building the project: it can no longer be used to pay for the land or brokerage fees. Brokers are paid from the developer's own funds.
King & Spalding, Abu Dhabi Off-Plan 2.0: escrow, guarantees and governance (2026-05) According to ADREC, what was the total value of Abu Dhabi real estate transactions in the first half of 2026?
- 142 billion
- 117 billion
- 86 billion
- 55 billion
ADREC reported 117 billion in H1 2026, up 112% on H1 2025, across 25,714 transactions. Sales alone were 86.1 billion; 142 billion was the full-year 2025 total.
Abu Dhabi Media Office, ADREC records AED117bn in real estate transactions in H1 2026 (2026-07) An investor buys a villa on Yas Island for 3,000,000 and lets it for 195,000 a year. What is the gross rental yield, in %?
% Gross yield = annual rent / price x 100 = 195,000 / 3,000,000 x 100 = 6.5%. Net yield would also deduct service charges, maintenance and vacancy.
You sell an apartment on Saadiyat Island for 2,750,000. Your agreed commission is 2% of the price, plus 5% VAT. How much does the client pay you in total, in dirhams?
Commission: 2% x 2,750,000 = 55,000. VAT: 5% x 55,000 = 2,750. Total = 57,750.
A tenant in Al Raha Beach renews in August 2026. The last registered Tawtheeq rent is 98,000 and the landlord asks for a 5% increase. What is the maximum annual rent the landlord can charge, in dirhams?
Since 2 June 2026 the maximum increase is 0%, so the renewal rent stays at the last registered Tawtheeq value: 98,000. A 5% rise ( 102,900) was the old cap.
Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi rent freeze: what the decision means for tenants and landlords (2026-06) Which developer and project pairing is correct?
- Makers District on Al Reem Island: Aldar
- Marsa Al Saadiyat: Modon
- Nawayef and Al Naseem on Hudayriyat Island: Modon
- Al Reef: Masdar
Modon launched the freehold communities Nawayef and Al Naseem on Hudayriyat Island. Makers District (with the Pixel building) is by Imkan, Marsa Al Saadiyat is Aldar's final Saadiyat phase, and Al Reef was developed by Manazel.
Gulf News, Modon Properties launches freehold communities on Hudayriyat Island (2024-03) In October 2026 ADREC launched a new mandatory curriculum for brokers seeking a licence. How is it structured?
- A one-day online quiz, renewed every five years
- An open day, a one-week course, then three months of practical training with leading real estate firms, ending in a final assessment and the ADREC Certified Broker credential, renewed every year
- A two-year university diploma
- Only a Madhmoun training video
The new course includes a transaction simulation and a final readiness assessment. The ADREC Certified Broker credential must be renewed annually so brokers keep up with changes in the law.
Zawya / WAM, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre launches broker training curriculum (2026-10) Under the Abu Dhabi off-plan rules (Law No. 3 of 2015 as amended in 2025), when can a developer first draw money from the project escrow account?
- As soon as the first buyer pays
- After 10% of sales
- After at least 20% of construction is completed and certified by approved engineers
- Only at handover
No withdrawals are allowed before 20% construction completion. Under Decision 24 of 2025, an experienced developer can get earlier access by giving a bank guarantee.
King & Spalding, Abu Dhabi Off-Plan 2.0: escrow, guarantees and governance (2026-05) Under Decision 24 of 2025, a qualifying Abu Dhabi developer can access escrow funds earlier by giving a bank guarantee of at least 20% of construction cost. The construction cost of a tower is 450 million. What is the minimum guarantee, in millions of dirhams?
million 20% x 450 million = 90 million. The developer must also have been registered in Abu Dhabi for at least four years and delivered at least three projects on schedule.
King & Spalding, Abu Dhabi Off-Plan 2.0: escrow, guarantees and governance (2026-05) ADREC reported 117 billion of transactions in H1 2026, up 112% year on year. Roughly what was the H1 2025 total, in billions of dirhams (one decimal)?
billion Up 112% means H1 2026 = H1 2025 x 2.12. So H1 2025 = 117 / 2.12 = about 55.2 billion.
Abu Dhabi Media Office, ADREC records AED117bn in real estate transactions in H1 2026 (2026-07) You are advertising an apartment on Al Reem Island. Which permit rule applies?
- No permit: Al Reem is outside Abu Dhabi rules
- Only a Dubai Trakheesi permit
- The ADGM advertising permit, because Al Reem falls under ADGM, and ADGM's system is integrated with Madhmoun
- Only the developer's written consent
Since Cabinet Resolution No. 41 of 2023, ADGM covers Al Reem Island as well as Al Maryah Island. In August 2025 the ADGM Registration Authority launched its own advertising permit for property there, linked to Madhmoun.
Al Tamimi & Co, New transparency policies introduced by ADREC and ADGM (2025-09) Which statement about the 2026 Abu Dhabi rent freeze is correct?
- It applies only to residential villas
- It is retroactive and cancels increases agreed in 2025
- It also covers properties in ADGM (Al Reem and Al Maryah)
- It is not retroactive, and properties in ADGM follow ADGM's own framework
ADREC confirmed that contracts renewed and registered before the announcement stay as they are. The freeze covers residential, commercial and industrial property under ADREC, but not ADGM properties.
A&O Shearman, Abu Dhabi rental pricing reform: the 0% rent cap is temporary (2026-09) A buyer pays into an off-plan unit in Abu Dhabi and wants the Golden Visa straight away. What does Abu Dhabi ask for in the off-plan route?
- A purchase agreement with an approved developer and proof that at least 2 million has already been paid
- Only a reservation form for a unit priced over 2 million
- Nothing until handover
- Proof that 50% of a 1 million unit is paid
For off-plan property, the price on paper is not enough: the buyer must show that at least 2 million has been paid to the developer to date. For ready property, a registered contract or a Real Estate Unit Value Certificate shows the 2 million value.
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Golden Visa for real estate investors (2026-10) A client from outside the GCC prefers a long-term right over a property outside an investment area. Which durations does the UAE government portal give?
- Musataha up to 25 years, usufruct up to 50 years
- Musataha 50 years (renewable by agreement), usufruct 99 years
- Both 10 years
- Musataha 99 years, usufruct 25 years
Musataha lets the holder build on and alter the land for 50 years, renewable. Usufruct lets the holder use the property for up to 99 years but not change it. Since 2019, holders with more than 10 years left can sell or mortgage their right without the owner's consent.
u.ae, Buying property in Abu Dhabi (2026-10) Which statement about Abu Dhabi transaction volumes is correct?
- 2025 totalled 142 billion, and January to August 2026 ( 155 billion) already beat that full-year figure
- 2025 totalled 117 billion, a drop on 2024
- H1 2026 was lower than H1 2025
- Foreign direct investment fell in H1 2026
ADREC reported a record 142 billion for 2025 (42,814 transactions, up 44%). By the end of August 2026, deals had reached 155 billion, and H1 2026 FDI of 13.8 billion already exceeded the 2025 total.
Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi property deals top Dh155 billion in 8 months (2026-09) - Dubai areas
- Rules and processes
- Money and calculations
- Off-plan
- Leasing
- Sales skills
- Selling Dubai
- Compliance
- Marketing and social media
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- Abu Dhabi: rules and areas
- Sharjah: rules and areas
- Ras Al Khaimah: rules and areas
- Ajman: rules and areas
- Umm Al Quwain: rules and areas
- Fujairah: rules and areas
- All Emirates: who does what
- Trainee
- Junior broker
- Broker
- Senior broker
- Top producer
- Closer
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