Abu Dhabi’s updated rules requires listed properties, brokers to have new permits
Last updated: August 11, 2025
Abu Dhabi’s property market scored some new highs in recent months, including the sale of a Dh400 million home
Dubai: As more first-time investors buy homes in Abu Dhabi, the authorities are making the buying, selling and renting of properties as transparent as possible.
Thus cutting down any chance of property buyers – especially those who are new to the market and based overseas – being taken for a ride.
Recently, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre put out a post on X advising anyone wanting to buy or rent a property in the emirate to do so only through brokers who have a verified ‘Madhmoun’ permit. (The X post is quite eye-catching in the messaging too telling potential property buyers or renters to ‘Hold Up’ before they sign a broker.)
Abu Dhabi launched the Madhmoun permit to verify all property listings made on digital channels. Only once this is done can any of the ads be placed online. What this does is in one go remove misleading listings as well as multiple listings of the same property.
The best part – only licensed brokers can promote these properties. This is important because there are more real estate agencies and brokers now active in Abu Dhabi, with deal flows continuing to build up. But with Madhmoun, if someone is serious about practising as a broker in Abu Dhabi, they better have the permit.
As for property buyers and renters, the onus is on them to verify whether the agency or individual they are dealing with has the credentials. As the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre’s X post says it, ‘Don’t sign a thing unless your broker has this’ – the Madhmoun.
The Madhmoun permits were part of the tightening up of rules related to each activity within the emirate’s real estate market.
“Previously, the law only allowed for licensing of only 7 real estate professions,” said Rashed Al Omaira, acting Director-General at ADREC.
The professions covered developers, brokers, brokers’ employees, auctioneers, directors of homeowner associations, property evaluators and surveyors.
“However, now the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center can regulate, supervise, and license all real estate professionals under a single set of rules according to the new amendments,” said Al Omaira.
“All the professions will now be subject to a stricter regulatory framework, which includes new licensing requirements and compliance standards that are set to improve service delivery, protect stakeholders, and enhance the competitiveness of the real estate sector.”
The update to the real estate laws is in keeping with Abu Dhabi’s status as one of the fastest growing property markets in the world. More new offplan launches bring in more first-time buyers into the market, including a steady inflow of Chinese and Russian buyers.
So, it makes sense to update the rules whether buying direct from a developer or going through a broker. The least friction in the process is what the authorities also want to have in place. (The real estate rules update was announced early June.)
Taking care of property management too
“In practical terms, this new framework is about giving everyone – homeowners, developers, and property managers – a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities,” said Al Omaira.
“It helps ensure properties are managed by qualified professionals, makes day-to-day operations more transparent, and ultimately gives homeowners and investors greater peace of mind about the long-term value of their property.
“We are actively reviewing existing procedures and regularly consulting with developers, investors, and other stakeholders.
“Where necessary – and when it serves to further protect the interests of buyers, tenants, and the wider market – we will introduce changes that improve clarity, efficiency, and regulatory confidence.”
Will Dh400 million home deal be bettered?
According to industry sources, 2025 could well end up by rewriting most of the records in the Abu Dhabi property market. Recently, there was the sale of a Dh400 million home on Saadiyat Island, and the feeling in the market is that more pricing highs will be set – and reset.
“There are more millionaires wanting to commit funds into Abu Dhabi residential opportunities,” said a developer official. “The projects are getting bigger and there are more first-time buyers, whether already based in Abu Dhabi or overseas.
“There was a real change in the mood when the Dh400 million home sale was announced. The market is definitely expecting more Dh100 million plus home sales.”
