Abu Dhabi boosts transparency, governance in real estate sector

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has issued a package of administrative decisions to strengthen transparency, governance and investor protection across the real estate sector.

The measures support the updated Law No. (3) of 2015 (amended by Law 2 of 2025) concerning the regulation of the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi. 

The amended legislation introduces a more flexible, clearly defined framework aligned with international best practice, as the market continues to expand.

The package includes four decisions covering key stages of real estate development, regulation and management.

These address escrow account disbursements before 20 per cent project completion, the regulation of jointly owned properties and common facilities, governance rules for owners’ committees, and compensation and refund mechanisms for cancelled property sales.

Officials say the changes are designed to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global real estate investment hub, while supporting developers, protecting buyers and improving overall market efficiency.

The new rules also clarify roles and responsibilities across the sector — including developers, property managers and owners’ committees — helping to reduce disputes and strengthen long-term project sustainability.

Among the measures, new controls on escrow withdrawals aim to safeguard buyers’ funds, while updated regulations for jointly owned properties enhance oversight and asset management standards.

Standardised bylaws for owners’ committees will improve community management and owner participation, while new compensation rules set out clear, fair procedures for contract breaches and unit cancellations.

The Department says the package marks a significant step in modernising the regulatory framework, boosting investor confidence and ensuring a more transparent, efficient and competitive real estate market in Abu Dhabi.
 

.@AbuDhabiDMT has issued regulatory decisions for the regulation of the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi. The decisions aim to strengthen transparency and governance and establish a more flexible and clearly defined legislative framework that aligns with global best practices. pic.twitter.com/0NzmoZXHBT

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 27, 2026