Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
The Madhmoun digital permit system, launched by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), officially came into force on Monday (July 7), marking a significant milestone in regulating property advertising across digital platforms in the emirate.
This was confirmed in a set of documents shared with Aletihad by Property Finder, a property portal commissioned by ADREC to raise awareness and guide real estate agents on the new regulations.
In a notice to one of the property advertisers, ADREC stated, “We emphasise that obtaining the prior ‘Madhmoun’ permit through the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre's portal ‘ADREC’ is mandatory as of 07/07/2025 for all types of real estate advertisements within the emirate.” The notice further warned that “violation of the regulations will result in the imposition of legal and administrative measures by ADREC.”
Madhmoun — which means “verified” in Arabic — is the first governmental Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platform in the GCC. Developed by ADREC, it is designed to enhance transparency, trust, and efficiency in the real estate sector by ensuring that only authorised and verified property listings are published online. The system allows a maximum of three approved brokers to advertise each listing, reinforcing accountability and curbing duplication.
Under the new regulation, all property listings published after July 7 must carry a valid Madhmoun permit issued through ADREC’s DARI platform. The initiative aims to streamline the advertising process while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. It also supports the UAE’s broader goal of building a transparent, investor-friendly real estate environment.
According to ADREC, Madhmoun offers real estate professionals a secure and streamlined way to manage listings through automated API-based publishing. Future platform updates will introduce broker-to-broker collaboration, direct deal-making, and global listing integrations.
“By aligning Abu Dhabi’s real estate practices with international standards, Madhmoun provides professionals with access to a broader market, increased credibility, and greater opportunities for growth and international exposure,” an ADREC website post stated.
However, the regulation does not apply universally. Properties located within the jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — specifically on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island — are currently excluded from the Madhmoun permit requirement.
Certain property types are also exempt. Hotel apartments require a Madhmoun permit only if they are managed by local entities and owned by UAE nationals. Holiday homes, generally governed by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), are excluded unless registered under Tawtheeq, in which case a permit is required.
The DARI platform offers step-by-step guidance on how brokers and property owners can obtain permits for listings, whether for sale or rent. Only up to three brokers are permitted to advertise a single listing online, in accordance with Madhmoun regulations.
To support the launch, Property Finder, a leading real estate portal, has partnered with ADREC to roll out a series of agent training sessions. These sessions offered a pre-launch demonstration of the Madhmoun system and provided agents with an opportunity to raise questions and prepare for the transition.
“We applaud ADREC's efforts and offer our complete support as it launches this milestone platform to promote trust by instituting accuracy, availability, and authorisation for all listings, ultimately boosting Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading real estate hub,” said Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder. “We are proud to partner with ADREC to facilitate much-needed conversations about the launch and set up agents for success as they navigate the new platform.”
A press statement on the DARI portal in April also noted that ThinkProp, a leading real estate training institute, is working closely with ADREC to educate brokers and trainees on utilising the platform effectively.
