The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has unveiled a new package of administrative decisions aimed at enforcing Law No. (3) of 2015, as amended in 2025, governing real estate in Abu Dhabi. The real estate rules aim to make the property market fairer, safer, and more organised for both buyers and developers.
This initiative includes regulations for escrow account withdrawals before reaching 20% project completion, property ownership rights management, owners’ committee bylaws, and defined compensation ratios for purchasers of cancelled units.
Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), operating under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said the measures represent “an important step” in advancing the law’s implementation.
The measures seek to protect investors’ rights and support real estate developers, ensuring robust market governance that enhances competitiveness whilst protecting buyers’ rights and ensuring developer completion.
Specific provisions include Decision No. (24) of 2025, setting controls for escrow account withdrawals tied to bank guarantees and cost estimates, thereby protecting purchasers’ investments.
Decision No. (25) of 2025 comprehensively regulates jointly owned properties, delineating responsibilities among owners, developers, and property management, which strengthens the role of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
Decision No. (26) of 2025 standardises the operation of owners’ committees across Abu Dhabi, enhancing community management and owner participation. Decision No. (165) of 2025 addresses compensation for developers when purchasers breach contracts, ensuring fair outcomes and efficient refund procedures.
The DMT’s decisions reinforce transparency and governance in the sector, aiming to foster investor confidence and streamline regulatory framework processes for buyers and sellers.
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