How to Set Up a Real Estate Business in Abu Dhabi: ADREC and DARI (2026)
Short answer: To set up a real estate brokerage in Abu Dhabi, get a trade licence with a real estate activity from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and lease an office. Then register the company with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) on the DARI platform. DARI’s help pages list the fee for registering a broker company as AED 9,000. Each broker needs training, a police clearance and other documents before getting a broker licence. The sector is governed by Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015 and its implementing regulation.
What are the benefits of a real estate business in Abu Dhabi?
- A growing market: new residential communities and investment zones on Yas, Saadiyat, Al Reem and elsewhere create demand for sales and leasing.
- A digital system: DARI brings licensing, contracts and transactions onto one platform.
- Several income streams: brokerage, leasing, property management and off-plan sales.
- Less crowded than Dubai in some segments, depending on the area and property type.
Which licences and registrations do I need?
| Step | Authority or platform |
|---|---|
| Trade licence with a real estate activity | ADDED, through the TAMM platform |
| Office lease | Registered lease (Tawtheeq) or property deed |
| Broker company registration | ADREC on DARI |
| Individual broker licences | ADREC on DARI, after training and document checks |
| Professional risk insurance | A licensed insurer, as required by the licensing regulation |
What does the Abu Dhabi licensing regulation require?
Under the implementing regulation for licensing (Administrative Decision No. 251 of 2015, issued under Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015), a company applying for a broker licence must be licensed and registered in the emirate (or have a licensed branch there). It must also meet the financial capacity standards set by the regulator, hold professional risk insurance, and submit its commercial licence, Chamber membership and office lease or deed. Individual brokers must pass the required training and tests. Requirements are updated from time to time, so check the current rules on DARI before you apply. Read how to set up an oil and gas company in Abu Dhabi for the full steps.
How do I set up a real estate business in Abu Dhabi, step by step?
- Choose your activity: brokerage, leasing, property management or a combination.
- Reserve a trade name and apply for the licence with ADDED through TAMM.
- Lease an office and register the lease.
- Get professional risk insurance.
- Register the company with ADREC on DARI and pay the registration fee.
- Register your brokers on DARI with their training certificates and documents.
- Set up your bank account, tax registrations, CRM and marketing.
How do Abu Dhabi real estate companies earn money?
- Commission on property sales and rentals
- Commission from developers for off-plan sales
- Property management fees
- Advisory and valuation services, where licensed
Can I buy an existing real estate company instead?
Yes. Buying a licensed brokerage can save time on licensing and registration. Most real estate businesses listed on BusinessFinder.me are currently in Dubai, but you can check the Abu Dhabi listings or post a wanted ad. Before you buy, check that the company’s ADREC registration and broker licences are valid, and that there are no outstanding complaints or fines. Our guide on buying a business in Abu Dhabi explains the transfer process. To compare with Dubai, read how to set up a real estate company in Dubai.
What documents should I prepare for DARI registration?
Prepare these before you start the online application, so the process doesn’t stall: Read how to start a business in Dubai in 2026 for the full steps.
- A valid trade licence with a real estate activity
- Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce membership
- The office lease or title deed for your premises
- A professional risk insurance policy
- Owner and manager passports, Emirates IDs and visas
- For each broker: Emirates ID, a police clearance (good conduct) certificate, a training certificate and test results
Requirements on DARI can change, so check the current checklist on the DARI help pages or with ADREC before you submit. Related reading: property management services in Abu Dhabi.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Marketing or signing deals before the company and its brokers are registered on DARI
- Choosing an office that doesn’t match the licence requirements
- Underestimating how long deals take to close, and running out of working capital
- Using informal agreements instead of the official contracts on DARI
Key takeaways
- License with ADDED and register the company and brokers with ADREC on DARI.
- DARI’s help pages list the broker company registration fee as AED 9,000.
- The regulation requires financial capacity, professional risk insurance and trained brokers.
- You can also buy a licensed brokerage. Check its registrations first.
Related guides
- How to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai: Steps, Documents and Costs
- Buy a Business in the UAE: Emirate-by-Emirate Guide
- How to Get a VAT Certificate in UAE: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
- Main Features of the Property Market in Dubai: 2026 Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates real estate brokers in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) regulates brokers, and registration is done on the DARI platform.
How much does it cost to register a broker company in Abu Dhabi?
DARI’s help pages list the fee for registering a broker company as AED 9,000, in addition to trade licence and other costs.
What licence do I need first?
A trade licence with a real estate activity from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), applied for through TAMM.
Do brokers in Abu Dhabi need training?
Yes. Brokers must complete the required training and tests and upload documents such as a police clearance before getting a licence.
Which law regulates real estate in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2015 on regulating the real estate sector, with its implementing regulations.
Last updated: 19 October 2026