How to Choose and Check a Real Estate Agent in Abu Dhabi (2026)

Does a real estate agent need a licence in Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Under Article 5 of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector law, Law No. 3 of 2015, nobody may act as a broker, or present themselves as one, without a licence, and an unlicensed person is not entitled to any fee for the work. In October 2025, the Abu Dhabi Commercial Court applied this to dismiss an unlicensed broker’s AED 200,000 commission claim and ordered him to refund the AED 100,000 he had already been paid (Gulf News).

Courts have refused commission to brokers who had no licence or no registered contract. The commission rate is set by agreement, not fixed by law.

Law No. 2 of 2025 amended the sector law and widened ADREC’s role, so that it now regulates, supervises and licenses all real estate professionals under one set of rules. Each agent should hold a Broker Licence Number issued by ADREC, which the main portals now display on agent profiles (Property Finder).

How do you check an agent and a listing?

1. Ask for the brokerage’s licence and the agent’s BLN, and match the names to the agent’s ID or business card.

2. Look the broker up on DARI. The platform includes an official directory of registered brokers, surveyors, valuers and auctioneers (DARI app listing).

3. Check the listing’s [Madhmoun](/guides/abu-dhabi-real-estate-glossary) permit. Since 7 July 2025, every property advert in the emirate needs a Madhmoun permit issued through DARI, and no more than three approved brokers can advertise the same property. ADREC’s advice to buyers and tenants is simple: don’t sign anything unless your broker has one (Gulf News, August 2025).

4. For off-plan, check the project. The project should be registered on DARI and advertised under a project permit; the Madhmoun fee for off-plan projects is AED 25,000 per project per broker for three months.

5. On Al Reem and Al Maryah, adverts need ADGM’s own advertising permit, issued through its AccessRP platform and linked to Madhmoun since August 2025.

What should the brokerage contract say?

Abu Dhabi does not use Dubai’s Form A. The regulations require a written brokerage contract on the approved template, created and signed on DARI. In a case reported in February 2026, the Abu Dhabi Commercial Court of First Instance dismissed a broker’s AED 117,000 commission claim because no approved contract had been registered, noting that it must be registered within 15 days and before the broker receives any money (Gulf News).

Read the contract for:

1. The commission, who pays it and when it falls due.

2. Whether the mandate is exclusive, and for how long.

3. Who may advertise the property, which also determines the Madhmoun permits.

4. What the broker will do: pricing evidence, marketing, viewings, negotiation and coordination through to transfer.

5. How either side can end the contract.

How much commission do agents charge in Abu Dhabi?

On a resale, commission is commonly quoted at 2% of the price plus 5% VAT, normally paid by the seller. We have not found an official text fixing the rate, so treat it as negotiable and record the agreed figure in the brokerage contract. Our guides to buying costs and selling in Abu Dhabi show where commission fits in the total cost.

Is a Dubai agent licensed to sell in Abu Dhabi?

Not on a Dubai licence. Dubai agents are registered with RERA and carry a Broker Registration Number (BRN), while Abu Dhabi keeps its own register under ADREC. An agent who works in both emirates needs to be licensed in each. If you are comparing the two markets, our Abu Dhabi vs Dubai guide covers the differences in rules and fees.

What should a good advisor do for you?

Beyond the licence, look for evidence-led advice. A good agent or advisor prices from registered sales, tells you what the title deed and service charges show, explains the buying costs before you commit and is willing to tell you not to buy. Ask how many transactions they have completed in your chosen community, and for references.

ODZ works this way: we advise on fewer, better-chosen properties, price from evidence and coordinate the permits, NOCs, banks and DARI through to the title deed.

*General information, not legal advice. Licensing rules change, so confirm current requirements with ADREC or on DARI.*