Source: ADREC, announcement of 30 March 2026
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has issued four administrative decisions that put Abu Dhabi's real estate sector law, Law No. (3) of 2015 as amended by Law No. (2) of 2025, into practice. The announcement on the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) website is datelined 30 March 2026; the page itself is dated 13 April 2026.
Two of the decisions concern owners of homes in jointly owned buildings and communities. The other two concern off-plan purchases.
For owners in shared buildings and communities
Decision No. (25) of 2025: jointly owned property
Sets a full framework for managing jointly owned property, its common parts and shared facilities. It defines the roles and responsibilities of owners, developers and property management companies, under a clear regulatory and supervisory framework that strengthens ADREC's role.
Decision No. (26) of 2025: owners' committees
Adopts one unified bylaw for owners' committees across the emirate. It sets how committees are formed, what they are responsible for, how they operate, and how they deal with the authorities and with management companies.
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For off-plan buyers
Decision No. (24) of 2025: escrow before 20% completion
Controls withdrawals from a project's escrow account before the project reaches 20% completion, linking them to bank guarantees and approved cost estimates so that buyers' money is protected.
Decision No. (165) of 2025: cancellations and refunds
Sets the compensation due to a developer when a buyer breaches an off-plan sale agreement, and the time limits and procedures for refunds to the buyer after the unit is cancelled and resold. ADREC says the ratios take account of the project's status and completion level.
Why it matters
ADREC's Director General, Rashed Al Omaira, said the decisions establish "a clear executive framework" for the law and clarify the rights and obligations of all parties.
What to check now
- Find out which property management company runs your building or community, and whether an owners' committee has been formed for it.
- Off-plan buyers can look up a registered project's escrow account number on the DARI platform, as ADREC's FAQs explain.
- ADREC's release summarises the decisions. For the exact terms that apply to your property, ask ADREC through its official channels.
What it means for owners
Owners in shared buildings and communities now work under one emirate-wide bylaw for owners' committees, with set roles for developers and management companies.
Off-plan buyers gain set rules on developer withdrawals from escrow before 20% completion, and on refunds after a cancellation and resale.
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Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute real estate, legal, or financial advice. Property details, prices, and market data are subject to change. Always seek professional guidance before making any property decision.
