In Abu Dhabi, a home listed for sale or rent on a property website is advertised under a permit issued through Madhmoun, ADREC's listing system. As the owner, you normally take part in the permit: either you request it and name the broker, or the broker requests it and you approve it. One permit can make a single broker exclusive, or you can choose up to three brokers. Anyone can check a permit number on ADREC's website.
What is Madhmoun, and why does my home need a permit?
Madhmoun, which means "verified" in Arabic, is ADREC's Multiple Listing Service. ADREC says it ensures that only verified properties are listed and limits advertising to a maximum of three approved brokers per property. The permit is the proof that your listing passed that check, and it has a number anyone can verify.
Separately from the permit, Abu Dhabi's real estate law asks the broker to sign a written brokerage contract on the official format before doing any work, and to register it before receiving any money from you, within 15 days of signing. On DARI, the broker creates a "Brokerage Contract to Sell" for a sale and the seller approves it. The law also asks the broker to show their own registration number on advertisements.
How many agents can advertise my home?
At most three. When the permit is set up, DARI asks whether the broker is exclusive:
- Exclusive, yes: the broker you add is the only one allowed to advertise the home for the length of the permit.
- Exclusive, no: you can select up to three brokers, each with their own permit.
A permit can be issued to an individual broker, found by their Emirates ID, or to a brokerage company, found by its trade licence. A property management company can request a permit for rent only, not for sale.
What exactly do I approve?
Whoever starts the request, these are the points you confirm on DARI:
- The broker or brokerage company named on the permit.
- The permit type: sale or rent.
- The duration: DARI offers 1, 2 or 3 months.
- Exclusive or not, and with how many brokers.
- The exact property: the unit, or the whole building or land.
If the broker starts it, you receive the request and can approve, return or reject it with a reason. If the home has several owners, DARI says approval by one owner counts for all, so agree among yourselves first. After approval the broker pays the permit fee and downloads the permit certificate. Owners can also start a renewal or a cancellation through DARI's renew and cancel services; the broker then approves it.
How to check an advertising permit
- Ask the broker for the permit number, or copy it from the advert if it shows one.
- Open ADREC's Verify Document page and choose Madhmoun Permit.
- Enter the permit number and select Verify.
- Compare the result with the advert: the permit type, the duration and exclusivity, the start and end dates, and the broker's name, licence number and company.
- Check the broker in the ADREC Directory under Professions, Broker.
If the permit does not match, or the broker cannot give you a permit number, do not rely on the advert, and ask the broker to correct it before it stays online.
Is it different on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands?
Yes, the issuer is different. On 21 August 2025 ADGM launched its own Advertising Permit service: every advert for property within its jurisdiction, on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, needs a permit issued by ADGM through its AccessRP platform. ADGM built the service with the Department of Municipalities and Transport and ADREC, linked to Madhmoun. Ask your broker for the ADGM permit before your island home is advertised.
What does the permit cost, and who pays?
In DARI's steps, the broker pays at the end, after the approvals. DARI's Madhmoun service page lists the fee per property, plus 5% VAT: AED 125 for one month of sale advertising and AED 250 for two or three months; for rent, AED 50, AED 100 or AED 115 for one, two or three months.
Official sources
Read on 29 October 2026. Rules and fees can change: check the official page before you act.
Frequently asked questions
How many agents can advertise my property in Abu Dhabi?
Up to three approved brokers, or one if you make the permit exclusive. ADREC says Madhmoun limits advertising to a maximum of three approved brokers per property.
How do I check a Madhmoun permit number?
On ADREC's Verify Document page, choose Madhmoun Permit and enter the number. The result shows the permit type, dates, exclusivity and the broker's details.
Does the owner pay for the advertising permit?
In DARI's steps, the broker pays the permit fee after the owner and broker have approved the request. DARI lists the fees per property plus 5% VAT.
How long is an advertising permit valid?
DARI offers permits for 1, 2 or 3 months, and they can be renewed through the Renew Permit to Advertise on Websites service.
Can I cancel a permit if I change agency?
You can start it yourself: DARI says owners can start the Cancel Permit to Advertise on Websites service. It takes effect only when the broker approves it, and the broker can also return or reject it. Ending the brokerage contract is a separate DARI service.
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