Abu Dhabi Introduces Mandatory Training and Annual Certification for Real Estate Brokers

Abu Dhabi has announced a new mandatory training programme for real estate brokers seeking professional licences, marking an important development in the emirate’s real estate regulatory framework. The initiative, introduced by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), aims to enhance professional competency, strengthen regulatory knowledge, and improve the quality of services provided to property buyers and investors.

The newly launched Abu Dhabi Real Estate Broker Transformation Course replaces the previous broker training programme and has been developed in collaboration with Mawaheb, ThinkProp, and Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM). The curriculum incorporates recognised international professional standards and focuses on legal requirements, property market practices, operational procedures, professional ethics, and real estate advisory skills.

As part of the programme, participants will complete practical training, including a comprehensive property transaction simulation and a final assessment designed to evaluate their professional readiness. Successful candidates will receive the ADREC Certified Broker credential, which must be renewed annually to ensure brokers remain informed about changes to Abu Dhabi’s property laws and regulations.

The new requirements come amid significant growth in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector. According to ADREC, property transactions reached AED 117 billion ($31.9 billion) during the first half of 2026, representing a 112% increase compared with the same period in 2025. During this period, the authority issued 2,040 licences to real estate professionals, an increase of 34%, while the number of licensed real estate brokers reached 3,302.

Alongside the new certification requirements, ADREC has introduced an initiative to support Emirati participation in the real estate industry. In partnership with Mawaheb, the programme will prepare 60 UAE nationals for professional real estate brokerage licences through a one-week training course followed by three months of practical experience with nine established real estate organisations. Participants will receive support in meeting professional accreditation requirements, with potential employment opportunities following successful completion.

The introduction of mandatory training and annually renewable certification reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing a more transparent, professional, and internationally competitive real estate market. By strengthening brokers’ regulatory knowledge and advisory capabilities, the initiative aims to improve service quality, protect investor interests, and reinforce confidence in the emirate’s property sector.

Regulatory Outlook

The new licensing framework represents a significant step towards greater professionalism and accountability within Abu Dhabi’s real estate industry. As the market continues to attract international investment and expand its transaction activity, the introduction of consistent training standards and annual certification is expected to strengthen regulatory compliance and support the long-term development of the emirate’s property market.