Buying off-plan in Abu Dhabi: ADREC, DARI and how it differs from Dubai
Updated
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both in the UAE, but each emirate runs its own property system. The authority, the registration platform, the fee and the permit you should look for on an advert are all different. In Abu Dhabi, the developer registers off-plan unit sales on DARI, which was launched with the support of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The request is sent to DMT for approval, and the DARI help centre is branded ADREC [S1]. In Dubai, the developer's registration of off-plan sales uses the Oqood portal [S7].
This guide explains the Abu Dhabi system for an off-plan purchase and compares it with Dubai. It is general information, not legal advice.
Who is who in Abu Dhabi
| Role | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), mandated with strengthening Abu Dhabi's reputation in the global real estate market [S4] | The Dubai Land Department (DLD) offers the 'Request to register the initial sale' service, which allows a real estate developer to register units sold off-plan at the provisional register, via the Oqood portal [S7] |
| Registration platform | DARI [S1] | Oqood (Real Estate Developers Portal) [S7] |
| Advert permit (developer, off-plan) | ADREC Off-Plan Sale Advertisement Permit, issued on DARI [S2] | Not covered here |
| Advert permit (digital platforms) | Madhmoun permit: official authorization to promote a verified property across digital platforms in Abu Dhabi [S3] | Not covered here |
The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) launched an Advertising Permit service on AccessRP, in collaboration with DMT and ADREC (Madhmoun). It covers Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands [S8]. If a project is in ADGM, check which rules apply.
Check the project and its permit
Developers wishing to advertise their off-plan sale can issue an Off-Plan Sale Advertisement Permit on DARI, through the Request an Off-Plan Sale Advertisement Permit service [S2]. When the developer requests the permit, the DARI screen shows the developer, project and escrow account details to review before the permit is generated, and the output includes a QR code [S2].
So the first check is simple: ask for the developer's off-plan advertisement permit for the project, and scan its QR code. The Madhmoun service offers official authorization to promote a verified property across digital platforms in Abu Dhabi, and appears under the Broker, Developer and PMC categories [S3].
Reserve and sign
As in Dubai, you usually reserve a unit and then sign a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with the developer. The SPA sets the price, payment plan, completion date, default terms and what you receive at handover. Read it closely: it is the only document that binds the developer.
Registration on DARI
In Abu Dhabi, the developer registers the off-plan sale on DARI [S1]. DARI's help centre says:
- the amount due is 2% of the total sale price [S1];
- the developer enters the party who will pay the due fees when entering the sale data on DARI [S1];
- an extra AED 10,000 is added if registration is late, meaning more than 21 days from the contract date [S1];
- the documents include the SPA, a power of attorney if someone signs for you, and the sealed contract if the buyer is a company [S1];
- the output is a certificate of sale for your off-plan unit, which both seller and buyer can download [S1].
Compare Dubai, where DLD's table is 2% for the seller and 2% for the purchaser, and the SPA must be registered within 90 days of signing [S7].
Buying from abroad
Practical points for overseas buyers:
- Keep your passport valid for the whole process; it is your identity document for registration if you have no Emirates ID.
- If someone will sign for you, DARI asks for the power of attorney as part of registration [S1]. Prepare and attest it early; attestation in your home country can take weeks.
- Agree in writing how you will receive the certificate of sale. DARI makes it downloadable by both seller and buyer [S1], so make sure you have DARI access or a copy from the developer.
- Pay by bank transfer to the escrow account in the SPA, and keep the transfer confirmations.
Payments and escrow
When a developer requests the off-plan advertisement permit on DARI, the screen shows developer, project and escrow account details to review before the permit is generated [S2]. Pay only into the project escrow account named in your SPA, and keep every receipt.
Ask the developer to show you the default clause in your SPA and the rule it relies on.
Handover and title
When the project is complete and you have paid, the unit is registered in your name. Ask the developer which document you receive at handover and what it charges for it, and check the service charge budget for the building.
Mortgages
See our mortgage guide.
Golden Visa
The ICP Golden Residency guide sets a total value of at least AED 2,000,000 for one or more UAE properties, and the same total for off-plan units bought from an approved local real estate company [S5]. Ask which property document the Abu Dhabi authorities will accept for an off-plan unit. See our Golden Visa guide.
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai at a glance
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | ADREC, mandated with strengthening Abu Dhabi's reputation in the global real estate market [S4] | DLD offers the 'Request to register the initial sale' service, which lets a developer register off-plan units at the provisional register, through the Oqood portal [S7] |
| Off-plan registration | DARI, filed by the developer [S1] | Oqood portal, filed by the developer [S7] |
| Registration fee | 2% of the total sale price; payer set at entry [S1] | 2% seller + 2% purchaser [S7] |
| Late or deadline rule | AED 10,000 added after 21 days [S1] | Register within 90 days of signing [S7] |
| Certificate | Certificate of sale [S1] | Provisional registration e-certificate [S7] |
| Advert permit to look for | Off-plan advertisement permit with QR code [S2] and the Madhmoun permit [S3] | Not covered here |
| Golden Visa threshold | AED 2,000,000 in total property value across the UAE, the same in both jurisdictions [S5] | AED 2,000,000 in total property value across the UAE, the same in both jurisdictions [S5] |
Sobha City
Before you rely on any advert for it, check the developer's off-plan sale advertisement permit and its QR code [S2] and the Madhmoun permit [S3].
FAQ
What is the off-plan registration fee in Abu Dhabi? DARI's off-plan sale registration fee is 2% of the total sale price [S1].
Who pays the registration fee in Abu Dhabi? The amount due is 2% of the total sale price. It is paid by the party the developer specified when entering the sale on DARI. AED 10,000 is added for late registration after 21 days [S1]. In Dubai, DLD lists 2% for the seller and 2% for the purchaser [S7].
How is off-plan sale registration done in Abu Dhabi and Dubai? Abu Dhabi registers off-plan sales on DARI and issues a certificate of sale [S1]. Dubai Land Department's initial sale registration service for developers is done via the Oqood portal [S7].
What permit should an Abu Dhabi off-plan advert show? The developer's off-plan sale advertisement permit, with its QR code [S2]. The Madhmoun permit is the one to promote a verified property across digital platforms [S3].
Can a Dubai broker sell Abu Dhabi property? The Madhmoun permit authorizes promoting a verified property across digital platforms in Abu Dhabi [S3]. Confirm with ADREC what applies to a Dubai broker.
Is this legal advice? No. It is general information based on official pages.
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Reviewed by the Vetted Property team.
Sources
- [S1] DARI help centre, Off-plan unit sale registration
- [S2] DARI help centre, Request an Off-Plan Sale Advertisement Permit
- [S3] DARI services, Issue Real Estate Advertisement Permits (Madhmoun)
- [S4] ADREC, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre
- [S5] ICP, UAE Golden Residency guide
- [S6] CBUAE Rulebook, Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans, Article 3
- [S7] DLD, Register the initial sale (for the Dubai comparison)
- [S8] ADGM, Real Estate Advertising Permit service with Madhmoun
Guides are general information, not financial advice.