The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) is the authority overseeing the real estate sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi regulating registration, developers, brokers and transactions. It is, broadly, Abu Dhabi’s counterpart to the real estate regulation handled in Dubai by the DLD and RERA.
Where you’ll see it
You’ll deal with ADREC when buying, selling, registering or developing property in Abu Dhabi. It administers the registration system and regulates the professionals and developers operating in the emirate.
Why it matters
Property in Abu Dhabi is governed by Abu Dhabi’s own framework, not Dubai’s. Knowing that ADREC is the relevant authority and that processes differ from Dubai helps buyers and owners deal with the right body and rules for the emirate.
What it is not
ADREC is not the Dubai Land Department, and Abu Dhabi’s processes are not identical to Dubai’s. It operates under the emirate’s government structure, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Example
A buyer purchasing in Abu Dhabi registers and deals with their transaction through the emirate’s system under ADREC, rather than the Dubai DLD process used for Dubai property.
Connected documents and parties
Registration records, title documents; buyer, seller, developer, ADREC.
Going deeper: related reading: Dari Abu Dhabi and DMT.
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Last reviewed: June 2026