Brokers

Abu Dhabi Introduces New Broker Certification Standards

Abu Dhabi Introduces New Broker Certification Standards

October 12, 2026 | Palak Kataria | UAE | Brokers

As Abu Dhabi’s property market grows, the role of real estate brokers is evolving. Beyond connecting buyers with properties, brokers are increasingly expected to guide investment decisions, explain regulations and help clients navigate a more sophisticated market.

Recognising this shift, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has introduced a new mandatory licensing curriculum designed to develop brokers into knowledgeable real estate advisers.

Announced on October 8, 2026, the initiative also brings together three partners — Mawaheb, ThinkProp and Abu Dhabi School of Management — to strengthen training, professional certification and career opportunities across the sector.

New Training for a Growing Market

The programme, called the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Broker Transformation Course, replaces the emirate’s previous broker training course.

Developed by a committee of experienced local and international brokers, the curriculum has been benchmarked against recognised global real estate credentials and tailored to Abu Dhabi’s regulatory requirements.

It covers legal responsibilities, market knowledge, operational practices and professional ethics. Participants must also complete a simulated property transaction and a final assessment.

Successful candidates will receive the ADREC Certified Broker credential, which must be renewed annually to keep pace with regulatory developments.

The initiative comes during a period of significant market activity.

According to ADREC, Abu Dhabi recorded AED117 billion in real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, representing a 112% year-on-year increase.

The authority also issued 2,040 licences for real estate professionals during the period, an increase of 34%, while the number of licensed brokers reached 3,302.

Creating Opportunities for Emirati Talent

A key part of the initiative is a training programme developed with Mawaheb, the talent hub operating under Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Youth Council.

Beginning on October 10, the programme will prepare 60 Emirati nationals for careers in property brokerage.

Participants will start with an open day, followed by one week of training and three months of practical experience with nine participating real estate organisations.

The programme will also support candidates in obtaining the accreditation required to work as licensed brokers, with potential employment opportunities following successful completion.

Partnerships Connect Learning With Practice

Under the newly signed memoranda of understanding, ThinkProp will support the delivery of practical, ADREC-recognised broker training, while Abu Dhabi School of Management will contribute academic expertise and applied research.

Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, said the new curriculum establishes a consistent standard of regulatory knowledge and professional conduct for brokers.

“Brokers are often the first point of contact an investor has with the sector, and the quality of their advice shapes that investor’s experience of the market,” he said.

The partnerships were announced during Abu Dhabi’s Livability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX), reflecting a wider effort to connect regulators, educators and private-sector organisations.

As Abu Dhabi attracts more property investors and expands its real estate workforce, the new certification framework places professional knowledge, advisory skills and service quality at the centre of the emirate’s brokerage sector.

Sources: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, official press release, October 8, 2026; ADREC H1 2026 Real Estate Transactions Report

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