To curb misleading ads, ADGM makes advertising permits mandatory on Al Maryah & Al Reem Islands, boosting transparency, trust and investor protection.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has rolled out a new measure to raise the standards in property advertising. The Advertising Permit service, launched by ADGM’s Registration Authority (RA) through its AccessRP platform, makes it mandatory for all property adverts within ADGM’s jurisdiction to obtain prior approval before publication. This initiative directly addresses concerns over fake or misleading listings that risk undermining investor confidence. By requiring adverts to pass through a verified system, ADGM is reinforcing its commitment to transparency, oversight, and investor protection.

The service was developed in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). At the heart of this effort is Madhmoun, the Gulf region’s first Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platform. Launched earlier this year by DMT and ADREC, Madhmoun provides a centralised, trusted space for real estate advertising. The platform offers verified property listings, real-time updates, and authentic advertising, ensuring that all stakeholders operate with accurate and dependable information.

Madhmoun applies a rigorous verification process to every listing before it goes live, eliminating fake adverts and protecting buyers, tenants, and investors from misleading information. By consolidating property data, it also reduces fragmentation in the market, making property information more accessible and easier to navigate.

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Scope of the Service

The Advertising Permit service is available through ADGM’s AccessRP platform, designed to simplify the submission and approval process. This, when implemented, will be applicable across ADGM’s jurisdiction, covering both Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. For developers, real estate agents, and landlords operating within these zones, compliance with the new Advertising Permit requirement is mandatory.

Compliance

Although the Advertising Permit might appear to be a regulatory requirement, its integration with Madhmoun elevates it into a new market standard. The key benefits include:

Eliminating Fake Listings: Only verified and approved properties can be advertised.
Greater Oversight: Backed by a recognised MLS system, adverts are consistent, transparent, and accountable.
Investor Confidence: Buyers, particularly international investors, can rely on property adverts that are genuine and trustworthy.
Efficiency and Transparency: Centralised, real-time data means smoother transactions, greater visibility for sellers, and faster deal closures.

A Step Toward a Global Real Estate Hub

With this initiative, ADGM is reinforcing its reputation as a regulator committed to governance, innovation, and investor protection. The Advertising Permit, supported by Madhmoun, positions the Al Reem and Al Maryah property markets as one that is transparent, efficient, and globally competitive.

For investors, tenants, and industry professionals, this development is more than an administrative update, it represents a stronger foundation for trust and a forward-looking approach to real estate regulation. In short, it is a step towards making Abu Dhabi a leading global hub for secure and reliable property investment.

Jose Joseph

Jose Joseph is an Associate Partner at ATB Legal, with over 11 years of legal experience and a strong focus on litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution. His core areas of practice include arbitration and commercial disputes, real estate matters, and employment-related disputes, particularly within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) jurisdictions. He also oversees UAE Mainland Court proceedings in coordination with licensed Emirati advocates.Jose began his legal career in India, where he practised before the Kerala and Chennai High Courts, as well as various arbitral tribunals and subordinate courts. He was mentored by leading law firms and Designated Senior Counsels in South India, gaining valuable experience across arbitration, commercial litigation, tax, corporate advisory, and intellectual property law.In addition to his litigation and arbitration work, Jose is passionate about trademark law. He regularly advises clients on trademark protection and enforcement strategies in the UAE, including brand registration, portfolio management, and rights protection.