Abu Dhabi has introduced the Madhmoun system, a regulatory framework aimed at strengthening transparency in the emirate’s property market. The initiative, which requires landlords to grant formal approval before a property can be listed for sale or rent, is designed to curb false advertisements and provide greater assurance to buyers and tenants.
As part of Property Finder’s Expert Insights series, we sat down with Ben Crompton, Managing Partner at Crompton Partners Estate Agents, to explore how Madhmoun is raising the bar for trust and transparency in the real estate market.
Read on to discover his perspective on why this could be a turning point for Abu Dhabi’s property sector.
For someone hearing about it for the first time, what is the Madhmoun system, and why did Abu Dhabi introduce it?
The Madhmoun system is a government-backed initiative introduced in Abu Dhabi to verify property listings and improve transparency in the market. Under the rules, brokers must obtain clear approval from landlords before advertising a property, with a permit issued once that step is complete.
The model is similar to Dubai’s Trakheesi programme but tailored to Abu Dhabi’s market. Its purpose is to stop unauthorised advertising and reduce duplicate or misleading listings that have often left buyers and renters frustrated.
How does Madhmoun make property searches safer and protect consumers from risks?
Before the launch of Madhmoun, the journey of finding a property in Abu Dhabi was often a painful experience. Buyers and renters frequently encountered duplicate or inaccurate listings, some of which were even advertised without the owner’s consent, making the search process far less easy than it is today.
Madhmoun has shifted that experience by ensuring that only verified properties appear on portals. Because each listing now requires landlord approval, consumers can be confident the homes they see are genuine and available. The change reduces wasted time, avoids false leads and builds trust from the very start of the search process.
The effect has been immediate. Property listings have been reduced by 90%. There are far fewer properties on the portals, but each one is there only because the landlord has given that broker permission.
How does the verification process work, and what difference will a buyer or renter notice when browsing ads?
The verification process behind Madhmoun is straightforward and effective. Agents apply for a permit through the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the landlord confirms the request, and once the fee is paid, a unique permit number is issued.
For consumers, this provides visible reassurance. Every authorised listing carries a regulatory section displaying the company licence number, the broker’s licence number and the Madhmoun permit number. While the mechanics happen largely behind the scenes, the outcome is a market where buyers and renters can trust that the properties they see online are genuine and available.
What does Madhmoun mean for agents and developers, and how does it raise property marketing standards?
Madhmoun is also reshaping the way landlords and agents interact with each other. In the past, Abu Dhabi’s market was saturated with duplicate listings and mass advertising, often creating confusion for property owners and frustration for buyers and renters. The new rules place limits on the number of brokers that can represent a sales property at any given time — no more than 3 — which forces landlords to be more selective and to work with agencies they trust to manage their property responsibly.
For agents, the new system encourages a more focused and professional approach. Instead of trying to list as many properties as possible, brokers are now motivated to work with fewer listings but provide better service for each one. This allows them to build stronger relationships with landlords and dedicate more time and attention to every property. This shift improves the quality of service sellers receive and boosts the reputation of trusted agencies. At the same time, it limits the influence of less-regulated agents who rely on mass advertising without proper oversight.
How do you see Madhmoun shaping Abu Dhabi’s real estate market?
Madhmoun is addressing one of the most persistent issues in Abu Dhabi’s property sector: the widespread problem of false or unauthorised listings. Its rollout is reshaping the experience for everyone involved in the market. For buyers and renters, it reduces the risk of pursuing properties that do not exist or are inaccurately presented, while also restoring trust in the brokers they deal with. For landlords, it introduces a safeguard that ensures their properties are advertised responsibly, with their direct approval and under the oversight of licensed professionals. For agents, it moves the market towards more transparent and accountable practices, creating the conditions for stronger, long-term relationships with clients.
Ben Crompton says the change is critical to building confidence in the sector. When the first stages of a property search are consistent and reliable, Madhmoun will help solidify investors’ trust in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, strengthening confidence and positioning the city as a transparent and trustworthy place to buy, sell, or rent property. That confidence, he argues, encourages buyers and renters to invest with greater assurance, positioning the emirate as a regulated and dependable destination for real estate.
What lasting impact will Madhmoun have on trust and professionalism for everyone involved in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market?
Madhmoun is changing the way Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is perceived more broadly. The reduction in unauthorised advertising has already driven a shift from quantity to quality across major portals, but the properties that remain are far more reliable. For renters, this means less time wasted on false leads and a smoother start to their search journey. The impact is not only practical but also builds trust, as people become more confident in the reliability of listings and in working with brokers who are officially authorised to represent them.
For sellers, the system offers reassurance that their properties are being marketed in line with government standards, while also encouraging them to work with agencies that can demonstrate credibility. This, in turn, strengthens the professional environment for brokers, who can dedicate more attention to each client and build relationships based on accountability rather than volume.
This shift will play a decisive role in shaping the market’s evolution. By improving the first point of contact between consumers and agents, Madhmoun helps establish a culture of trust that is essential for long-term investment.
Ben Crompton, Managing Partner
As Managing Partner of Crompton Partners, Ben oversees the sales and leasing teams and manages the company’s overall strategic direction in Abu Dhabi.
Specialising in the investment and legal side of property and real estate in Abu Dhabi, Ben is a renowned media figure, regularly called upon for his opinions in the UAE national media.
Crompton Partners is an award-winning, British-owned real estate firm in Abu Dhabi, committed to helping clients reach their property goals through trusted advice and professional service. With a focus on long-term client relationships and market expertise, Crompton Partners continues to shape the capital’s real estate landscape.
