On this page
Abu Dhabi had 3,302 licensed real estate brokers in the first half of 2026 (ADREC, July 2026). They work under a different regulator and a different advertising-permit system from brokers in Dubai, and that changes what belongs on a broker's business card. This guide covers what to show, how to link your listings so they stay within the rules, and how Abu Dhabi and Dubai differ.
Not legal advice. This guide summarises public sources as of 28 September 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) and your brokerage before you advertise.
The rules in brief
- The regulator is ADREC, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, not Dubai Land Department.
- Property advertisements need a Madhmoun permit. ADREC made the permit mandatory for all types of real estate advertisements from 7 July 2025, issued through the DARI platform (Aletihad, 8 July 2025). The same report notes some exclusions, such as certain hotel apartments and holiday homes.
- At most three approved brokers can advertise the same property (ADREC FAQs).
- Properties in ADGM, on Al Maryah and Al Reem islands, need an advertising permit from ADGM's Registration Authority, a service built with ADREC through the Madhmoun initiative (ADGM, 21 August 2025).
According to ADREC, Madhmoun had issued more than 41,200 regulated real estate advertising permits by mid-2026 (ADREC, H1 2026 report).
What to put on an Abu Dhabi broker's digital card
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Name in Arabic and English | Clients read both; spell your name exactly as on your licence |
| Your ADREC licence details | Lets clients check that you're licensed; show them exactly as issued |
| Brokerage name and logo | Shows which office you advertise for |
| Mobile with WhatsApp | Clients can message you in one tap, without saving your number |
| Links to your permitted listings | Only properties with a valid Madhmoun permit, linked to where they're advertised |
| A “Request a viewing” form | Captures the client's details, with their consent |
| Office location | Makes it easy to visit for paperwork |
For names and job titles in both languages, see our Arabic–English business card guide.
Linking listings the right way
Your card is part of your marketing, so treat every property on it as an advertisement:
- Link only to properties with a valid Madhmoun permit. Point each link to the page where the property is advertised with its permit, such as your brokerage's website or an accredited property portal, rather than copying the details onto your card.
- Use a Links block for listings. In the editor, go to Blocks → Add block → Links and add one button per property, with a short label such as “2 BR · Al Reem Island” pointing to the permitted listing page.
- Check your links when permits end. DARI issues individual listing permits for set periods (its service page lists durations of one to three months). When a permit lapses, or the property is sold or rented, remove the button. The change is live straight away on every NFC card and QR code you've handed out.
- Don't promote a property you're not approved to advertise. With at most three approved brokers per property, being one of them is what allows you to market it.
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: what's different
The two emirates use similar-sounding names for different things. In Abu Dhabi, Madhmoun is ADREC's advertising permit and listing platform. In Dubai, Madmoun is the QR code issued with each DLD advertising permit. Both are written «مضمون» in Arabic, so always say which emirate you mean.
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) | Dubai Land Department (DLD) |
| Advertising permit | Madhmoun permit | Trakheesi advertising permit |
| Where it's issued | DARI | The Trakheesi system |
| What applies to the ad | A valid Madhmoun permit; at most three approved brokers per property | The permit's Madmoun QR code on print and audiovisual ads |
| In force since | 7 July 2025, for all types of property ads | Madmoun QR code: 24 April 2023 |
| Source | Aletihad; ADREC FAQs | DLD news; DLD ad permit service |
Working in both emirates? One card is fine, but each listing must follow the rules of the emirate the property is in. For the Dubai side, including broker and office registration numbers, see our Dubai real estate agent guide.
Viewing requests and WhatsApp
Add a Lead form block titled “Request a viewing”, asking for the client's name, phone and a message. Before sending, the client ticks a consent box, and that consent is stored with the lead in your Leads inbox. Switch on WhatsApp for your mobile number so clients can message you in one tap. For a stand-alone WhatsApp link, for example for an Instagram bio, use the free WhatsApp link generator.
Cards and plans for Abu Dhabi brokers
Cards are made to order and dispatched within 1–3 working days. After dispatch, Express delivery arrives the next working day in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi (AED 35), and Standard delivery takes 2–4 working days anywhere in the UAE (AED 20, free on orders of AED 199 or more).
- A metal card (AED 249) for viewings, or a PVC card (AED 99) for a whole team.
- Teams (AED 180 per seat per year, minimum 3 seats) gives a brokerage one brand template for every agent, a shared lead list and one-click removal of an agent who leaves.
See also Cardly.ae for real estate agents.
Sources
- ADREC, H1 2026 transaction report press release, published 24 July 2026: licensed brokers and Madhmoun permits. Checked 28 September 2026.
- ADREC, FAQs: at most three approved brokers per property. Checked 28 September 2026.
- Aletihad News Centre, Madhmoun permit system comes into force, 8 July 2025. Checked 28 September 2026.
- DARI, Issue Real Estate Advertisement Permits (Madhmoun). Checked 28 September 2026.
- ADGM, Real Estate Advertising Permit service with Madhmoun, 21 August 2025. Checked 28 September 2026.
- Dubai Land Department, Madmoun QR codes on real estate ads, 18 April 2023, and the Real Estate Ad Permit service. Checked 28 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Madhmoun permit to show a listing on my digital business card?
Is Abu Dhabi's Madhmoun the same as Dubai's Madmoun?
How many brokers can advertise the same property in Abu Dhabi?
Where do I apply for a Madhmoun permit?
Can I use one card if I work in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Put this guide into practice
Create your bilingual digital business card free in two minutes — and add an NFC card when you're ready.