Abu Dhabi Launches Digital EOI Registration for Off-Plan Properties

Key Takeaways

Abu Dhabi has taken a major step forward in protecting off-plan property investors. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has officially launched a new digital system that requires all developers to register Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for off-plan projects through its Madhmoun platform. The move introduces mandatory government-supervised escrow accounts for EOI funds, marking a significant shift in how off-plan real estate transactions are handled in the emirate.

The announcement, made on 16 February 2026, coincided with the launch of Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana Development, which became the first project to register EOIs electronically through the platform.

What Is Changing for Off-Plan Buyers?

An Expression of Interest is an early financial commitment made by a buyer before a property project is completed. Traditionally, these payments were handled through manual processes involving intermediaries, which introduced risks related to fund mismanagement and a lack of transparency.

Under the new rules, every developer launching a new off-plan project in Abu Dhabi must now register investor EOIs digitally through Madhmoun. Once registered, EOI funds are deposited into a government-managed preparatory escrow account under ADREC’s direct oversight. This ensures that buyer funds are held securely from the very first stage of commitment.

The system also introduces a digital refund mechanism, meaning that if an investor needs their money returned, the process is handled electronically rather than through lengthy manual procedures. This eliminates many of the risks historically associated with intermediary handling of off-plan funds.

How the Madhmoun Platform Works

Madhmoun, which translates to “verified” in Arabic, was originally launched by ADREC as Abu Dhabi’s first Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platform. It was designed to bring transparency to property advertising by ensuring every listing is verified and backed by accurate, government-validated data.

With this latest update, Madhmoun’s scope now extends to off-plan EOI registration, creating a unified digital framework that covers everything from property advertising permits to investor fund protection. The platform operates through ADREC’s official DARI portal and is integrated with the TAMM government services platform, powered by the UAE Pass application for secure identity verification.

This integration means that investors, whether based in Abu Dhabi or abroad, can participate in off-plan EOI processes securely from anywhere in the world.

Why This Matters for Investors

The new EOI registration system addresses several key concerns that off-plan property investors have faced in the past:

• Fund Security: EOI payments are no longer handled by intermediaries. They go directly into a government-managed escrow account supervised by ADREC, reducing the risk of fund misuse or misallocation.
• Transparency: Every EOI is digitally recorded and tracked, providing a clear audit trail from initial interest to fund deposit.
• Digital Refunds: If an investor decides not to proceed, the refund process is handled digitally, eliminating delays and paperwork.
• Regulatory Oversight: ADREC’s direct involvement ensures compliance with international best practices, giving investors confidence that their funds are protected at every stage.

Part of Abu Dhabi’s Broader Digital Transformation

This EOI digitisation is the latest in a series of regulatory modernisations by ADREC. In October 2025, Abu Dhabi became the first jurisdiction in the region to offer fully digital property buy-and-sell transactions through its Digital Buy & Sell Journey. That service integrates mortgage processing, trustee verification, digital signing, and escrow settlements into a single online process.

Together, these initiatives position Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in real estate governance and digital innovation. The emirate’s goal of becoming an AI-enabled government by 2027 is reflected in how its real estate sector is being modernised to serve both local and international investors.

What This Means for Buying Off-Plan in Abu Dhabi

For anyone considering an off-plan property purchase in Abu Dhabi, this new system provides an additional layer of security that was not previously available at the EOI stage. Buyers can now enter the off-plan market knowing that their initial financial commitment is protected by the same government oversight that covers later stages of the transaction.

Sultan Al Memari, Acting Executive Director of the Real Estate Regulation Sector at ADREC, emphasised that safeguarding investor interests while supporting developer operations remains central to the authority’s strategy. He noted that Madhmoun has already delivered positive changes to the market and that this expansion will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a trusted investment destination.