ADGM Launches Five-Tier Real Estate Broker Classification Framework

ADGM Launches Five-Tier Broker Classification Framework

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Real estate brokers in ADGM now classified – what professionals need to know.

ADGM Registration Authority launched a five-tier broker classification system on 12 February 2026, applying to all licensed real estate brokers on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island.
Brokers will be ranked as General, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum based on sales performance, professional education, and customer feedback scores.
The initiative comes as Abu Dhabi's residential market recorded over 20,000 transactions in 2025, the highest level ever, with Al Reem Island sales volume more than tripling.
Higher-tier brokers will receive performance-linked privileges and recognition, though specific incentive details have not yet been published by ADGM.
A preparatory broker workshop was held on 10 February 2026 to introduce the framework and gather industry feedback before implementation.
The classification system aims to raise professional standards, strengthen buyer confidence, and create transparency in ADGM's expanding real estate sector.

ADGM Registration Authority Formalises Professional Standards

The ADGM Registration Authority has introduced a structured framework to classify real estate professionals operating within its jurisdiction. This Broker Classification Initiative establishes performance-based tiers for licensed brokers across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, areas that collectively comprise 14.38 million square metres. The move reflects growing institutional focus on service quality and transparency as ADGM's Real Property Regulations mature alongside rapid market expansion.

The timing aligns with unprecedented transaction volumes across Abu Dhabi's residential sector. With Al Reem Island recording a 45% year-on-year price surge in 2025 and new regulatory requirements taking effect under enhanced Real Property Regulations, the classification system provides a standardised benchmark for broker performance. This initiative positions ADGM as the first Abu Dhabi jurisdiction to implement a comprehensive broker ranking framework comparable to Dubai's established classification models.

Five-Tier Classification System Introduced

The framework establishes five distinct broker tiers: General, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Classification will be determined through three weighted scoring criteria. Sales performance measures the volume and value of completed transactions. Professional education evaluates qualifications, certifications, and ongoing professional development. Customer feedback incorporates client satisfaction scores and service quality reviews.

ADGM hosted a preparatory workshop for licensed brokers on 10 February 2026, two days before the official announcement. The session aimed to foster collaboration, create dialogue channels, and gather industry input to ensure the framework reflects market needs and collective best practices. The initiative was formally announced on 12 February 2026 through multiple channels including Zawya, Al Ittihad, Arabian Business, and Fast Company Middle East.

Performance-Linked Privileges Planned

Higher-tier brokers will receive recognition and incentives designed to reward excellence in service delivery. The system links professional advancement to consistent investment in skills development, service quality improvement, and enhanced client experience. However, ADGM has not yet published the specific privileges or incentive structures attached to each classification level.

The official announcement indicates that broker tier assessments and privileges rollout are scheduled as immediate next steps. This suggests the detailed scoring rubric and tier-specific benefits will be released in a subsequent publication or circular. Industry observers expect further guidance on assessment criteria, evaluation timelines, and privilege allocation in coming weeks.

Record Market Activity Drives Regulatory Focus

Abu Dhabi's residential real estate market recorded more than 20,000 transactions in 2025, representing a 58% increase compared with the previous year according to Savills Middle East. The fourth quarter of 2025 alone saw an all-time quarterly peak of over 7,500 deals. Off-plan sales accounted for 80% of fourth quarter transactions and 75% of the annual share.

Average apartment sales prices rose 15% year-on-year, climbing from Dh14,739 per square metre at end-2024 to Dh17,145 per square metre at end-2025. Nearly 700 transactions exceeded Dh10 million, up 47% from the prior year. More than 70 new projects were introduced totalling over 13,500 units. Some 85 nationalities invested in Abu Dhabi real estate in the first half of 2025, up 10% year-on-year.

Al Reem Island Emerges as Top Performer

Al Reem Island, which falls under ADGM jurisdiction, has become Abu Dhabi's standout market performer. Sales volume more than tripled in 2025, reaching 284,000 square metres versus 94,000 square metres in 2024. The island accounted for 24% of all Abu Dhabi sales volume. Prices surged 45% year-on-year, marking the largest annual increase of any area in Abu Dhabi.

Off-plan property prices on Al Reem Island jumped 38% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025. Apartment rents climbed 21% year-on-year. Some 16 of 52 total new Abu Dhabi project launches in 2025 were on Al Reem Island. This concentrated development activity has driven corresponding growth in broker activity and regulatory oversight requirements.

Strategic Context and Industry Impact

H.E. Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of ADGM's Registration Authority, stated the initiative sets a new benchmark for real estate professionalism within ADGM. He emphasised that linking performance, transparency, and incentives empowers brokers to raise standards while strengthening trust and buyer confidence in the market. The initiative reflects ADGM's role as both proactive regulator and business enabler.

ADGM's real estate sector showed significant institutional growth in the third quarter of 2025. The jurisdiction recorded 30 new real estate brokers, bringing total active real estate and infrastructure entities to 327. The launch of the AccessRP digital platform in October 2024 and enhanced Real Property Regulations created the infrastructure foundation for this classification system. The framework complements broader ADGM efforts to professionalise and standardise real estate services across its jurisdiction.