ADGM Real Property Regulations

Analysis

Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) has published a range of regulations that apply to all those operating and owning property on Al Maryah Island, including Real Property Regulations (“Property Regulations”) and Strata Title Regulations (“Strata Regulations”).

With effect from their publication on 14 June 2015, the Property Regulations and the Strata Regulations govern property matters within ADGM. This month we will report on the Property Regulations and next month we will provide an update on the Strata Regulations.

ADGM occupies the whole of Al Maryah Island and has been designated the financial centre of Abu Dhabi. ADGM is a financial free zone and an investment area for property ownership by foreigners. Within ADGM, foreign investors have a wider choice of legal structures to choose from if they wish to invest in property than in most other areas of Abu Dhabi.

The Property Regulations introduce many concepts that are new to the UAE but which will be familiar to those used to dealing with property matters in common law jurisdictions. ADGM will establish its own courts that will hear any matters arising from the Property Regulations and the Strata Regulations (“ADGM Court”).