Executive Council Resolution No. (4) of 2011 (“Resolution No. (4)”) has clarified whether or not tenancy contracts can be registered in Abu Dubai. Law No. (3) of 2005 (“Law No. (3)”) confirmed that leases of more than four years must be registered with the municipalities in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain or the Western Region (the “Municipalities”). Law No. (3) also allowed discretion for landlords and tenants to voluntarily register tenancy contracts of less than four years.  In practice however registration has only been undertaken for leases of more than four years. 

Resolution No. (4) now requires the Municipalities to establish and maintain a register of tenancy contracts.  All tenancy contracts of less than four years, whether existing prior to Resolution No. (4) taking effect on 31 January 2011 or entered into after that date, must now be registered.  Landlords have until 31 July 2011 to ensure that all registrations have been completed.