Abu Dhabi Housing Authority launches residential land exchange service between citizens

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) launched the residential land exchange service between citizens, in order to enhance family unity and social cohesion among Emiratis. This initiative allows citizens to exchange their previously allocated residential land with other citizens or choose from the available residential lands reserve managed by the Authority.

Citizens who meet specific conditions and regulations are eligible to avail this service. The primary eligibility conditions include: the residential land should be undivided, free from any construction (excluding fencing, if any), should not face any construction hindrances apart from a lack of infrastructure services, and any legal or regulatory obstacles, or third-party rights.

His Excellency Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: “ADHA launched the residential land exchange service as part of its ongoing efforts to further enhance its range of housing services and programs. This new service aims to strengthen family ties and enhancing social cohesion among Emiratis\. It aligns with the ADHA's endeavours to provide a variety of housing solutions within integrated communities that promote the overall well-being of citizens.”

Eligible citizens can apply for the land exchange service through the ‘Iskan Abu Dhabi’ application. Once submitted, both parties involved will have to visit the ‘Iskan Abu Dhabi Centre’ to proceed with the application. Upon approval, all necessary procedures will be carried out, and the applicable fees, if any, will be settled at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre in accordance with the Centre’s legislation. Fees are applied on the land exchange service by the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi.

If it is found that either or both parties involved in the exchange have received any form of financial benefit, or any sort of compensation, the approval of land exchange will be revoked without prejudice to any criminal, civil or administrative liability.

It is important to note that the exchanged residential land grant should be exclusively used by the owner and their family for housing purposes. The grant recipient is strictly prohibited from renting, investing, transferring ownership, creating real rights or mortgaging the land, except for obtaining construction loans. The status of the exchanged land remains unchanged and cannot be transformed from grant land into a tradable land.

All regulations and conditions for the exchange service can be found on the ADHA’s website.

The Authority is working on digitalizing the whole process. This service will allow citizens to complete the entire land exchange process online and to review and select from a variety of available lands for exchange.