As part of innovative and cutting-edge initiatives in the real estate sector

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced the introduction of the Unified Contract Template for the sale of units and plots on the master plan in Abu Dhabi's development areas. The innovative initiative aims to regulate the buying and selling process between developers and investors, achieve a balance between the rights and obligations of both parties and enhance transparency and trust in the real estate market in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.

The implementation of the Unified Contract Template exclusively for the purpose of registering sales and purchase contracts for off-plan units and plots in the development areas will commence on Monday, July 3, 2023.

The Unified Contract Template includes important elements such as providing the investor with the escrow account details, precise property information, project details and completion date, and payment plan details. This ensures that the project data and the escrow account will be documented and authenticated by municipal systems, thereby enhancing transparency, trust, and governance of the real estate market, while elevating the investor's journey by offering a seamless and easy government service experience.

The Unified Contract Template incorporates general provisions that ensure a balance between the rights and obligations of both parties. Additionally, it allows for the inclusion of an unlimited number of specific terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties (provided they don't contradict the general terms and prevailing legislation in the Emirate).

His Excellency Dr. Adeeb Al-Afifi, Executive Director of the Real Estate Sector at the Department of Municipalities and Transport stated,“The Unified Contract Template is a real estate sales agreement between the developer and the investor that regulates the buying and selling process when the property is off-plan. The introduction of the Unified Sales Contract aims to enhance the governance of the real estate market, provide a seamless and efficient government service experience, and accelerate digital transformation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. By defining the general rights and obligations of both parties and ensuring their compliance with the prevailing provisions and legislation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Unified Contract Template contributes to building trust in the real estate market, increasing cash flow for developers, and supporting the competitiveness of the real estate market, thereby accelerating growth and development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Unified Sales Contract offers a range of other benefits, including ensuring the alignment of general terms and conditions with real estate laws, matching the property data documented in the contract with municipal records, as well as matching the contract parties' data with the Identity and Citizenship Authority's records. The introduction of the Unified Sales Contract contributes to time and effort savings. The benefits also include ensuring accuracy and ease of data input, as well as the bilingual formulation in Arabic and English. The Unified Contract is easy to create and use within and outside the country.

About the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT):

The Department of Municipalities and Transport was established by Law No. 30 of 2019, and its main priorities are to realize the vision of the leadership which draws on the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to embrace progress by placing great value on the importance of pursuing development in line with both the needs of present and future generations and the community in general.

The authority embodies the values of good governance, driven by the needs of the community it serves and working with a passion to accomplish its aims. The Department focuses on finding the most effective means of providing essential, modern, responsive and comprehensive municipal services across three regional municipalities, and supports Abu Dhabi's global position as a leader in innovation-led urban planning and transportation, as part of the Abu Dhabi government's commitment to maintaining the highest standards to the benefit of all citizens and residents of the emirate.

The DMT is responsible for continually investing in the development of better infrastructure, facilities and transportation sectors within the emirate, guiding, regulating and monitoring urban development to enhance Abu Dhabi's reputation as a world-class destination to live, work and visit.

The DMT also ensures the highest standards of safety, security, sustainability and technological development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi's land, air and maritime transport networks, in accordance with the highest international standards and the UAE's legislation with the objective of being the region's connection to the world.

The Department's aspirations are driven by the simple proposition of innovating and building sustainable smart cities, fostering a capacity to change and adapt in order to maintain excellence in services and sustaining prosperity for future generations, allowing the entire Abu Dhabi community to reach their full potential.

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