Abu Dhabi's real estate regulator and its global technology ecosystem have formalized a partnership to accelerate startup innovation across the property sector. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, also known as ADREC, and Hub71 signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Liveability and Investment Exhibition, LIVEX 2026, on September 30, 2026. The agreement establishes an initial two-year framework that connects technology startups with clearly defined real estate challenges through targeted pilots, startup referrals, and knowledge sharing.
Connecting Real Estate with Technology Startups
The memorandum creates a structured channel between Abu Dhabi's property market and its technology community. ADREC will identify sector challenges and work with Hub71 to match relevant startups to those needs. In return, startups gain access to a regulated market, government and industry partners, and real customer demand, while ADREC gains early visibility into emerging technologies, talent, and practical solutions.
A Platform for Validation and Adoption
Under the agreement, ADREC and Hub71 will explore opportunities for selected startups to test and validate their solutions through potential pilots. ADREC will refer startups from its own network to Hub71 programs and will contribute sector expertise to Hub71's selection process. This approach is designed to shorten the path from innovation to adoption in a real market environment and help founders refine solutions with a clearer route to scale.
Leadership Views on the Partnership
Rashed Al Omaira, Director General of ADREC, said technology is central to the growth and competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's real estate sector. He noted that the partnership provides access to startups and talent that can address priorities in market regulation, buying, selling, and property management. Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, added that working directly with sector stakeholders helps founders test practical use cases and move toward adoption.
Events, Workshops, and Mentorship
Beyond commercial pilots, the memorandum covers joint community events, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. ADREC may contribute specialized knowledge to Hub71 activities and introduce professionals from its network to support knowledge transfer for founders. The collaboration has an initial term of two years, giving both organizations a structured runway to develop, test, and scale practical solutions for the real estate sector.
Organizational Background and Mandates
ADREC was established in November 2023 as an affiliate under the Department of Municipalities and Transport. It is responsible for strengthening regulation, transparency, and growth across Abu Dhabi's real estate ecosystem. Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, and it supports founders building homegrown technology companies through market access, capital, and global networks.
Strategic Importance for the Emirate
Real estate is one of the pillars of Abu Dhabi's economy and is central to how the emirate houses, attracts, and retains residents, investors, and businesses. The partnership connects this priority economic sector with a maturing technology ecosystem and establishes a regulated path for startup solution validation. It reflects a broader effort to make public and private sector demand more accessible to entrepreneurs and to strengthen Abu Dhabi's long term competitiveness.
The agreement positions Abu Dhabi's real estate market as a testing ground for startup innovation and digital transformation. By connecting regulation and market demand with entrepreneurial talent, the partnership supports practical technology adoption across the property sector. The initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's broader push to remain transparent, efficient, and globally competitive in both real estate and technology.