ADHA launched the residential land exchange service; beneficiaries can exchange their previously allocated residential land with other citizens

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) has initiated a residential land exchange programme aimed at improving social cohesion and family togetherness among Emiratis. Through this programme, residents can pick from the residential land reserves that are overseen by the government or trade the residential land they were previously allotted with other residents.

Citizens who fulfil certain requirements and guidelines can use this service. With the exception of any fence, the residential property should be undivided, free of any development, and unhindered by any infrastructural services, legal or regulatory barriers, or rights of third parties.

Through the "Iskan Abu Dhabi" programme, eligible citizens can apply for the land exchange service. To continue with the application after it has been submitted, both parties must attend the "Iskan Abu Dhabi Centre." Following approval, all required steps will be completed, and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre will handle any related costs in compliance with the Center's laws. The Department of Municipalities and Transport—Abu Dhabi—imposes fees on the land exchange service.

The permission of the land exchange will be withdrawn without affecting any potential criminal, civil, or administrative liabilities, should it be discovered that one or both of the parties to the exchange have benefited financially or received any other kind of remuneration. 

The owner and their family should only utilise the traded residential land grant for residential purposes. 

With the exception of acquiring construction financing, the grant recipient is absolutely barred from renting, investing, transferring ownership, generating real rights, or mortgaging the property. The transferred land does not change its status and cannot be converted from grant land to tradable land.

The ADHA website has all of the rules and requirements for the exchange service. 

The procedure is being digitalized by the authorities. With the use of this service, residents will be able to examine and choose from a range of accessible lands for exchange, as well as complete the full land exchange procedure online.