Commerce Minister forms committee to regulate real estate appraiser profession
Responsibilities include deciding on registration requests, reviewing complaints, investigating violations, and accrediting training and testing entities. It will also evaluate these institutions annually, adopt automated systems, and coordinate with relevant authorities. In addition, it is empowered to request data from appraisal providers, appraisers, or administrative bodies, and to consult experts when necessary.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajeel, has announced the formation of a committee to regulate the real estate appraiser profession, in accordance with Resolution No. 152 of 2023. This step marks a breakthrough for nearly 150 appraisers whose licenses were previously suspended.
The committee’s establishment is significant, as it will address the backlog of registration applications that remained pending for years due to the absence of a regulatory body.
It will also be tasked with preparing and approving penalties and financial fines for violations committed by appraisal service providers. Meanwhile, three batches of qualified appraisers have already completed the mandatory training programs offered by the Institute of Banking Studies, reports Al-Rai daily.
According to Ministry of Commerce data, the number of licensed real estate appraisers rose by 17 percent in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 55, an increase of eight compared to the end of last year.
The committee will be chaired by Engineer Ibrahim Al-Awadhi, with Nafeh Al-Dhafiri, Director of the Real Estate Services and Evaluation Department, serving as Vice Chairman.
Other members include Iman Al-Qazwini from the Ministry of Commerce and Mai Al-Qaoud from the Finance Department. Abbas Karimi, Head of the Real Estate Licensing Department, was appointed rapporteur, though his vote will not count in decision-making.
The committee’s responsibilities include deciding on registration requests, reviewing complaints, investigating violations, and accrediting training and testing entities. It will also evaluate these institutions annually, adopt automated systems, and coordinate with relevant authorities. In addition, it is empowered to request data from appraisal providers, appraisers, or administrative bodies, and to consult experts when necessary.
Meetings will be convened at the chairman’s invitation and require at least three members, including the chairman or deputy, to be valid. Decisions will be made by majority vote, with the chairman’s vote prevailing in case of a tie. All departments of the Ministry are obliged to cooperate with the committee and provide the documents and records it requires.
The committee will prepare a monthly report outlining its proposals and recommendations, to be submitted to the Minister. Its mandate has been set for three years, with the possibility of renewal upon ministerial approval.
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