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How to Buy a Used Car in Abu Dhabi & Transfer Ownership in 2026

Vehicle ownership transfer 2026
Last updated on : 12 Feb 2026
4 min read

Abu Dhabi's used car market offers exceptional value for buyers, with thousands of well-maintained vehicles available at competitive prices. Whether you're a new resident looking for your first car or upgrading to a different model, the process typically involves browsing online marketplaces or visiting certified dealerships, inspecting the vehicle's condition, verifying its service history, and negotiating the price. However, finding the right car is only half the journey, what happens after you agree on a price is equally critical and often where most buyers face unexpected challenges.

The real test of any used car purchase comes during the ownership transfer process. This is where a promising deal can quickly unravel due to documentation issues, payment disputes, or legal complications. Many buyers focus intensely on the car's mechanical condition and price negotiation but underestimate the complexities and risks of transferring ownership. 

Why Safe vehicle transfer matters more than you think

Vehicle ownership transfer isn't just a formality; it's the legal cornerstone of your car purchase. Without proper transfer, you could face serious consequences: traffic fines accumulating under your name for a car you sold months ago, insurance claims rejected due to ownership discrepancies, or worse discovering that the "seller" never actually owned the vehicle in the first place.

According to recent data, traditional vehicle transfers in the UAE have led to thousands of disputes annually, with buyers losing deposits and sellers never receiving full payment. The stakes are high when you're dealing with transactions worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dirhams.

Common problems in traditional car transfers

The conventional car buying process exposes both parties to significant risks. Buyers worry about handing over cash before confirming the vehicle is legally transferable, while sellers hesitate to hand over keys without receiving full payment. This creates a dangerous "who goes first" dilemma.

Other frequent issues include incomplete documentation discovered mid-transfer, outstanding fines that derail the process, and the time-consuming ordeal of physically visiting multiple government offices. Many buyers have experienced the frustration of taking time off work only to discover missing paperwork, forcing them to restart the entire process.

Enter Shary: Abu Dhabi's Digital Escrow Solution

Recognizing these challenges, SlashData has launched Shary through TAMM, Abu Dhabi’s flagship digital escrow platform designed specifically for vehicle transfers. This innovative service fundamentally changes how car ownership transfers work, protecting both buyers and sellers while eliminating traditional pain points.

Here's what makes Shary revolutionary: when you use the service (accessible via the TAMM app), the buyer's payment is held securely in an escrow account, neither party can access the funds until the transfer is successfully completed. This means sellers are guaranteed payment, while buyers are assured they won't lose money if the transfer falls through.

The entire process happens online through TAMM's government-integrated workflow. No cash exchanges in parking lots, no ambiguous handshake deals, no relying on trust alone. Every step is documented digitally, from initial agreement to final ownership transfer, creating a transparent audit trail that protects both parties legally.

The service is designed to handle verified handover, ensuring the vehicle condition matches what was agreed upon. It manages authoritative ownership transfer through direct integration with government systems, eliminating the possibility of fraudulent documentation. And because everything is digital and standardized, the process that once took multiple days and visits can now be completed efficiently online.

The future of car buying in Abu Dhabi

For anyone buying or selling a used car in Abu Dhabi, Shary represents the new standard. It's not just about convenience, it's about protection, transparency, and peace of mind. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced car flipper, this digital escrow platform ensures your transaction is secure from start to finish.

The days of risky cash transactions and transfer disputes are ending. With Shary, Abu Dhabi is leading the way in creating a safer, smarter vehicle marketplace for everyone.

Disclaimer: Shory aims to present accurate and up-to-date information, however, we take no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content.


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