More capital has left the Middle East to be invested in real estate worldwide than has flowed in the opposite direction into the region's property market, says an analyst.

In light of the market situation, some banks are dropping their mortgage interest rates and their settlement charges for this year. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) dropped its interest rate to range between 7.25 per cent and 8.75 per cent.

New laws to help make the real estate market in Abu Dhabi more transparent and safer for buyers are expected to be introduced in the early months of next year.

Officials at the Department of Municipal Affairs are currently drawing up the necessary documents