Dubai’s property market moves fast — and so do the rules. Whether you’re buying an off‑plan apartment, leasing a warehouse in JAFZA, or resolving a construction dispute, Sara Advocates keeps you ahead of every change.

What Changed?

  • Law No. (3) of 2023 tightened escrow‑account controls for off‑plan projects.
  • Digital title deeds are now the default at the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
  • Stricter broker licensing and new advertising permits aim to curb misleading listings.

Staying compliant is no longer optional — penalties range from hefty fines to registration bans.

Who’s Affected?

  • Individual buyers & sellers (residents and non‑residents)
  • Landlords & tenants (residential and commercial)
  • Developers & sub‑developers
  • Real‑estate brokers & property managers
  • Institutional investors & REITs

If you touch property in Dubai, these rules touch you.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: Safeguard Your Next Transaction

  1. Verify the project status. Check the DLD’s Oqood & Mollak systems for escrow compliance.
  2. Conduct legal due diligence. Request the title deed, site plan, and any existing encumbrances.
  3. Draft or review your contract. Use a bilingual (Arabic/English) SPA or lease vetted by a UAE‑qualified lawyer.
  4. Register the deal. Complete e‑signing via the DLD’s REST app, then pay the 4 % transfer fee.
  5. Escrow & mortgage processing. Ensure all funds move through approved accounts.
  6. Post‑completion checks. Update utility registrations and, for leases, register Ejari within 30 days.

✅ Need help at any step? Talk to our property team »

Quick‑Reference Document Table

Key Document When You Need It Practical Tip
Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) Buying / selling freehold property Include a penalty clause linked to DLD transfer deadlines.
Form F Secondary‑market deals via RERA brokers Double‑check agent licence on Trakheesi.
Ejari Certificate New leases & renewals Upload a bilingual lease to avoid rejections.
No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) Developer sign‑off before transfer Factor the NOC fee (AED 500–5,000) into closing costs.
Power of Attorney When signing on behalf of another party Must be notarised & legalised if issued abroad.

FAQs

Q 1 — Can foreigners buy freehold property anywhere in Dubai?
A: Only in designated freehold zones. We provide a zoning map during due‑diligence reviews.

Q 2 — How long does registration take?
A: For completed units, 1–3 days once fees clear. Off‑plan units register automatically via Oqood.

Q 3 — What if a developer delays handover?
A: You may file a complaint with the DLD’s Real Estate Audit Department or escalate to the Rental Disputes Center (RDC).

Q 4 — Is arbitration enforceable in Dubai?
A: Yes. Awards under the DIFC‑LCIA or DIAC rules are recognised under UAE Federal Arbitration Law (6) of 2018.

Q 5 — Do I really need a lawyer for a routine lease?
A: Standard Ejari forms are short, but they don’t cover penalty clauses, fit‑out approvals, or early‑exit rights. A lawyer customises these protections.

How We Can Help

  • Contract drafting & review — SPAs, Form F, Form A/B, MOUs, and leases.
  • Due‑diligence reports & title verification.
  • Dispute resolution — representation before the RDC, DIAC, DIFC Courts, and arbitration tribunals.
  • Compliance & licensing — Trakheesi permits, broker licensing, strata management advice.
  • Portfolio support for GCC & overseas investors.

Why Sara Advocates?

  • 30+ years combined real‑estate experience
  • Dual UAE & common‑law expertise
  • Fixed‑fee packages for off‑plan purchases aTalk to our property team »nd lease reviews
  • Multilingual team: Arabic, English.

Next Steps

Ready to secure your property interests?

Book a strategy call. Schedule online »

Sara Advocates — turning complex property rules into clear next steps.