This guide covers the laws that matter most to buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and investors. Each section links to a more detailed page.
Who regulates property in Dubai
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) — Registers all property ownership, sales, mortgages and leases. DLD guide →
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) — The DLD's regulatory arm. It licenses brokers and developers, oversees escrow accounts and publishes the rental index. RERA guide →
- Rental Dispute Center (RDC) — Decides landlord and tenant disputes. Rental disputes →
- Dubai Courts — Hear sale, off-plan, co-ownership and construction disputes.
The key laws
| Law | What it covers | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Law No. 7 of 2006 | Real property registration; freehold ownership for foreign nationals in designated areas | Buyers, sellers, owners |
| Law No. 8 of 2007 | Escrow accounts for off-plan projects | Off-plan buyers, developers |
| Law No. 13 of 2008 (as amended) | Interim register for off-plan sales (Oqood) and termination rules | Off-plan buyers, developers |
| Law No. 26 of 2007 (amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) | Landlord and tenant relationships | Landlords, tenants |
| Decree No. 43 of 2013 | Maximum rent increases on renewal | Landlords, tenants |
| Decree No. 26 of 2013 | Establishes the Rental Dispute Center | Landlords, tenants |
| Law No. 6 of 2019 | Jointly owned property, service charges and owners' associations | Apartment owners, developers |
Buying and owning property
Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai. Every sale must be registered with the Dubai Land Department, and ownership is evidenced by a title deed. Ready property transfers carry a 4% DLD fee. Off-plan purchases are registered on the Oqood interim register. Buying property in Dubai →
Off-plan protections
Developers must sell off-plan units through a registered project with an escrow account. Buyer payments go into that account and are released against construction progress. If a buyer defaults, the developer must follow a legal procedure before cancelling the contract. Oqood registration →
Renting property
Every tenancy must be registered on Ejari. Rent can only rise at renewal, only within the limits set by Decree No. 43 of 2013 and the Smart Rental Index, and only with at least 90 days' written notice. Landlords can only evict on grounds set out in the tenancy law. Tenancy law →
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners own property in Dubai?
Yes, in designated freehold areas. Outside those areas, ownership is generally limited to UAE and GCC nationals.
Is Dubai real estate law the same across the UAE?
No. Each emirate has its own property laws and registration systems. Abu Dhabi, for example, has its own tenancy law and land registry. Abu Dhabi →
Need advice on how the law applies to you? Call +971 50 423 1108 or email info@kadenboriss.com.