Which master developer built Downtown Dubai, home of Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera?
- Nakheel
- Emaar
- Meraas
- Dubai Properties
Downtown Dubai is Emaar's flagship community. Knowing the master developer matters because it sets the community rules, service charges culture and the brand buyers recognise.
Emaar, Our communities (2026-10) Who is the master developer of Palm Jumeirah?
- Emaar
- DAMAC
- Nakheel
- Meraas
Palm Jumeirah was developed by Nakheel, which also built Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, JVC and JVT. Nakheel became part of Dubai Holding in 2024.
Metropolitan, Who is Nakheel (2026-08) On which island is Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel, located?
- Palm Jumeirah
- Jumeira Bay Island
- The World Islands
- Bluewaters Island
Ain Dubai stands on Bluewaters Island, a Meraas destination built on reclaimed land just off the JBR coast and opened in 2018.
Metropolitan, Who is Meraas (2026-03) Where is the Museum of the Future?
- In the Opera District of Downtown Dubai
- On Sheikh Zayed Road, near Emirates Towers
- At Dubai Creek Harbour
- Inside Expo City Dubai
The Museum of the Future opened on 22 February 2022 on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Emirates Towers and close to DIFC. Dubai Opera is the one in Downtown.
Khaleej Times, Dubai's Museum of the Future to open on 22/02/22 (2022-02) A client wants to reach The Dubai Mall by metro. Which line and station should you tell them?
- Green Line, Union station
- Red Line, Business Bay station
- Red Line, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station
- Green Line, Creek station
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station is on the Red Line, the long line running along Sheikh Zayed Road. Business Bay station is the next stop south.
Bayut, A guide to the Red Line metro stations in Dubai (2026-10) Which metro line serves Al Ras station in Deira, close to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk?
- Green Line
- Red Line
- Blue Line
- Route 2020
The Green Line serves the historic areas of Deira and Bur Dubai around the Creek, with Creek station at one end and e& (formerly Etisalat) at the other.
Property Finder, Al Ras Metro Station guide (2025-10) A couple with two young children wants a gated villa community with a golf course, parks, pools and a family feel, and they are happy to drive. Which area fits best?
- Business Bay
- International City
- Jumeirah Lake Towers
- Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches is an Emaar gated villa and townhouse community with an 18-hole golf course, polo fields, pools and parks. The other options are mainly apartment areas.
Emaar, Arabian Ranches (2026-10) A young professional working near Downtown has no car and wants an apartment within walking distance of a Red Line metro station. Which area fits best?
- Business Bay
- DAMAC Hills 2
- The Valley
- Arabian Ranches
Business Bay has its own Red Line station next to Downtown Dubai and is mostly apartment towers. The other three are suburban villa or townhouse communities where a car is needed.
Bayut, A guide to the Red Line metro stations in Dubai (2026-10) Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), one of the busiest areas for apartment sales, was master-developed by which company?
- Nakheel
- Emaar
- Dubai Properties
- Sobha Realty
JVC is a Nakheel master community, like its neighbour Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT). Many different private developers build individual towers inside it.
Metropolitan, Who is Nakheel (2026-08) Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) share the same master developer. Which one?
- Emaar
- Meraas
- Nakheel
- Dubai Properties
Dubai Properties, part of Dubai Holding, developed JBR and Business Bay, as well as communities like Mudon, Villanova and Serena. Many brokers wrongly assume Emaar because Business Bay borders Downtown.
Dubai Properties, About Dubai Properties (2026-10) City Walk, Bluewaters Island and La Mer are destinations created by which developer?
- DAMAC
- Meraas
- Nakheel
- Select Group
These lifestyle destinations are by Meraas, a Dubai Holding company that now sits under Dubai Holding Real Estate with Nakheel, Meydan and Dubai Properties.
Metropolitan, Who is Meraas (2026-03) Sobha Hartland, next to the Dubai Water Canal and facing the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, is part of which larger district?
- Dubai South
- Dubailand
- Al Barsha South
- Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City)
Sobha Hartland sits in the north-east of MBR City, about 10 to 15 minutes from Business Bay and Downtown. It is freehold and mixes apartments, townhouses and villas.
Metropolitan, Sobha Hartland area guide (2026-07) DAMAC Hills (also known as Akoya by DAMAC) is built around which golf course?
- Emirates Golf Club
- Trump International Golf Club Dubai
- Dubai Hills Golf Club
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
DAMAC Hills, on Umm Suqeim Road in Dubailand, is built around the 18-hole Trump International Golf Club. It offers villas, townhouses and apartments.
Engel & Voelkers, DAMAC Hills guide (2026-10) Route 2020, the metro extension to Expo City Dubai, branches off which line and from which station?
- Green Line, from Creek station
- Red Line, from Jebel Ali station
- Red Line, from Centrepoint station
- Green Line, from Union station
Route 2020 is a 15 km extension of the Red Line starting at Jebel Ali station. It serves The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investment Park before ending at Expo 2020 station.
Gulf News, Dubai Metro Route 2020: all you need to know (2021-01) Which two metro stations are the interchanges between the Red Line and the Green Line?
- Union and BurJuman
- DMCC and Sobha Realty
- Centrepoint and Al Rigga
- Jebel Ali and Creek
Union (Al Rigga, Deira) and BurJuman (formerly Khalid Bin Al Waleed, Bur Dubai) let passengers switch between the Red and Green Lines.
Bayut, A guide to the Red Line metro stations in Dubai (2026-10) The Dubai Metro Blue Line, due to open in 2029 according to the RTA, will serve which group of communities?
- Dubai Marina, JLT and Al Sufouh
- Dubai Creek Harbour, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Mirdif and Academic City
- Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters and JBR
- Dubai South, Expo City and Jebel Ali
The 30 km Blue Line links Dubai Creek Harbour, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Mirdif and Academic City, with interchanges at Centrepoint (Red) and Al Khor in Al Jaddaf (Green). This is a key selling point for those areas.
Gulf News, Dubai Metro Blue Line guide (2025-06) A French buyer with no GCC passport asks you to find him a villa to buy in Jumeirah 1 or Umm Suqeim. What is the correct answer?
- No problem, all of Dubai is freehold since 2006
- He can buy only if he holds a Golden Visa
- These areas are mainly non-freehold, reserved for UAE and GCC nationals, so suggest freehold alternatives
- He can buy, but only through an off-plan contract
Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim are mainly non-freehold areas, open to UAE and GCC buyers. Some sub-communities can differ, so always confirm the plot's status with DLD before marketing it to a foreign buyer.
Property Finder, Non-freehold areas in Dubai (2026-05) According to the dubizzle H1 2026 market report, which mid-tier apartment area showed the highest projected rental yield (about 7.0%)?
- Business Bay
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
JVC led mid-tier apartments at about 7.0%, ahead of Arjan (6.79%) and Business Bay (5.54%). Lower entry prices with strong rental demand push yields up.
dubizzle, Market Report H1 2026: Dubai property sales market (2026-07) When Dubai approved the AED 128 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (April 2024), housing demand for about how many people was expected around the airport in Dubai South?
- 100,000
- 250,000
- One million
- Five million
The Dubai Media Office said the project would create demand for housing for one million people around the airport in Dubai South, which is why Dubai South is seen as a long-term growth corridor.
Dubai Media Office, Al Maktoum International Airport new passenger terminal (2024-04) International City, one of Dubai's most affordable apartment areas, has country-themed clusters and the Dragon Mart malls. Who developed it?
- Emaar
- Nakheel
- DAMAC
- Dubai Properties
International City is a Nakheel project with 10 clusters named after countries (England, China, France and others). Low prices make it popular with budget tenants and yield-focused investors.
Nakheel, International City (2026-10) A family on a mid-range budget wants a new Emaar townhouse on the Dubai-Al Ain Road side of the city, with parks and cycling tracks. Which community should you show first?
- Dubai Marina
- The Valley
- Bluewaters Island
- City Walk
The Valley by Emaar, on Dubai-Al Ain Road near Dubailand, offers 3 to 5 bedroom townhouses and villas aimed at families. The other options are high-end apartment destinations.
Luxhabitat, The Valley by Emaar area guide (2026-10) A client loves The Springs and The Meadows. Which master developer is behind these Emirates Living villa communities?
- Nakheel
- Dubai Properties
- Emaar
- DAMAC
The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes belong to Emirates Living, an Emaar master community. They are often confused with Nakheel's nearby Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Park.
Emaar, Our communities (2026-10) Dubai Hills Estate was launched as a joint venture between which two parties, as the first phase of Mohammed Bin Rashid City?
- Emaar and Nakheel
- Emaar and Meraas
- Meraas and Dubai Properties
- Nakheel and Meydan
Dubai Hills Estate, about 2,700 acres at the junction of Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Road, was announced in 2013 as an Emaar and Meraas joint venture and the first phase of MBR City.
Gulf News, Emaar Properties and Meraas Holding to form joint venture (2013-06) Dubai Creek Harbour was a joint venture between Emaar and which partner, whose stake Emaar agreed to buy in 2022 for about AED 7.5 billion?
- Dubai Holding
- Nakheel
- Dubai Properties
- Meydan
In August 2022 Emaar agreed to buy Dubai Holding's stake in the Dubai Creek Harbour joint venture for AED 7.5 billion, paid half in cash and half in Emaar shares.
Khaleej Times, Emaar Properties to buy Dubai Creek Harbour for Dh7.5 billion (2022-08) In the dubizzle H1 2026 report, which ultra-luxury villa area had the lowest projected rental yield (about 2.7%)?
- Emirates Hills
- Jumeirah Islands
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Hills Estate
Emirates Hills showed about 2.70%, versus 4.19% for Jumeirah Islands and 4.05% for Palm Jumeirah villas. Prime trophy homes are bought for lifestyle and capital value, not yield.
dubizzle, Market Report H1 2026: Dubai property sales market (2026-07) A seller asks your agency to market their apartment. Which RERA contract do you sign with them?
- Form B
- Form F
- Form A
- Form I
Contract A is the agreement to market a property between the seller and the brokerage. Contract B is between the buyer and the broker, and Contract F is the sale agreement between seller and buyer.
DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide (2nd edition) (2024-11) Which path leads to a Dubai broker card (BRN) for a new agent?
- Register as a freelancer with the DET and pass an online quiz
- Get a UAE driving licence and sign a Form A with a seller
- Join a licensed brokerage, pass the DREI course and exam, get police clearance, then the agency applies on Trakheesi
- Pass the DREI exam only; no employer or visa is needed
You must work for a registered brokerage, complete the four-day DREI certified training and its exam, and get a police clearance; the agency then applies through Trakheesi. The licence is valid one year and should be renewed about one month before expiry.
Engel & Volkers, Real estate broker licence in Dubai (2026-05) What is the difference between an ORN and a BRN?
- ORN identifies the brokerage company; BRN identifies the individual broker
- ORN is for off-plan sales; BRN is for resale
- ORN is the ad permit number; BRN is the Ejari number
- They are the same number shown in two languages
The ORN (Office Registration Number) belongs to the licensed brokerage firm. The BRN (Broker Registration Number, on the broker card) belongs to a person sponsored by that firm.
Arnifi, RERA certificate in Dubai (2026-10) How is RERA related to the Dubai Land Department (DLD)?
- RERA is a federal ministry above DLD
- RERA is a private association of brokers
- RERA is the regulatory arm of DLD
- RERA only regulates Abu Dhabi
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department. It licenses brokers, issues permits and sets the rules brokers follow, while DLD registers property transactions.
Dubai Land Department, Annual test required for renewal of broker licence (2014-06) Before a resale transfer at DLD, the seller gets an NOC from the developer. What does it mainly confirm?
- That the buyer's mortgage is approved
- That service charges and other dues to the developer are cleared
- That the agent holds a valid BRN
- That the property has a Golden Visa value
The developer NOC confirms there are no outstanding service charges or other dues, and DLD will not process the transfer without it. The seller usually applies and pays the fee, which varies by developer.
LEOS Developments, NOC in Dubai real estate (2025-12) Through which DLD system must a brokerage obtain a permit before publishing a property ad?
- Ejari
- Mollak
- Oqood
- Trakheesi
Brokerages must get a permit for every real estate ad or marketing material through Trakheesi, and the permit number must appear on the ad. Trakheesi also issues broker cards and office registrations.
DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide (2nd edition) (2024-11) What is the minimum property value for a UAE Golden Visa as a real estate investor?
- AED 750,000
- AED 1 million
- AED 5 million
- AED 2 million
The real estate investor Golden Visa needs property worth at least AED 2 million, which can be one or more properties. Buying with a loan from an approved local bank can be accepted, so check current conditions with the authorities.
UAE Government portal u.ae, Golden visa (2026-07) On a resale deal, what deposit does the buyer usually hand over when signing Form F (the MOU), and who holds it?
- 5% by bank transfer straight to the seller
- 10% by cheque, held by the agency or conveyancer
- 2% in cash, held by the buyer's agent
- 25% by cheque, deposited with the developer
The usual Form F security deposit is 10% of the price, given as a cheque in the seller's name and held in custody by the agency or conveyancer until transfer. In a dispute it cannot be released without an amicable agreement or a final court order.
fäm Properties, Understanding Unified Contract F (2024-08) You find a buyer for a villa listed by another agency. Which form sets out how the two brokerages split the commission?
- Form I
- Form A
- Form U
- Form F
Form I is the agent to agent agreement used when brokers collaborate on a deal, and it records the commission split. Form U is used to terminate an agent's services.
LuxHabitat Sotheby's, Real estate resources: RERA forms (2023-04) What is the registration trustee office fee for a resale apartment sold for AED 1,200,000?
- AED 2,000 plus VAT
- AED 4,000 plus VAT
- 0.25% of the price
- AED 580 flat
Trustee offices charge AED 4,000 plus VAT when the price is AED 500,000 or more, and AED 2,000 plus VAT below that. The 0.25% rate is the DLD mortgage registration fee.
haus & haus, Dubai Land Department fees explained (2026) What does the Madmoun QR code on a Dubai property ad let a client do?
- Pay the deposit directly to escrow
- Check that the ad is valid and approved, and whether the unit is already sold or rented
- Book a viewing with the owner
- Register the tenancy in Ejari
Madmoun, run through Trakheesi, issues a QR code for each ad permit. Scanning it shows the approved ad details on DLD's site and whether the property has been sold or rented; it became a requirement on 24 April 2023.
Dubai Land Department, Madmoun service to verify real estate ads via QR codes (2023-04) Which of these is NOT something RERA says brokers use the Dubai REST app for?
- Smart contracts A, B and F
- Checking an off-plan project is registered (Mashrooi)
- The green list of owners who accept calls
- Issuing UAE residence visas
RERA requires all brokers to download Dubai REST: it holds broker data, the smart sales and marketing contracts, the green list and off-plan project checks. Residence visas are issued by immigration authorities, not by the app.
DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide (2nd edition) (2024-11) A buyer asks how service charges in a jointly owned building are tracked and paid. Which DLD system handles this?
- Mollak
- Ejari
- Trakheesi
- goAML
Mollak is the RERA system for jointly owned property: owners association budgets are approved through it and owners can pay service charges online. RERA's service charge index shows approved rates per project.
Property Finder, The ultimate Mollak Dubai service guide (2024-07) On a Dubai residential resale, the 2% agency commission is best described as:
- A fixed rate set by RERA that cannot be changed
- A market convention, agreed in writing in the RERA forms, plus 5% VAT
- A DLD fee paid at the trustee office
- Illegal unless the developer pays it
2% is the customary resale commission, but it is not a rate fixed by law: it is agreed in the brokerage contract (Form A or B) and VAT at 5% is added. Off-plan commission is usually paid by the developer.
Property Finder, Real estate commission in Dubai (2026-07) Where are Dubai property sales registered on behalf of DLD?
- At any brokerage office with an ORN
- At real estate registration trustee offices
- At Dubai Municipality
- At the developer's sales centre only
Sales are processed through real estate registration trustee offices that represent DLD, using electronic contracts. Leases and other services go through real estate services trustee centres.
DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide (2nd edition) (2024-11) Under the DLD fee schedule, the 4% sale registration fee is legally split how, unless the parties agree otherwise?
- Paid 100% by the buyer
- Paid 100% by the seller
- Paid by the developer on all sales
- Shared equally by seller and buyer
Executive Council Resolution 30 of 2013 says the 4% fee is shared equally by seller and purchaser unless agreed otherwise. In the Dubai resale market the buyer usually pays the full 4%, so always write the agreed split into Form F.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2013 (DLD fees) (2013) Buyer and seller disagree after signing Form F. What does RERA offer before going to court?
- An automatic refund of the deposit by DLD
- Arbitration at the Rental Disputes Centre
- An amicable settlement meeting requested through Trakheesi
- Nothing: Form F disputes go straight to the police
RERA's amicable settlement service for Contract F is requested through Trakheesi and brings the parties to a meeting about the breach. If no settlement is reached, the parties must go to the judicial authorities.
DLD / RERA, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide (2nd edition) (2024-11) What is the DLD base fee for an official valuation of a residential apartment or villa?
- AED 4,000
- AED 2,000
- AED 15,000
- Free on Dubai REST
DLD charges AED 4,000 for a residential apartment or villa valuation, plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees. You can apply on Dubai REST or at a trustee centre, and residential results are instant.
Dubai Land Department, Request for a property valuation (e-service) (2026-10) An apartment in JVC costs AED 1,500,000 and rents for AED 105,000 per year. What is the gross rental yield (in %)?
% Gross yield = annual rent / price x 100 = 105,000 / 1,500,000 x 100 = 7.0%. Gross yield ignores all costs, so it always looks better than net yield.
Driven Properties, Gross vs net yield for Dubai properties (2026-08) Which cost is typically the biggest deduction when you move from gross yield to net yield on a Dubai apartment?
- The DLD transfer fee
- Annual service charges
- Ejari registration
- The agency fee paid by the tenant
Net yield deducts the owner's yearly running costs, and service charges for common areas are usually the largest. One-off purchase costs like the DLD fee are part of the investment, not yearly expenses.
Driven Properties, Gross vs net yield for Dubai properties (2026-08) What is the Dubai Land Department transfer fee on the resale of a ready property?
- 2% of the price
- 5% of the price
- 4% of the price
- 4% of the price plus 5% VAT
The DLD transfer fee is 4% of the sale value. By law it can be split 2% buyer and 2% seller, but in practice the buyer usually pays all of it. There is no VAT on this government fee.
Dubai Land Department, Registering the sale of a mortgaged property (service fees) (2026-10) A buyer purchases a resale villa for AED 1,800,000. The agency charges the standard 2% commission. How much does the buyer pay the agency in total, including VAT?
AED Commission = 2% x 1,800,000 = AED 36,000. VAT = 5% x 36,000 = AED 1,800. Total = AED 37,800. VAT applies to the commission, not to the property price.
Property Finder, DLD fees in Dubai explained (2026-07) A tenant signs a lease at AED 120,000 per year. The agency charges the usual 5% of the annual rent. What is the commission?
AED Leasing commission = 5% x 120,000 = AED 6,000. Some agencies set a minimum fee (often AED 5,000) when 5% would be lower.
Bayut MyBayut, Hidden costs of renting in Dubai (2026-09) A 1,300 sq ft apartment is listed at AED 1,950,000. What is the price per sq ft?
AED Price per sq ft = price / size = 1,950,000 / 1,300 = AED 1,500 per sq ft. Always compare listings on price per sq ft, not just total price.
A developer brochure shows a unit of 120 sq m. How many sq ft is that? (1 sq m = 10.7639 sq ft)
sq ft 120 x 10.7639 = 1,291.67 sq ft. Dubai listings mostly use sq ft, while many brochures and title deeds show sq m.
A new broker arrives with AED 54,000 savings. Visa, licence and set-up cost AED 9,000 upfront, then his living and work costs are AED 9,000 per month. How many months can he last with no commission?
months Money left after set-up = 54,000 - 9,000 = 45,000. 45,000 / 9,000 = 5 months. Deals often take 2 to 3 months to pay out, so plan your runway before you start.
A client buys an 850 sq ft apartment for AED 1,200,000 cash. Rent is AED 90,000 per year and service charges are AED 18 per sq ft per year. Ignoring other costs, what is the net rental yield (in %)?
% Service charges = 850 x 18 = AED 15,300. Net rent = 90,000 - 15,300 = AED 74,700. Net yield = 74,700 / 1,200,000 x 100 = 6.23%.
Driven Properties, Gross vs net yield for Dubai properties (2026-08) You close a resale at AED 2,400,000 with a 2% commission (before VAT). Your agency pays you a 50% split. What is your share in AED?
AED Commission = 2% x 2,400,000 = AED 48,000 (VAT is collected for the government, not shared). Your 50% split = AED 24,000.
Bayut Agent Portal, Real estate commissions in Dubai: who pays and how much (2024-05) A unit of 95 sq m is priced at AED 1,650,000. What is its price per sq ft? (1 sq m = 10.7639 sq ft)
AED Size = 95 x 10.7639 = 1,022.57 sq ft. Price per sq ft = 1,650,000 / 1,022.57 = AED 1,613.6.
An expat buys his first home, a ready apartment at AED 3,000,000. Under the UAE Central Bank rules, what is the maximum mortgage he can get?
AED For expats, the first home up to AED 5 million has a maximum LTV of 80%. 80% x 3,000,000 = AED 2,400,000, so he needs at least AED 600,000 down plus buying costs.
CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Article 3: Important Ratios (2026-10) An expat buys a first home, a ready villa at AED 6,500,000. What is the minimum down payment under the UAE Central Bank LTV limits?
AED Above AED 5 million, the max LTV for an expat's first home is 70%, so the minimum down payment is 30%. 30% x 6,500,000 = AED 1,950,000. The down payment must come from the buyer's own funds, not a personal loan.
Khaleej Times, UAE property: mortgage financing and down payment rules (2026-08) An expat who already owns a home buys a second ready apartment at AED 2,000,000 as an investment. What is the maximum mortgage?
AED For expats, a second or investment property is capped at 60% LTV, whatever the value. 60% x 2,000,000 = AED 1,200,000, so 40% must be paid in cash.
CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Article 3: Important Ratios (2026-10) An expat wants a bank mortgage on an off-plan apartment. What is the maximum loan-to-value allowed by the UAE Central Bank?
- 50%
- 60%
- 75%
- 80%
The Central Bank caps mortgages on off-plan property at 50% LTV, whatever the buyer, purpose or value, because of completion risk. The 80% limit is only for a ready first home up to AED 5 million.
CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Article 3: Important Ratios (2026-10) An investor bought for AED 1,400,000 and paid AED 90,000 in buying costs. He sells for AED 1,750,000 and pays 2% agency fee plus 5% VAT on the sale. What is his ROI (in %) on the total amount invested?
% Selling fee = 35,000 + 1,750 = 36,750. Profit = 1,750,000 - 36,750 - 1,400,000 - 90,000 = 223,250. Invested = 1,400,000 + 90,000 = 1,490,000. ROI = 223,250 / 1,490,000 x 100 = 14.98%.
A broker's monthly costs are AED 9,000. He closes rentals averaging AED 100,000 per year, at 5% commission, with a 50% split. How many deals per month does he need to break even (whole deals)?
deals Commission per deal = 5% x 100,000 = 5,000. His share = 50% = 2,500. 9,000 / 2,500 = 3.6, so he needs 4 deals a month.
A cash buyer purchases a resale apartment for AED 2,400,000. Count: the 4% DLD transfer fee, the trustee office fee of AED 4,000 plus 5% VAT, a 2% agency fee plus 5% VAT, and AED 580 of DLD title deed and admin charges. What is the total of these buying costs?
AED DLD fee = 4% x 2,400,000 = 96,000. Trustee = 4,000 + 200 VAT = 4,200 (the AED 4,000 tier applies from AED 500,000). Agency = 48,000 + 2,400 VAT = 50,400. Total = 96,000 + 4,200 + 50,400 + 580 = AED 151,180, about 6.3% of the price.
Property Finder, DLD fees in Dubai explained (2026-07) An expat first-time buyer purchases a ready apartment for AED 1,600,000 with the maximum mortgage allowed. Add up: 4% DLD transfer fee, trustee fee AED 4,000 + 5% VAT, 2% agency fee + 5% VAT, and the mortgage registration fee of 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290 admin. What is the total?
AED Max loan = 80% x 1,600,000 = 1,280,000. DLD = 64,000. Trustee = 4,200. Agency = 32,000 + 1,600 = 33,600. Mortgage registration = 0.25% x 1,280,000 = 3,200 + 290 = 3,490. Total = 64,000 + 4,200 + 33,600 + 3,490 = AED 105,290.
Property Finder, DLD fees in Dubai explained (2026-07) Two agencies co-broke a sale of AED 3,500,000 at 2% commission (before VAT) and share it 50/50. The buyer's agent is on a 60% split with her agency. How much does she earn?
AED Total commission = 2% x 3,500,000 = 70,000. Each agency gets 35,000. Her share = 60% x 35,000 = AED 21,000.
Bayut Agent Portal, Real estate commissions in Dubai: who pays and how much (2024-05) A client earns AED 40,000 gross per month. He pays AED 3,500 on a car loan and AED 1,500 minimum on credit cards. Under the 50% debt burden ratio cap, what is the maximum monthly mortgage installment he can take?
AED Max total debt = 50% x 40,000 = 20,000. Existing debts = 3,500 + 1,500 = 5,000. Room left = 20,000 - 5,000 = AED 15,000. Banks may lend less: the cap is a maximum, not a target.
CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Article 3: Important Ratios (2026-10) A buyer takes a loan of AED 1,600,000 at a fixed 4.25% per year over 25 years (monthly payments). Using the standard amortisation formula M = P x i / (1 - (1 + i)^-n), what is the monthly payment?
AED i = 4.25% / 12 = 0.0035417, n = 25 x 12 = 300. M = 1,600,000 x 0.0035417 / (1 - 1.0035417^-300) = about AED 8,668. 25 years is the maximum tenor allowed by the Central Bank.
CBUAE Rulebook, Mortgage Regulations, Article 3: Important Ratios (2026-10) Investment apartment: price AED 2,000,000, 60% mortgage at 4.5% over 25 years (monthly payment AED 6,670), buying costs AED 130,000. Rent AED 140,000 per year, service charges AED 18,000 per year. What is the cash-on-cash return (in %)?
% Cash invested = 800,000 down + 130,000 costs = 930,000. Mortgage per year = 6,670 x 12 = 80,040. Cash flow = 140,000 - 18,000 - 80,040 = 41,960. Cash-on-cash = 41,960 / 930,000 x 100 = 4.51%.
A buyer books an off-plan apartment directly from the developer at AED 1,350,000. How much is the 4% DLD Oqood registration fee?
AED Oqood registration is 4% of the purchase price: 4% x 1,350,000 = AED 54,000. It is usually paid at booking with the first instalment, and the buyer pays it through the developer.
Bayut MyBayut, The complete guide to Oqood service in Dubai (2026-08) In Dubai off-plan sales, what is Oqood?
- The final title deed issued at handover
- The developer's escrow account
- The rental contract system for new buildings
- The DLD interim register where off-plan sales are recorded before the title deed
Oqood is the DLD interim (provisional) registration of off-plan sales. The developer registers the sale, and the Oqood certificate is replaced by a title deed after handover.
Bayut MyBayut, The complete guide to Oqood service in Dubai (2026-08) Under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007, where must an off-plan buyer's payments go?
- Directly to the developer's main company account
- Into the project's escrow account held by an accredited bank
- To the Dubai Land Department
- To the broker's client account
Buyer payments must be deposited into an escrow account opened for that specific project with an escrow agent accredited by DLD. The funds are dedicated to building that project, and the developer's creditors cannot seize them.
Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 on Escrow Accounts for Real Estate Development (Dubai Legislation Portal) (2007) An off-plan unit costs AED 1,800,000 on a 60/40 plan (60% during construction, 40% at handover). How much does the buyer pay at handover?
AED 40% x 1,800,000 = AED 720,000. Buyers who plan to pay the handover amount with a mortgage must remember banks lend on a ready unit only at completion, and need a valuation.
Better Homes, Off-plan projects with post-handover payment plans (2026-03) What is a post-handover payment plan?
- A plan where part of the price is paid in instalments after the buyer receives the keys
- The buyer pays the full price before keys, then the developer pays rent back
- A bank mortgage arranged by the developer
- A refund of the DLD fee after handover
With a post-handover plan, the buyer pays a share upfront and during construction, then keeps paying the developer for often 1 to 8 years after handover. Example: 10% at launch, 35% during construction, 5% at handover, 50% after.
Better Homes, Off-plan projects with post-handover payment plans (2026-03) When a broker sells an off-plan unit directly from the developer's launch, who normally pays the broker's commission?
- The buyer, 2% plus VAT
- DLD, from the Oqood fee
- The developer, at a rate set per project
- The escrow bank
On primary off-plan sales the developer pays the agency, and the rate varies by developer and project (Bayut cites a typical range of 2% to 8%).
Bayut Agent Portal, Real estate commissions in Dubai: who pays and how much (2024-05) A developer wants to launch and advertise an off-plan project. What must happen first?
- Only a trade licence from DET
- Pay the 4% Oqood fee for all units
- Get a Trakheesi permit for each broker only
- Register with DLD as a developer, register the project and open its escrow account, and obtain written approval to advertise
Law No. 8 of 2007 bars developers from operating without being on the DLD developer register, and from advertising off-plan sales without DLD's written authorisation. The project is registered through the Oqood system, which issues a project approval certificate and opens the escrow account.
Dubai Land Department, Register project e-service (2026-10) Your client wants to resell (assign) his off-plan unit before completion. What do you need from the developer, and what is a common condition?
- Nothing, Oqood transfers automatically
- A NOC, usually after a minimum share of the price is paid (often 30% to 40%, as set by the developer and SPA)
- A RERA broker card for the seller
- A title deed, so assignment is only possible after handover
DLD will not process an off-plan transfer without the developer's NOC. The minimum paid threshold is developer policy written in the SPA, often 30% to 40% and sometimes higher. The developer also charges a NOC fee.
Binghatti, How to sell off-plan property in Dubai (2026-07) At handover, your buyer's snagging report finds a faulty AC unit and a leaking pipe. For how long is the developer liable for defects in such installations?
- One year
- Three months
- Ten years
- Five years
Under Article 40 of Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019, the developer must repair defective installations (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) for one year, generally from handover. Structural defects are covered for ten years from the completion certificate.
Chambers and Partners, Construction defects in Dubai: legal remedies for new property owners (2026-09) Under the escrow law, what happens to the escrow balance after the project completion certificate is issued?
- Everything is released to the developer immediately
- 10% is held back for two years
- 5% is held back and released one year after units are registered in buyers' names
- It is refunded to buyers
Article 14 of Law No. 8 of 2007 requires the escrow agent to retain 5% of the account value, released to the developer one year after the units are registered in the buyers' names. This retention covers defects found after handover.
Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 on Escrow Accounts for Real Estate Development (Dubai Legislation Portal) (2007) An off-plan buyer stops paying. DLD gives the 30-day notice and he still does not pay. The project is 85% complete. What may the developer do?
- Keep up to 25% of the contract value and cancel
- Keep up to 40% and refund the rest
- Keep all amounts paid and claim the balance, or ask for the unit to be sold at public auction
- Nothing, the buyer is protected after 80% completion
Under Law No. 13 of 2008 as amended by Law No. 9 of 2009, if completion is 80% or more the developer can keep the contract and all payments and claim the balance, or request a public auction. The developer must first notify DLD, which gives the buyer 30 days' notice.
Dubai Law No. 9 of 2009 amending Law No. 13 of 2008 (Dubai Legislation Portal) (2009) A buyer defaults on a AED 2,000,000 off-plan unit. Construction has started and the project is 45% complete. After the DLD notice expires, what is the maximum amount the developer may keep if it terminates?
AED Below 60% completion (once construction has started) the developer may keep up to 25% of the unit's contract value: 25% x 2,000,000 = AED 500,000. Between 60% and 80% it is up to 40%. Any excess must be refunded within one year, or within 60 days of reselling the unit, whichever is earlier.
Dubai Law No. 9 of 2009 amending Law No. 13 of 2008 (Dubai Legislation Portal) (2009) A new tenant asks you what Ejari is. What do you tell them?
- The DLD system that registers tenancy contracts
- A rental insurance product
- The Dubai rental price index
- A holiday home permit
Ejari officially registers rental contracts in Dubai. A registered Ejari is usually needed to connect DEWA and for residence visa applications.
Property Finder, Ejari registration in Dubai (2026-05) A landlord wants to raise the rent at renewal. How much notice must they give before the lease expires (unless agreed otherwise)?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 6 months
- 90 days
Law 33 of 2008 (amending Law 26 of 2007) requires at least 90 days' notice before expiry to change any lease terms, including rent, unless the parties agreed otherwise.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007 (2008) An owner wants the tenant out at the end of the lease because they plan to sell. What notice is required?
- 12 months, served by notary public or registered mail
- 90 days by WhatsApp
- 30 days by email
- No notice: sale ends the lease automatically
For eviction at expiry for sale, own use, demolition or major renovation, the landlord must give at least 12 months' notice stating the reason, through a notary public or registered mail.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007 (2008) What security deposit is customary for an unfurnished apartment in Dubai?
- One month's rent by law
- About 5% of annual rent
- 25% of annual rent
- No deposit is allowed
The law lets landlords take a deposit but sets no amount. Market practice is about 5% of annual rent for unfurnished and about 10% for furnished units.
Gulf News, Renting a home in Dubai: how much is the security deposit? (2024-05) An owner wants to rent their flat short-term to tourists. Which authority issues the holiday home permit?
- RERA
- Dubai Municipality
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- DEWA
Holiday home permits are issued by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism after checking legal and safety requirements. The unit needs a valid permit before hosting guests.
Gulf News, How to get a holiday home permit in Dubai (2025-10) What agency fee do residential tenants customarily pay in Dubai?
- 2% of annual rent
- One month's rent, set by law
- Nothing: the landlord always pays
- 5% of annual rent (often with an AED 5,000 minimum), plus VAT
The customary leasing fee is 5% of the annual rent or AED 5,000, whichever is higher, plus 5% VAT. It is market practice, so it should be agreed in writing.
Property Finder, Real estate commission in Dubai (2026-07) Under the Dubai tenancy law, who is responsible for registering the lease with RERA (Ejari)?
- The tenant only
- The landlord, who often delegates it to the agent
- DEWA
- The building's owners association
Law 26 of 2007 requires leases to be registered with RERA, and this is the landlord's responsibility. In practice the landlord often hands it to the agent, and tenants frequently complete it and pay.
Property Finder, Ejari registration in Dubai (2026-05) Roughly how much does a new Ejari registration cost online through Dubai REST?
- Free
- 5% of annual rent
- About AED 178
- AED 4,000
Online registration costs AED 177.75 (AED 100 registration, AED 20 knowledge and innovation fees, AED 55 service partner fee and VAT). At a trustee centre it is about AED 220.
Property Finder, Ejari registration in Dubai (2026-05) A tenant's rent is 15% below the RERA average for similar units. What is the maximum increase at renewal?
- 0%
- 5%
- 10%
- 20%
Decree 43 of 2013: up to 10% below average, no increase; 11 to 20% below, 5%; 21 to 30%, 10%; 31 to 40%, 15%; more than 40%, 20%.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Decree No. 43 of 2013 Determining Rent Increase (2013) A tenant files an eviction-related case at the Rental Disputes Centre. Annual rent is AED 80,000. Using the 3.5% filing fee rule (min AED 500, max AED 20,000), what is the main filing fee (AED)?
AED 3.5% x 80,000 = AED 2,800, which is between the AED 500 minimum and AED 20,000 maximum. Small service, knowledge and innovation fees may be added.
Gulf News, Dubai rental dispute process: fees, documents and next steps (2026-09) Current rent is AED 90,000. The RERA index average for similar units is AED 125,000. What is the maximum new annual rent at renewal (AED)?
AED Gap: (125,000 - 90,000) / 125,000 = 28% below average. Under Decree 43 of 2013 the 21 to 30% bracket allows 10%. New rent: 90,000 x 1.10 = AED 99,000.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Decree No. 43 of 2013 Determining Rent Increase (2013) What did DLD's Smart Rental Index, launched in January 2025, add to how average rents are set?
- A rent cap of 5% for all units
- A building classification based on quality, location and services, using AI
- Free Ejari for all tenants
- It replaced the rent increase brackets with free market pricing
The 2025 index rates each building on structure and finishes, maintenance, location and services, and uses AI to value rents more fairly. Increases are still tied to the gap between current rent and the average market rent.
Dubai Land Department, Smart Rental Index announcement (2025-01) At 9:10 pm a buyer enquires on a portal about your 2-bedroom listing in Dubai Hills and leaves a WhatsApp number. What is the best first move?
- Wait until 10 am tomorrow so you do not disturb them
- Reply on WhatsApp within minutes: introduce yourself, confirm the unit is available and ask a good time for a short call
- Send 25 other 2-bedroom listings so they have plenty of choice
- Call immediately, several times in a row, until they answer
Speed to lead matters: buyers usually contact several agents and the first helpful reply tends to win the conversation. A short, polite WhatsApp that confirms availability and proposes a call respects the late hour without losing the lead. Mass-sending listings or repeated calls feels like spam.
On the first call with a new buyer, which set of questions qualifies them best before you book any viewing?
- Favourite colour scheme, preferred floor and whether they like gyms
- Nationality, age and current employer only
- Which other agents they are talking to and what commission those agents charge
- Budget, cash or mortgage (and pre-approval), timeline to buy, end-user or investor, and who else decides
Budget, financing, timeline, purpose and decision makers tell you whether the client can buy, when, and what to show. Missing one of them (for example a spouse who must approve) is the most common reason for wasted viewings.
You had a good call with a buyer who is "not ready for 2 months." What is good CRM discipline?
- Keep the details in your head; you will remember them
- Log the call notes, budget and criteria in the CRM, set a follow-up date, and send relevant updates in the meantime
- Delete the lead because they are not ready
- Message them every day until they buy
Most deals come from follow-up. Notes plus a scheduled next action mean nothing is forgotten, and occasional useful updates (new listings, a price change) keep you top of mind without harassing the client.
A buyer on WhatsApp asks for options in Dubai Marina. Which message is most professional?
- Twenty forwarded listings with no comment
- A short message with three shortlisted units that match their brief, key facts (price, size, service charges) and a proposed viewing slot
- A 5-minute voice note with all the details
- "Call me" with no other information
A curated shortlist shows you listened. Keep WhatsApp messages short, factual and easy to act on; long voice notes and mass forwarding make clients disengage.
Which of these is acceptable practice for a Dubai broker?
- Telling a hesitant client the unit will be gone in an hour when it is not true
- Promising guaranteed capital growth to close faster
- Giving a client time to review the documents and suggesting they take independent advice when needed
- Sharing a client's passport copy in a group chat to find a faster deal
Fake urgency, guaranteed returns and careless sharing of personal data are pressure tactics or misconduct. Giving clients time and encouraging independent advice builds trust and repeat business.
A buyer wants a AED 2.4 million villa with a mortgage but has not spoken to any bank yet. They want to start viewings this weekend. What do you advise?
- Get a mortgage pre-approval first (you can introduce a licensed mortgage adviser), and do one or two viewings meanwhile to sharpen the brief
- Skip financing questions: banks always approve buyers who earn well
- Ask the seller to accept a cheque now and sort the mortgage later
- Refuse to work with the buyer until they pay cash
A pre-approval confirms how much the bank will lend and makes the buyer's offer credible to a seller. Without it you risk agreeing a deal the buyer cannot finance. A few viewings meanwhile keep the client engaged.
During discovery, a client says: "I will never live in it, I just want it to work as an investment." How should this change what you show?
- No change: investors and end-users want exactly the same thing
- Show only the most luxurious units, because investors always want premium
- Focus on rental demand, achievable rent, service charges, net yield and ease of resale, rather than personal taste
- Focus on schools near the unit and the size of the garden
An investor buys numbers: rent the unit can actually achieve, running costs such as service charges, net yield and liquidity on exit. An end-user buys lifestyle. Identifying the purpose early lets you shortlist the right stock.
After a viewing, the buyer says: "The price is too high." What is the most professional response?
- "You are right, I will tell the seller to drop by 10%."
- "Prices only go up in Dubai, you will regret it."
- "The seller will not move, take it or leave it."
- "Too high compared with what? Let me show you the recent registered sales in this building and you can tell me where you see the value."
Ask what the price is being compared to, then answer with evidence: recent transactions registered with Dubai Land Department for similar units. This turns an emotional objection into a fact-based discussion and may reveal a real offer.
A tenant who could buy says: "I want to wait for prices to drop." Which answer is honest and helpful?
- "Nobody can time the market. Let us compare what you pay in rent each year with the cost of owning, using current data, and you decide."
- "Prices will rise 20% next year, I guarantee it."
- "A crash is coming, so yes, wait two years."
- "If you do not sign today, this offer disappears forever."
You cannot predict prices, and promising rises or crashes is misleading. A rent-versus-own comparison with real numbers gives the client a rational basis to decide, and keeps your credibility whatever the market does.
A seller tells you: "Another agent offered to sell my apartment for a lower commission." What is the best reply?
- Criticise the other agent and their agency
- Immediately cut your fee below theirs to win the listing
- Explain what your fee pays for: pricing based on registered sales, a marketing plan, qualified buyers, regular reports and negotiation that protects the seller's net price
- Tell the seller you will list it anyway without a signed agreement
Sellers care about the net amount they receive and the stress involved, not only the fee. Showing your plan and track record moves the discussion from cost to value. Bad-mouthing competitors damages your own image.
An investor says: "I only buy off-plan with a post-handover payment plan." What should a good broker do?
- Shortlist projects that match, check each one's RERA registration and escrow account, the developer's delivery track record, and explain the risks of delays
- Tell him post-handover plans do not exist in Dubai
- Push the ready unit you most want to sell, whatever he says
- Promise that the handover date in the brochure is guaranteed
Respect the brief, then add value with due diligence: project registration, escrow, developer history and realistic handover risk. Post-handover plans exist but vary by developer, so compare the full payment schedule.
You meet an owner to win an exclusive listing (Form A). What should your listing presentation focus on?
- Promising the highest price you can think of so the owner signs
- A price recommendation backed by comparable registered sales, a clear marketing plan, the viewing process and how often you will report back
- Your personal social media follower count only
- Asking the owner to sign quickly without explaining the agreement
Owners give exclusivity to the agent who shows a credible plan: evidence-based pricing, marketing, buyer qualification and regular reporting. Over-pricing to win the mandate usually leads to a stale listing and a disappointed seller.
You have a viewing tomorrow at 11 am in a tenanted apartment in Business Bay. What preparation matters most?
- Nothing: just meet the client in the lobby and improvise
- Bring the client without telling the tenant to save time
- Confirm the time with the tenant and owner, arrange access and parking, check the unit beforehand, and prepare key facts and recent comparables
- Only prepare a discount offer in case the client hesitates
Confirmed access, a unit you have already seen and facts at hand avoid embarrassing surprises. A tenant has a right to notice, and showing up unannounced damages the relationship with both tenant and owner.
You receive a verbal offer you think is too low for your seller. What should you do?
- Reject it yourself without telling the seller
- Ask the buyer to put it in writing and present it to the seller with your view and supporting data
- Accept it on the seller's behalf to close fast
- Post it in agent WhatsApp groups to start a bidding war
The decision belongs to the seller, so present every genuine offer, ideally in writing, with your advice and comparables. A written offer shows commitment and avoids misunderstandings on price and terms.
Another agency has the buyer and you have the seller's listing. What should be in place before the viewing?
- Nothing; you can sort out who gets what after the sale
- Only a verbal promise on WhatsApp voice note
- Ask the buyer to bypass their agent and deal with you directly
- A signed Form I between the two brokers, with the commission split agreed in writing
Form I is the agreement between two brokers cooperating on a deal and records how the commission is shared. Signing it before the viewing prevents disputes; approaching the other agent's client directly is unprofessional.
An overseas investor asks: "What return will I get on this studio?" What is the right answer?
- "8% net, guaranteed."
- A gross and net yield estimate based on current rents for similar units, minus service charges and other costs, with a clear note that rents can change and returns are not guaranteed
- "Returns in Dubai are always double digit."
- "I cannot discuss numbers, just buy and you will see."
Give honest ranges built from real rental comparables and real costs (service charges, maintenance, vacancy, management). Say clearly that returns depend on the market. This protects the client and your reputation.
In an agents' WhatsApp group you see a great "distress deal" with no owner details. A client would love it. What do you do?
- Verify it first with the listing agent: that they hold a signed listing agreement, the price, availability, and that it can be advertised, before sharing anything with your client
- Forward it to your client immediately before someone else does
- Post it on your own social media as your exclusive
- Tell your client it is verified so they transfer a deposit quickly
Unverified listings are often fake, outdated or already sold, and passing them on can mislead clients. Confirm the mandate, details and permissions with the listing agent before you show or advertise anything.
You must price a 1-bedroom apartment in a JVC building. Which comparables are the strongest evidence?
- Asking prices of 1-bedroom listings on the portals today
- The price the owner paid five years ago, plus inflation
- Any sale in Dubai in the last year with the same number of bedrooms
- Registered sales of similar 1-bedroom units in the same building or nearby buildings in the last few months, adjusted for size, floor, view and condition
Registered transactions (available from Dubai Land Department data, for example via the Dubai REST app) show what buyers actually paid; asking prices only show what sellers hope for. Use recent, close, similar units and adjust for differences.
You represent the seller. A buyer asks you privately: "Between us, what is the lowest the seller will accept?" What do you do?
- Never reveal it; invite the buyer to put their best offer in writing and you will present it to the seller
- Give the figure, because it speeds up the deal
- Hint at it with a wink so you are not technically saying it
- Tell the buyer a lower figure than the real one to see their reaction
Revealing your client's bottom line breaks your duty to the seller and weakens their position. Lying about it is also unethical. Ask for a written offer and let the seller decide.
Your buyer wants to offer 12% below the asking price. How do you present it to give it the best chance?
- Send just the number by text, with no context
- Tell the seller's agent your buyer will pay the full price later anyway
- Present the offer in writing with the buyer's proof of funds or pre-approval, a clear timeline and the registered sales that justify the figure
- Insult the property so the seller lowers expectations
A low offer is more credible when it is backed by evidence and a strong, ready buyer. Proof of funds, fast timing and comparables give the seller reasons to counter rather than refuse.
According to Dubai Land Department data, what was the total value of Dubai real estate transactions in 2025?
- About AED 527 billion
- About AED 680 billion
- About AED 917 billion
- About AED 1.2 trillion
DLD reported AED 917 billion of transactions in 2025, up 20% on 2024, a new record. About AED 680 billion of that was investment (sales) value.
Dubai Media Office, Dubai's real estate market records new historic milestone (DLD 2025 results) (2026-01) How many international overnight visitors did Dubai welcome in 2025, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism?
- About 12.5 million
- About 17.2 million
- About 19.6 million
- About 25 million
Dubai received 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5% on 2024 and a third record year in a row. Hotel occupancy averaged 80.7%, which supports short-term rental demand.
Dubai Media Office, Dubai's tourism industry achieves third successive record-breaking year (DET) (2026-02) Which law allowed non-UAE and non-GCC nationals to own freehold property in designated areas of Dubai?
- Federal Law No. 5 of 1985
- Law No. 26 of 2007
- Law No. 13 of 2008
- Law No. 7 of 2006 on Real Property Registration
Law No. 7 of 2006 lets foreigners own freehold, or hold usufruct or leases up to 99 years, in areas designated by the Ruler. Law 26 of 2007 covers landlord and tenant relations, and Law 13 of 2008 the interim real estate register.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. (7) of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration (2006-03) A French investor asks how the UAE taxes an individual's salary. What is correct in 2026?
- A flat 5% income tax
- There is no personal income tax at federal or emirate level
- A 9% tax on salaries above AED 375,000
- Income tax applies only to non-UAE nationals
The UAE does not levy personal income tax, federally or at emirate level. The 9% corporate tax applies to businesses, including individuals running a business with turnover above AED 1 million, not to employment income.
PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, UAE: Taxes on personal income (2026-09) Since 1 January 2022, what is the UAE federal government working week?
- Sunday to Thursday, weekend Friday and Saturday
- Saturday to Wednesday
- Monday to Friday, with Friday a half day and Saturday and Sunday off
- Monday to Saturday, with only Sunday off
The UAE moved its federal government to a Monday to Friday week on 1 January 2022, with a half day on Friday and a Saturday-Sunday weekend, aligning with global markets. Most private companies followed. Before, the weekend was Friday and Saturday.
Ius Laboris, A new working week in the UAE from 1 January 2022 (2021-12) During Ramadan 2026 you have a midday viewing with a client who may be fasting. What is good etiquette?
- Bring coffee and drink it in the car with the client
- Avoid eating, drinking or chewing gum in front of people who are fasting, and plan meetings with shorter working hours in mind
- Cancel all work until Eid
- Ask the client to break their fast to be polite to you
Out of respect, avoid eating or drinking in front of people who are fasting; many restaurants stay open during the day for non-fasting customers. Working days are shorter: for Ramadan 2026 MoHRE cut private-sector hours by 2 hours a day.
Khaleej Times, Ramadan 2026: rules and etiquette to follow in UAE (2026-02) A non-resident buyer from London asks if he needs a UAE residence visa or Emirates ID to buy a freehold apartment. What do you tell him?
- Yes, he must hold a residence visa for at least one year first
- No: a valid passport is enough to buy in freehold areas; the Emirates ID is mandatory for UAE citizens and residents
- Yes, he must open a UAE company first
- Only if he pays cash; mortgage buyers need no ID
Foreigners can buy and register freehold property with a valid passport, without residency. The Emirates ID is required for citizens and residents; if he later obtains residence (for example a Golden Visa), he will get one.
Property Finder, Can you buy property in Dubai without residency? (Emirates ID rule: u.ae) (2026-06) According to DLD data for 2025, how many real estate brokers were registered in Dubai at the end of the year?
- About 12,000
- About 32,000
- About 60,000
- About 9,800
DLD counted 32,294 registered brokers at end-2025 working from 9,785 brokerage offices, with 13,083 new brokers in the year (+38%). It is a crowded market, so specialisation matters.
Dubai Media Office, Dubai brokerage sector strengthens its role in 2025 (DLD data) (2026-03) According to Cavendish Maxwell's full-year 2025 report, about what share of Dubai residential sales were off-plan?
- About 40%
- About 55%
- About 90%
- About 73%
Off-plan made up about 73% of residential sales in 2025, up from 69% in 2024, so most brokers need solid off-plan knowledge.
Cavendish Maxwell, Dubai residential sales hit record AED541.5bn in 2025 (2026-02) In April 2024 Dubai approved a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. What are its cost and ultimate capacity?
- AED 128 billion, 260 million passengers a year
- AED 35 billion, 120 million passengers a year
- AED 128 billion, 100 million passengers a year
- AED 260 billion, 400 million passengers a year
The terminal costs AED 128 billion (about USD 35 billion) and will reach 260 million passengers a year with five runways and 400 gates. All DXB operations are due to move there in the coming years.
Dubai Media Office, Al Maktoum International Airport new passenger terminal (2024-04) The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched in March 2021, projects Dubai's resident population to reach how many by 2040?
- 4.5 million
- 5.8 million
- 7.8 million
- 10 million
The plan projects residents growing from 3.3 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2040. The 7.8 million figure is the projected daytime population.
Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan (2021-03) What is the headline goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched in January 2023?
- Double the size of Dubai's economy within a decade and rank among the top three global cities
- Reach 10 million residents by 2033
- Remove all property transfer fees by 2033
- Make Dubai the world's largest oil exporter
D33 aims to double Dubai's economy over ten years and place it among the top three global cities, with AED 32 trillion of total economic targets and 100 transformative projects.
Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dubai Economic Agenda D33 (2023-01) Through Dubai Land Department, what does a property investor need to apply for the 10-year Golden Visa?
- Property worth at least AED 2 million at purchase, in their name; a mortgaged property is accepted with a bank no-objection letter
- Property worth at least AED 750,000, fully paid in cash
- Property worth at least AED 5 million and 5 years of residence
- Any property, as long as the owner has a UAE employer
DLD's Golden Visa (investor) service requires property worth at least AED 2 million at the time of purchase, owned by the applicant, and grants a renewable 10-year residence. Mortgaged property is allowed with a no-objection letter from the bank.
Dubai Land Department, Request for Golden Visa (Investor) (2026-10) In Numbeo's Crime Index by City, 2026 Mid-Year edition, where does Dubai stand on safety?
- Outside the world top 50
- 1st in the world, ahead of all other UAE cities
- Top 10 in the world, but only for daytime safety
- 6th in the world, with Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah ranked above it
In the 2026 Mid-Year table Dubai has a Safety Index of 83.8, 6th worldwide. Four other UAE cities lead the list, which is a strong argument for families relocating. Numbeo is based on user surveys, so present it as perception data.
Numbeo, Crime Index by City 2026 Mid-Year (2026-07) Under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, where can non-UAE nationals own freehold property?
- Anywhere in Dubai, with no restriction
- Only in Abu Dhabi investment zones
- In areas designated by the Ruler, with freehold, usufruct or leasehold of up to 99 years
- Nowhere: foreigners can only lease for up to 10 years
Article 4 of Law No. 7 of 2006 reserves ownership to UAE and GCC nationals, but lets non-UAE nationals own freehold, or hold usufruct or leasehold up to 99 years, in areas determined by the Ruler. Those designated freehold areas were first listed in Regulation No. 3 of 2006.
Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. 7 of 2006 on Real Property Registration (2006-03) Which statement about the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan (launched March 2021) is correct?
- It plans to stop all new residential construction
- It plans for 10 million residents by 2030
- It focuses only on Downtown and Dubai Marina
- It plans for the population to grow from 3.3 million (2020) to 5.8 million by 2040, with the Expo 2020 area as one of two new urban centres
The plan expects 5.8 million residents by 2040, five main urban centres (including new ones at Expo 2020, now Expo City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis), 60% of the emirate as nature reserves and up to 400% more public beaches. It is a useful long-term argument for areas near the new centres.
Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan (2021-03) The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan defines five main urban centres. Which of these is NOT one of them?
- Expo 2020 Centre
- Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina and JBR
The five centres are Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay, Dubai Marina and JBR, plus two new ones: Expo 2020 Centre and Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre. The plan also doubles green spaces and extends public beaches by up to 400%.
Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan (2021-03) An individual owns three apartments in Dubai in his own name and rents them out, without any trade licence. Under UAE corporate tax, how is this rental income treated?
- Taxed at 9% above AED 375,000 of profit
- Taxed only if rents exceed AED 1 million a year
- Taxed at 5% as a withholding tax
- Not considered for corporate tax: real estate investment income of a natural person is excluded
Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023 (effective 1 June 2023) says a natural person's wage, personal investment income and real estate investment income are not taken into account for corporate tax. Real estate investment here means selling or leasing property without needing a licence.
UAE Ministry of Finance, Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023 (2023-05) A buyer pays AED 60,000 of a freehold purchase in physical cash. What must the broker file on goAML?
- Nothing, cash is legal
- A Real Estate Activity Report (REAR)
- A Form U
- An Ejari cancellation
A REAR is required when a freehold deal involves cash of AED 55,000 or more, in one payment or several, or any payment in or from virtual assets. It is filed on goAML.
AML UAE, Real Estate Activity Report (REAR), MoE Circular 05/2022 (2026-07) You filed a suspicious transaction report about a client. The client asks why the deal is delayed. What can you say?
- Tell them about the report so they can explain
- Forward them a copy of the report
- Say the bank is investigating them
- Nothing about the report: tipping off is an offence
Telling a client about a report or review is tipping off, an offence under the UAE AML law with fines starting at AED 50,000. Give a neutral answer and inform your compliance officer.
Uppersetup, DNFBP AML compliance in the UAE 2026 (2026-07) Under the UAE telemarketing rules in force since August 2024, when may you make marketing calls?
- 8 am to 10 pm, any number
- Any time if the lead came from a portal
- 9 am to 6 pm, from company numbers, at most one call a day
- 9 am to 9 pm from your personal mobile
Cabinet Resolution 56 of 2024 limits calls to 9 am to 6 pm, from numbers registered to the company licence, with no calls from personal numbers. Call once a day at most, twice a week if unanswered, and never again after a refusal.
Clyde & Co, UAE tightens telemarketing regulations (2024-07) Which authority supervises Dubai real estate brokers for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance?
- The federal Ministry of Economy (renamed Ministry of Economy and Tourism in 2025)
- The UAE Central Bank
- Dubai Police
- The developer's escrow bank
Brokers are DNFBPs supervised for AML by the Ministry of Economy, renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in June 2025. All DNFBPs must register on goAML, where reports are filed.
Uppersetup, DNFBP AML compliance in the UAE 2026 (2026-07) For how long must a brokerage keep client due diligence and transaction records under UAE AML rules?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- At least 5 years
- Until the title deed is issued
CDD files and transaction records must be kept for at least five years. Inspectors can ask for them at any time.
AML UAE, International real estate and AML obligations (2026-07) A corporate buyer refuses to tell you who its beneficial owners are. What should the brokerage do?
- Proceed, since companies are low risk
- Proceed if they pay by cheque
- Decline the transaction and file an STR if suspicion arises
- Ask the developer to do the checks instead
CDD means identifying and verifying the client and, for companies, beneficial owners holding 25% or more. If CDD cannot be completed, do not go ahead and file a suspicious transaction report on goAML where suspicion exists.
AML UAE, International real estate and AML obligations (2026-07) What did DLD do when companies were found advertising without permits, faking permit numbers or using expired permits?
- Only sent friendly reminders
- Fined them, with fines starting at AED 50,000, and warned licence cancellation for repeat cases
- Blocked their Ejari access
- Charged the property owners
In its 2020 inspection campaign DLD fined 10 companies and warned 30, with progressive fines starting at AED 50,000. Every ad needs a valid Trakheesi permit number, and repeated breaches can cost the company its licence.
Dubai Land Department, DLD fines 10 real estate companies over advertising requirements (2020-10) You post on Instagram a photo of happy buyers at a handover, without their permission. What does UAE cybercrime law say?
- It is fine if the photo was taken in public
- It is fine if you tag your agency
- It is only a civil matter for the developer
- It can breach privacy, with fines of AED 150,000 to 500,000 and/or jail
Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law 34 of 2021 punishes photographing people and sharing their images without consent, even in public places. Always get written consent before posting clients.
Mondaq, Framework of cybercrime and online defamation laws in the UAE (2026-05) Which law now governs anti-money laundering in the UAE?
- Federal Decree-Law 10 of 2025, which replaced Decree-Law 20 of 2018
- Federal Decree-Law 20 of 2018, unchanged
- Dubai Law 26 of 2007
- Federal Decree-Law 34 of 2021
Federal Decree-Law 10 of 2025, effective 14 October 2025, repealed and replaced Decree-Law 20 of 2018. It raised the maximum fine for legal entities in money laundering cases to AED 100 million.
Hadef & Partners, A new era for AML/CTF/PF in the UAE: Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 (2025-10) Sanctions screening shows your buyer matches a name on the UAE Local Terrorist List. What must you do?
- Ask the buyer for an explanation, then decide
- Freeze the funds without delay and without notifying the buyer, then report
- Finish the deal but charge no commission
- Only note it in the CRM
Brokers must screen all parties against the UN and UAE lists. On a confirmed match, funds must be frozen without delay and without prior notice to the listed person, and the authorities informed.
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