Glossary · 10 defined terms

Every term, defined.

Plain-English definitions of every Dubai real-estate term that matters — built from primary sources (DLD, RERA, UAE Federal Decrees, Civil Code). No marketing-speak; no jargon left unexplained.

Regulators

DLD — Dubai Land Department

The Dubai Government body that registers every real-estate transaction in the emirate and operates the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

RERA — Real Estate Regulatory Agency

The regulatory arm of Dubai Land Department. Licences brokers, audits developers, manages escrow oversight, and operates the rental dispute centre.

Process

DLP — Defects Liability Period

The window after handover during which the developer is contractually obligated to repair build defects at no cost to the owner.

NOC — No Objection Certificate

A formal document from the developer confirming no outstanding dues or restrictions on a property — required before resale transfer at DLD.

Project escrow account

A dedicated bank account where off-plan buyer payments are held, with developer drawdowns released only against RERA-audited construction milestones.

Pricing

Service charge

Annual fee paid by the owner to fund building/community maintenance, common areas, and reserves — set by the OA committee and audited by RERA's Mollak system.

Tenure

Freehold vs Leasehold

Freehold = full perpetual ownership including the land. Leasehold = a defined-term right (commonly 99 years) on the unit only, not the land.

Title deed (Oqood, for off-plan)

The DLD-issued ownership certificate. Oqood is the pre-handover interim title for off-plan; the full title deed issues at handover.

Visa

UAE Golden Visa

Ten-year renewable UAE residency for qualifying investors and professionals — including property investors above the AED 2M threshold.

Transaction

Off-plan property

Property purchased before construction is complete — sold from the developer with payments staged against construction milestones.