A practical reference for buying, owning and renting property in Dubai. These 76 definitions explain transaction documents, authorities, financing and running costs. Terms specific to other emirates are identified explicitly.
Search for a term or select a letter. Tax and residency outcomes depend on individual circumstances and the countries involved. A glossary explains the terminology; the applicable contract and official requirements determine your transaction.
Izzy Agent Team · Updated: 29 October 2026
76 terms from A to Z
AED (UAE dirham) is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates, with monetary policy run by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). It is pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725 AED per USD. Property prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are usually quoted in AED, so conversions into other currencies move with exchange rates and are indicative only.
An apostille is a simplified certification of a public document for use abroad under the 1961 Hague Convention. For documents used in UAE property matters, such as a power of attorney, the required steps depend on the issuing country's rules and UAE mission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation requirements. An apostille alone may not be sufficient, and translation may be needed.
Bayut is a property listings portal covering the UAE, used to compare sale and rental offers. Prices shown are asking prices, meaning sellers' or landlords' expectations, not recorded transaction prices. Official property and tenancy services in Dubai are provided by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), including through the Dubai REST app. Listing data should be cross-checked against official sources.
BRN (Broker Registration Number) is the registration number of a real estate broker in Dubai, issued within the Dubai Land Department (DLD) regulatory system run by RERA. Before signing a brokerage agreement, buyers can check through official DLD channels that the broker is registered and that the details match. A BRN does not guarantee service quality or contract terms.
A chiller produces chilled water for air conditioning. In property listings, the word is also used as shorthand for cooling or its billing arrangement, such as “chiller free”. This does not automatically remove every air-conditioning cost. Before buying or renting, check the provider, the bill components and which party pays them under the agreement.
The Defects Liability Period is a contractual period for reporting and remedying defects after completion or handover. Check the event that starts it, the defects covered and how notices must be submitted. Statutory liability, including rules for structural defects, may also apply independently of the contract. Keep written records of defects and handover findings.
DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) is the Dubai authority responsible for the economy and tourism, including the rules for holiday home rentals in Dubai. Tourism was previously handled by DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing), and older materials still use that acronym. For a property owner, DET matters for short-term letting where a permit is required.
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is the electricity and water provider in Dubai. When buying or renting a unit, a DEWA account is usually needed to connect utilities and can form part of tenancy formalities. Bills depend on consumption, unit size and how charges such as cooling are billed. These rules apply to Dubai; other emirates have different providers.
DHA (Dubai Health Authority) is the body overseeing the healthcare system in the Emirate of Dubai, including health insurance requirements that apply in Dubai. For a property owner it matters mainly when living in Dubai or sponsoring family members. Owning property does not by itself determine health or visa requirements, which depend on the visa type and current rules.
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is a financial free zone in Dubai with its own legal framework based on common law and its own English-language courts. For property owners it is relevant mainly through DIFC services such as wills registration, and sometimes through dispute-resolution choices. DIFC is a Dubai jurisdiction; Abu Dhabi has separate arrangements.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service allows eligible non-Muslims to register a will. Its scope depends on the type chosen: it may address property, other assets or guardians for children, subject to the service’s conditions. Check the requirements for your circumstances and asset locations. Enforceability outside the UAE depends on the law of the relevant country.
District cooling is a centralised cooling system in which chilled water for air conditioning is produced at a plant serving many buildings or a whole community. Bills may combine a usage charge with other components, such as a fixed charge, depending on the provider and contract. Cooling costs can therefore arise even at low consumption and should be included in running-cost estimates.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the body that registers real estate in the Emirate of Dubai; the market regulator RERA operates within it. It handles sale registration, electronic title deeds and tenancy services. The statutory registration fee on a sale is allocated 2% to the seller and 2% to the buyer, though a contract may shift the economic burden. Abu Dhabi's authority is ADREC.
In a development context, DLD Cancellation refers to cancellation of the project and the subsequent settlement process. It is different from a buyer unilaterally withdrawing from a contract. Project status, available funds and the applicable procedure affect investor settlements. An escrow account alone does not guarantee a full refund by a set date; disputes may require the relevant authority or court.
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is a free zone in Dubai, based in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers area, which licenses companies operating within it. A free zone means a separate registration and licensing regime, not a universal customs or tax exemption. For a property investor, DMCC usually matters when setting up a company rather than when buying a unit.
Dubai Pulse is the Dubai government's open data platform. Real estate datasets, where published, can help compare asking prices with recorded transactions. The scope, freshness and format of datasets depend on the publisher, so for checking a specific transaction it is worth using official Dubai Land Department (DLD) services as well.
Dubai REST is the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) app offering property and tenancy services in Dubai. It lets users access selected services online. Features can change, so available options, such as document or broker verification, should be checked directly in the app. It applies to Dubai; Abu Dhabi uses ADREC and separate systems, including Madhmoun for verified listings and permits.
EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate) is the AED interbank benchmark rate in the UAE, published by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Banks use it in pricing loans, typically adding a margin, but it is not itself a mortgage rate. The final cost of a loan depends on the lender's offer and the loan agreement.
Ejari is Dubai's tenancy contract registration system, linked to Dubai Land Department (DLD) tenancy services. Registration formalises the tenancy with the authorities. Abu Dhabi has its own equivalent, Tawtheeq. DLD's official rental index is indicative: it can be useful in renewal disputes but is not a mandatory price for new leases.
Emirates ID is the identity card of UAE residents, issued by the federal authority ICP. It is used for many public and private services. A non-resident registering a property sale at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) can present a passport, so the transaction itself does not require an Emirates ID, though required documents depend on the transaction type and the institution.
An escrow account is a project-specific account into which buyers' payments for an off-plan development are paid, with funds released according to project and regulatory rules. It is a project-level safeguard. It does not guarantee completion, the timing or amount of any refund, or investment returns. Before buying, verify the project and its escrow registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Form A is the form used in Dubai for the marketing agreement between a seller and a broker, under which the broker may market the property. It sets out the scope of the engagement and remuneration terms. There is no statutory fixed commission, so terms depend on the agreement. For a buyer, it indicates that the broker is authorised by the seller.
Form B is the form used in Dubai for the agreement between a buyer and their broker. It sets out the scope of service and the remuneration terms. There is no statutory fixed commission, so the amount and conditions come from the signed agreement and should be read carefully before signing. The document makes clear who represents whom in the transaction.
Form F, also called an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), is the sale agreement between seller and buyer in a secondary-market transaction in Dubai. It records transaction terms such as price, timing and each party's obligations. It should be read carefully before signing, because later steps, including the developer's NOC and registration at the Dubai Land Department (DLD), follow from its terms.
Form I is the form used in Dubai for an inter-broker agreement, where more than one broker takes part in a transaction, for example one acting for the seller and one for the buyer. It sets out how the brokers cooperate and settle between themselves. There is no statutory fixed commission, so how fees are split depends on the terms the parties agree.
A free zone is a designated economic zone in the UAE with its own authority that registers and licenses companies; rules differ between zones and emirates. A free zone is not a universal customs or tax exemption: treatment depends on the type of activity and the applicable legal conditions. For a property investor, it usually arises when deciding between buying personally or through a company.
Freehold is a form of property ownership with no fixed time limit, usually evidenced by a title deed. In Dubai, foreigners can acquire it in designated areas, and the scope of rights and eligible areas are set by emirate regulations and project documents. It differs from leasehold, which is a right for a fixed term. Before buying, check the location's legal status and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) record.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) administers UAE federal taxes, including Corporate Tax and VAT, and issues tax residency certificates. Domestic tax residency and entitlement to benefits under an international tax treaty are separate questions. An FTA certificate does not automatically end tax residency or tax obligations in another country.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is the authority for residency and foreigners' affairs in the Emirate of Dubai. For visas linked to Dubai property, the applicable route depends on the visa type and current procedures, and a purchase does not guarantee a residence permit. GDRFA is a Dubai institution, separate from the federal ICP.
The Golden Visa is a UAE long-term residency programme. DLD’s property-investor route provides renewable 10-year residency. For the property route in Dubai, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) sets a purchase value of at least AED 2 million, plus documentation and application conditions. The visa does not automatically change tax residency, and mortgage financing does not automatically qualify. Buyers should check the current criteria on the official DLD page.
Gross rental yield is annual rent divided by the stated purchase price or investment cost. A net yield needs a clear definition of which expenses are deducted and which capital amount forms the denominator. Tax, financing and changes in property value may be treated separately. ROI is a broader investment-return concept; comparing percentages without their assumptions can mislead.
Handover is the developer's delivery of a completed unit to the buyer in an off-plan project, usually combined with a defects inspection (snagging) and settlement of final payments. Handover does not automatically mean property registration is complete: Oqood registers off-plan contractual rights, while a completed title deed evidences ownership. Registration status should be verified with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
A Holiday Home Permit is a permit issued in Dubai by DET for the holiday (short-term) letting of a specific unit. Requirements, fees and any approvals from the developer or building management should be checked in current DET rules and building documents. For an owner, the fact of holiday-home operation can also affect tax assessment, which needs individual analysis.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is the UAE federal authority responsible for identity, citizenship and border security, among other areas. It issues Emirates ID. For visas linked to property, the competent authority depends on the emirate and visa type, so the procedure should be checked before applying. ICP is federal, separate from Dubai's GDRFA.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a free zone in Dubai where companies are registered and licensed. A free zone means a separate registration and licensing regime, not a universal customs or tax exemption. For a property investor, IFZA usually matters when setting up a company or operating structure rather than when buying a unit in one's own name.
The Investor Visa is a 2-year residence visa for property investors in Dubai, presented by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) under its Taskeen service. Criteria on property value and joint-ownership share change over time, so they should be verified on the official DLD page before purchase. The visa does not automatically change tax residency or guarantee that residency is granted.
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) is a Dubai free zone associated with Jebel Ali Port and trade, logistics and industrial activity. It can be relevant when choosing a corporate structure or a business location. Registering a company in the zone does not by itself determine its eligibility to purchase a particular property or its tax treatment.
A JOPD is a declaration for a jointly owned building or community in Dubai. It sets out which parts are individual units and which are common areas, such as lifts, corridors or pools, and frames how shared costs are allocated. Reviewing it before purchase shows what the service charge is meant to cover.
KHDA, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, regulates private education in Dubai, including schools, early childhood centres, higher education and training institutes. Families planning a move can use its information to research education providers. When choosing a home, compare school options, available places and the actual journey rather than relying only on proximity.
KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (anti-money laundering) are due-diligence checks applied by banks, brokers and developers in the UAE. They cover identity verification and an explanation of where the purchase funds come from. Preparing documents early helps, because gaps or inconsistencies can delay a transaction or lead to it being declined.
Leasehold gives the right to use a property for a fixed term set by contract, rather than the open-ended ownership associated with freehold. In Dubai the scope of rights depends on the area and the documents, so the ownership type should be confirmed in the title deed and contract. It can affect resale, financing and value as the term runs down.
LTV (loan-to-value) is the loan amount as a share of property value, and an LTV cap limits how much a bank may lend. In the UAE the Central Bank (CBUAE) sets the regulatory framework for mortgages, while actual financing depends on each bank's policy, the borrower's status and the property type. The remainder is covered by the buyer's own funds.
Madhmoun is Abu Dhabi's system for verified property listings and permits, linked to the emirate's real estate regulator ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre). It applies to Abu Dhabi, not Dubai, which uses separate rules and platforms. Buyers in Abu Dhabi can use it to check that a listing or project carries the required permits.
Mainland refers to a company licensed by an emirate's local economic authority (in Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism) rather than by a free zone. Permitted activities, premises requirements and ownership rules depend on the emirate and licence type. For property investors it matters mainly when buying or managing property through a company rather than personally.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) records that its issuer does not object to a specified action. In a Dubai resale it can concern the developer’s consent to a transfer and settlement of dues owed to it. It does not replace checks on ownership, mortgages or other property rights. Confirm the issuer, scope and requirements for the particular transaction.
Off-plan means buying property in a project that is not yet completed, typically from the developer. Payments follow the contractual schedule, and the buyer's rights are registered with the Dubai Land Department as Oqood. Escrow provides project-specific safeguards but does not guarantee completion, refund timing or investment returns. The contract and project status are what matter.
Oqood is the Dubai Land Department system that registers a buyer's rights under an off-plan purchase contract. It records contractual rights; it is not a completed title deed. Handover does not automatically mean ownership registration is finished, so the registration status should be confirmed in the documents and through DLD channels such as Dubai REST.
Owners Association is a term found in older documents for an organisation of unit owners. Under Dubai’s current framework, distinguish an owners’ committee from the company managing jointly owned property. The committee represents owners, while an authorised management entity operates under RERA oversight. Before buying, confirm the actual structure, management responsibilities, approved charges and complaint process.
A payment plan is the schedule of instalments for a property set out in the developer's contract, most often for off-plan purchases. It specifies amounts and due dates, frequently tied to construction milestones or handover. Before signing, compare the schedule with project progress and check how the escrow account works, since safeguards are specific to each project.
A POA (Power of Attorney) authorises a named person to act on the principal's behalf, for example in buying or selling UAE property. A document signed abroad must meet the issuing country's requirements and UAE attestation procedures (MoFA and UAE missions); an apostille alone is not always sufficient, and translation may be needed. The scope of authority should be defined precisely.
The Poland-UAE double tax treaty is a bilateral agreement intended to prevent the same income being taxed twice. It allocates taxing rights between the two countries for defined categories of income. Whether and how it applies depends on the individual's circumstances, including residency and citizenship, so it should not be read as automatic relief or an automatic tax outcome.
Polish context: Poland-specific: Polish tax residency turns on a centre of personal or economic interests in Poland or more than 183 days of presence in a tax year, and these tests are alternatives. A UAE residency certificate does not by itself end Polish tax residency; whether the treaty helps needs individual analysis.
A post-handover payment plan lets part of the price be paid after the unit is handed over, under the schedule in the developer's contract. It spreads payments over time but is not free financing: its cost may be reflected in the price or contract terms. Compare the total cost with an offer without deferral and check the consequences of late payment.
Property Finder is a commercial property listings portal operating in the UAE, one of several such services. Listings show asking prices, meaning advertisers' expectations, not the prices of completed transactions. It is useful for getting a sense of supply; broker credentials and the reliability of an offer should be confirmed through the official systems of the relevant emirate.
RAK ICC (RAK International Corporate Centre) is a company registry in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, used in holding structures. The company form alone does not settle whether property can be held in Dubai or how income is taxed: that depends on where the property is, DLD requirements, the activity and tax rules, including corporate tax. Each structure needs individual assessment.
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is an economic zone in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah that licenses companies under its own zone rules. A free or economic zone is not a universal customs or tax exemption: obligations depend on the activity and on federal and emirate-level rules. For property investors it mostly arises when setting up a company, not when buying.
The RDC (Rental Disputes Settlement Centre) is the Dubai body, attached to the Dubai Land Department, that handles disputes between landlords and tenants, for example over rent, renewal or termination. A properly registered tenancy contract (Ejari) and supporting documents matter in practice; current fees and procedures should be checked with official sources.
Ready means a completed property, as opposed to an off-plan development. You can assess the existing building and unit condition, but completed does not mean vacant or immediately available to move into. Before buying, check the title, physical condition, any tenants or liabilities, and the agreed date and terms of possession.
REIDIN is a commercial provider of real estate data and indices, including for the UAE market, used by analysts and institutions. Such indicators describe price trends based on a given methodology, data scope and period, so results differ between providers. When assessing the market, compare several sources and official transaction data rather than relying on a single index.
Rent cheques are a payment method used in Dubai for long-term rentals: the tenant issues post-dated cheques for rent instalments, and the number of cheques is agreed in the lease. The number of cheques can affect the financial terms of a tenancy. A dishonoured cheque can have legal and commercial consequences, so payment terms should be written into the lease.
The official Dubai rental index, provided through Dubai Land Department systems, is indicative. It helps gauge rent levels in an area and can be useful in tenancy renewal disputes. It is not a mandatory price for new leases, so it serves as a reference point rather than a guarantee of what rent a property will achieve.
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is Dubai's real estate regulator within the Dubai Land Department. Its remit includes broker licensing, oversight of projects and escrow accounts, and tenancy rules. DLD guidance describes brokerage forms: Form A (seller-broker marketing), B (buyer-broker), F (seller-buyer sale) and I (inter-broker). Commission is not set by statute, so contract terms matter.
Retire in Dubai is a Dubai residence programme for people of retirement age, offered under Dubai's visa rules. Conditions such as age, financial means or property ownership are set by official rules and can change. Buying property does not automatically result in a visa. Check the requirements of the specific route with DLD or GDRFA.
Service charge is the fee covering upkeep and management of a building's or community's common areas, for example security, cleaning, lifts and shared facilities. The amount depends on the project and the scope of services, and charging rules derive from RERA regulation and building documents. Current rates for a specific property should be checked before purchase, as they reduce rental income.
Snagging is an inspection of a unit before accepting handover from the developer, aimed at identifying defects in finishes and installations. Findings are recorded as a list of defects to be rectified. The buyer or a specialist firm may carry it out. The contract should be checked for how defects are reported and what developer responsibility applies after handover.
An SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement) is the contract for buying a property and, in purchases from a developer, usually the key transaction document. It typically covers price, payment schedule, handover date, consequences of delay, termination rules and area discrepancies. All clauses should be read carefully before signing and, where needed, reviewed by an independent legal adviser.
Strata Law is the common name for the rules on jointly owned property in multi-unit buildings and communities in Dubai. They govern the rights and duties of unit owners and the management of common areas. The JOPD, building management arrangements and service-charge allocation rest on them. The current legislation and any amendments should be verified in official sources.
Tawtheeq is the tenancy contract registration system of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, functionally similar to Ejari in Dubai. It applies to property in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai, where tenancy contracts are registered through Ejari. Before registering, confirm in which emirate the property is located and which requirements apply there.
Dubai tenancy law is the body of rules governing relations between landlords and tenants, including Ejari registration of contracts, renewal and termination, and rules on rent changes. Disputes go to the competent body, for example the RDC. Specific deadlines, formal requirements and limits come from current legislation, which should be verified in official sources.
A Title Deed is the document evidencing ownership of a property, issued after registration with the Dubai Land Department and now in electronic form. For sale registration, the statutory allocation is 2% for the seller and 2% for the buyer, though the contract may shift the economic burden. Non-residents can present a passport, and an NOC features in the process.
Tourism Dirham is a tourism fee linked to stays in licensed accommodation in Dubai, including holiday homes. It is collected by the operator and settled with the competent tourism authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Amounts and charging rules are set by current regulations, so operators should confirm them in official sources and reflect them in guest pricing.
A TRC (Tax Residency Certificate) is a UAE tax residency certificate issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). For individuals, domestic criteria include usual residence and centre of interests, or at least 183 days in a consecutive 12-month period, or at least 90 days in such a period with additional conditions; eligibility for tax treaties is a separate question. A certificate does not automatically end tax residency in another country.
A Trustee Office is a Dubai Land Department-authorised office where registration of a property transfer is finalised in the secondary market. Parties' documents are checked, and registration results in an electronic title deed. For non-residents, a passport can be presented. Fees should be confirmed directly with the office or in official DLD sources.
UAE Corporate Tax (CT) is the federal tax on business income, administered by the Federal Tax Authority. Not every UAE company is tax-free: treatment depends on the activity and, in free zones, on conditions. Individuals are covered only in some cases: real estate investment may fall outside CT where the activity is neither conducted nor required via a licence, but holiday-home facts can matter.
UAE PASS is the UAE’s national digital identity for signing in and signing documents through supported services. Citizens, residents and visitors can use it; visitors may register using a passport. Access to a particular service depends on its eligibility rules and identity verification. Having an account does not replace the permissions or documents required for a transaction.
VARA, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, oversees virtual-asset activities in Dubai, excluding DIFC. A licence covers a firm’s specified activities; it does not approve a particular property or its investment returns. For a proposed crypto payment, check the service provider’s authorisation, source-of-funds requirements and written settlement terms accepted by the parties to the transaction.
VAT in the UAE is a federal value-added tax with a standard rate of 5%. Its treatment of real estate depends on the type of property, whether the supply is a sale or a lease, and the parties' status, so neither exemption nor taxation should be assumed. Related services such as brokerage may be taxed separately. The FTA administers it.
Consult the responsible authority for current procedures and eligibility. These sources support the transaction, residency and tax terminology in this glossary.
Dubai Land Department maintains the property register and provides transaction services. RERA operates within DLD and regulates the property sector. Checking title documents and checking a broker’s registration address different parts of the same transaction.
Oqood is used to register rights relating to off-plan property. A Title Deed records ownership in the DLD register. Receiving the keys does not replace checking that the appropriate ownership document has been issued and that the property and owner details are correct.
Foreign buyers can acquire property ownership in designated areas of Dubai. Check the specific property and the type of right in the DLD documents. Freehold ownership does not automatically grant residency or remove tax obligations in another country.
No. A separate project account and controls over funds reduce risk but do not guarantee completion or a refund by a particular date. Project cancellation and investor settlements follow the applicable procedures; the available funds and project decisions matter.
A No Objection Certificate records that its issuer does not object to a specified action. A property transaction may require one from the developer or another relevant party. Check its scope, conditions, charges and validity for the particular transaction.
Not automatically. A UAE residency visa, a domestic tax residency assessment and entitlement to a tax treaty are separate matters. A Tax Residency Certificate does not by itself settle your status in another country. Review the relevant countries’ rules and the applicable treaty for your circumstances.
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