Glossary · AE
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The Dubai government authority responsible for property registration, real estate regulation, land transactions and a range of property-related services in Dubai.
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Around this term
Related terms.
Property Registration
The process of recording ownership and certain interests in land with the relevant land registry or property authority.
Property Transfer Fee
A fee payable when ownership of a property is transferred and registered with the relevant authority. Dubai property transfers commonly involve fees payable to the Dubai Land Department.
RERA
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency, the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department responsible for regulating and overseeing important areas of Dubai's real estate sector.
Registration Trustee
An authorised service provider in Dubai that facilitates certain property registration and transfer procedures on behalf of the Dubai Land Department.
Chiller-Free
A UAE listing term meaning the cost of district cooling (air-conditioning) is included in the price or rent rather than billed separately to the occupier.
DEWA
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; buyers and tenants register a DEWA account and pay a connection deposit to activate utilities on handover.
Go deeper
Related reading.
- Guide · Off-PlanThe Best Areas to Buy Property in Dubai in 2026, RankedDubai's property market has entered a more selective phase in 2026 after several years of exceptional growth. We rank the best areas to buy property in Dubai, from established prime districts such as Dubai Hills Estate and Palm Jumeirah to high-yield locations including Jumeirah Village Circle and emerging growth markets such as Dubai South.
- Guide · Off-PlanBuying Off-Plan Property in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Buyers and InvestorsBuying off-plan property in Dubai can provide access to new developments, staged payment plans and potential capital appreciation before completion. But the headline price is only part of the investment case. Buyers need to assess the developer, project location, construction progress, escrow arrangements, Sales and Purchase Agreement, payment schedule, service charges, financing requirements and exit liquidity. This guide explains how the Dubai off-plan market works, the costs involved, the protections available through Dubai’s regulatory framework, and the key due diligence investors and owner-occupiers should complete before committing capital.
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