Understanding Common Arabic Terms & Procedures in the UAE Real Estate Industry

In the vibrant real estate industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is essential to familiarize oneself with standard Arabic terms used in property transactions. Arabic is significant in real estate dealings, from property types and legal documentation to lease agreements and financing. This article will explore a list of standard Arabic terms and their meanings, enabling you to confidently navigate the UAE real estate industry.

Buying and Selling Terms:

1. Majlis: A traditional Arabic term referring to a formal gathering place or council chamber often found in larger homes or villas.
2. Ejari: The Arabic word for “register” is used explicitly when registering a lease agreement with the appropriate authorities.
3. Taqat Al-Ijarah: The Rental Index, a reference tool that determines the maximum allowable rental increase for a property.
4. Tawtheeq: Registering a tenancy contract with the municipality, ensuring legal compliance.

Property Types and Definitions:

1. Makan: The Arabic term for “apartment” is commonly used to refer to residential units in buildings.
2. Villa is a term used to describe a detached or semi-detached residential property with a private garden or outdoor space.
3. Manzil is an Arabic word meaning “house,” which refers to a single-family home.
4. Rawdha: The Arabic term “garden” describes landscaped areas or outdoor spaces within a property.
5. Mabani: Referring to “buildings” in Arabic, it signifies structures or complexes of multiple units.

Lease and Rental Terms:

1. Ijara: The Arabic term for “lease” denotes a contractual agreement between a tenant and a landlord.
2. Malikiya: Meaning “ownership” in Arabic, it signifies the legal right of possession and control over a property.
3. Sahib Al-Milkiya: The term for “landlord” representing the property owner or lessor.
4. Sahib Al-Mustaqbal: The Arabic word for “tenant,” referring to the individual or entity leasing the property.
5. Mukawala: An Arabic term used for a “rental agreement” or a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of a lease.

Financing and Mortgage Terms:

1. Murabaha: An Islamic financing term denoting a sale contract with a pre-agreed profit margin, commonly used for home financing.
2. Makhraj: Referring to the “exit,” this term is used in mortgage agreements to describe the final stage of loan repayment.
3. Qard Hasan: It is an “interest-free loan” in Arabic, often provided by Islamic financial institutions as an alternative to conventional mortgages.

Legal and Documentation Terms:

1. Tajer: The Arabic term “trader” is used in real estate to describe a property dealer or agent.
2. Al-Daftar Al-Akari: The “Real Estate Register” is the official record of property transactions and ownership.
3. Bayt Al-Mal: The “Treasury” or government entity responsible for collecting and managing financial resources, including real estate-related fees.
4. Watha’iq: The Arabic word for “documents,” encompassing various legal paperwork related to real estate transactions.

Property Transfer Guidelines

Property Transfer and NOC: The property transfer process and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is crucial when buying a property in Dubai. Here’s a closer look at each of these aspects:

Property Transfer:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Developer: Before initiating the property transfer, it’s essential to check if a NOC is required from the developer or master developer of the project. Some developers may require this certificate to ensure all financial obligations related to the property have been met. The NOC confirms that the seller has settled any outstanding service charges, maintenance fees, or other dues.
• Engaging with the Dubai Land Department (DLD): The Dubai Land Department is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing property transactions in Dubai. You must visit the DLD and provide the necessary documents for the transfer process.
• Required Documents: Prepare the following documents for the property transfer:
• • Original title deed or sales agreement
  • Original passport and Emirates ID of both buyer and seller
  • Copy of the seller’s visa page and Emirates ID
  • Original Emirates ID of the buyer
  • Original NOC from the developer (if required)
• Payment of Fees: Pay the necessary fees associated with the property transfer process, including the transfer fee, title deed issuance fee, and any other applicable charges. These fees may vary depending on the property value and other factors.
• Title Transfer: Upon submitting the required documents and paying the fees, the DLD will process the property transfer. Once completed, the new title deed will be issued in the buyer’s name, officially transferring ownership.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

The developer’s NOC is typically obtained before the property transfer process. To obtain the NOC, follow these steps:

1. Contact the Developer: Reach out to the developer or their designated office to inquire about the NOC process. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance.
2. Application and Documentation: Apply for the NOC, providing the required documents such as the original sales agreement, proof of settlement of outstanding dues, and any other documents specified by the developer.
3. Review and Approval: The developer will review the application and supporting documents. Once they confirm that all financial obligations have been met, they will issue the NOC.
4. Retaining a Copy: Keep a copy of the NOC as required during the property transfer process with the DLD.

Register the Property and Collect Keys Procedure

After the property transfer process, the following steps involve registering the property and collecting the keys. Here’s a breakdown of these final stages:

• Registering the Property:

• • Visit the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or the relevant authority responsible for property registration.
  • Submit the necessary documents, including the original title deed, sales agreement, passport copies, Emirates ID, and other required paperwork.
  • Pay the applicable registration fees, depending on the property value and location.
  • The DLD will review the documents and process the registration, officially recording the property ownership in your name.

• Collection of Keys:

• • Contact the seller or the developer’s office to arrange the handover of the property keys.
  • Coordinate a date and time to collect the keys from the seller or their representative.
  • Conduct a final inspection of the property to ensure it is in the agreed-upon condition.
  • Check that all necessary utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, are connected and functioning correctly.
  • Ensure that any outstanding issues or repairs have been addressed, as specified in the sales agreement or property condition report.

• Transfer of Utilities:

• • Contact the relevant utility providers, such as DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) and district cooling services, to transfer the utility accounts to your name.
  • To complete the transfer process, provide the necessary documentation, including proof of ownership and identification.

• Property Insurance:

• • Consider obtaining property insurance to protect your investment against potential risks and damages.
  • Research and select a suitable insurance provider, and choose a policy that meets your needs and requirements.

Other Related Terms & Procedures

In Dubai, several key entities are involved in property ownership and utility services. But first, let’s explore more about DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), Empower (Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation), and the DLD (Dubai Land Department) registration process:

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority):

• Connection Process:

• • Contact DEWA to initiate the electricity and water supply connection in your newly acquired property.
  • Provide the necessary documents, including the property title deed, Emirates ID, and a copy of the tenancy contract or sales agreement.
  • Pay the required security deposit, connection fees, and any outstanding utility bills.
  • Schedule an appointment for the installation of the meters and activation of services.
  • DEWA will inspect the property and connect the electricity and water supply.

• Billing and Account Management:

• • Once the services are activated, you will receive a DEWA account number.
  • Register for DEWA’s online portal or mobile application to manage your account, view bills, and make payments.
  • Monitor your electricity and water consumption and promptly settle your bills to maintain uninterrupted services.

Empower (Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation):

• District Cooling Services:

• • If your property is part of a district cooling system, you may need to connect with Empower.
  • Contact Empower to register your property for district cooling services.
  • Provide the required documents, such as the property details, ownership proof, and Emirates ID.
  • Pay the connection fees and any applicable security deposit.
  • Empower will install the cooling meter and activate the district cooling services for your property.

• Billing and Account Management:

• • Like DEWA, Empower provides an online portal and mobile application for managing your district cooling account.
  • Register and create an account to view your bills, track consumption, and make payments.

DLD (Dubai Land Department) Registration:

• Property Title Deed Transfer:

• • After purchasing a property, it is vital to register the transfer of ownership with the DLD.
  • Submit the necessary documents, including the original title deed, sales agreement, and relevant identification documents.
  • Pay the applicable registration fees and transfer taxes.
  • The DLD will review the documents and update the property ownership records in their system.

• Ejari Registration:

• • Ejari is the system for registering tenancy contracts in Dubai.
  • If you are leasing the property, register your tenancy contract with Ejari.
  • Provide the required documents, such as the tenancy contract, passport copies, and Emirates IDs of both the landlord and tenant.
  • Pay the Ejari registration fee.
  • Ejari will process the registration and issue an Ejari certificate as proof of the registered tenancy contract.

Conclusion

 Understanding common Arabic terms in the UAE real estate industry is crucial for effective communication and comprehension of property transactions. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can navigate the diverse real estate landscape of the UAE with confidence. Consider additional resources and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth and successful real estate experience in the UAE.