Q: REFUND FROM UNPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPER, NO CONTRACT, NO OQOOD, NO PROGRESS We purchased properties with Royal Estates in DIP - we have paid approximately 25% of the final value already, however they have broken the law on at least 2 issues, as they haven't given us a contract within 15 days of our reservation form plus there is no Oqood. There is no work on the site also. The developer is constantly making excuses for past two years and is most unprofessional and unhelpful - they are unlawfully keeping our money. The reservation form is null and void as we purchased in 2015. Is there a way we can get a straightforward refund from the Escrow account that DLD holds? There's no point for a court case as there's no challenge with the developer - anyone can see they have breached law, and I'm sure Dubai want to keep a good reputation to foreign investors without making things legally expensive and messy. Your advice on the law for this simple situation is appreciated, Thank you

Q: I put a deposit down on two "off-plan" properties. I paid a deposit on both and received a reservation document signed and stamped by the developer. However, at the time of the deposit, I was under the age of 21 which is the minimum age to purchase property in Dubai. Lastly once the deposit was made I never received an SPA or NOC. Have now been sent a notice by Dubai Land Department on the request of the developers for Property Termination procedure. The request was canceled. I am now trying to figure out how to get my deposit back as I believe since I was underage and no formal contract was presented or signed, the agreement is void.

Q: Seeking cancellation for the delaying property delivery, as developers are not being reasonable. I purchased an off-plan property in Dubai which was due for handover in June 2018 but still incomplete as of May 2020 (approx. 58%). 80% has been paid from a purchase price of 1.97 million, plus 4% DLD fees. After pleading with developers for assistance, I recently got offered 2 x 999,999 AED, properties from the Developer (not ready till first quarter 2021 apparently), plus DLD fees as they would be classed as new sales. I wish to cancel the purchase. Do I get additional rights for a 2-year delay and being under 60% completion? Can I use force majeure (I'm on 75% wage reduction till September due to COVID-19)? Has a law come into play to have additional compensation whilst renting during the delay? (I was advised on June 2019 by the SLC that there were discussions at DLD but nothing official). Can you claim the 4% DLD fees back? Thanks in advance

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I had invested in a financial firm registered in DED. It is a secured product, and a fixed monthly return was guaranteed as per the contract. I received returns regularly from September 2021 till December 2023. Now, somebody has complained to DED against the company for crowdfunding and using money for trading. The company is in the process of obtaining a DIFC license. They want to change the existing secured product contract to an unsecured product in which the company is not liable for loss. For the same, they are now forcing me to sign a new addendum to the existing contract, which I am not ready to do. Returns have stopped since January 1st.

This Law applies to developers who sell units off-plan in real estate development projects in the Emirate of Dubai and who should receive payments from purchasers or financiers towards such real property units to the special escrow accounts.

This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.

This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.