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: Hi I bought an off-plan property from a developer in downtown during the peak time. My payment plan was based on construction with completion being Dec 2019. I have paid more than 50%. I requested the developer to readjust my payment plan as the project is delayed. They moved on payment forward and sneakingly changed completion date to Aug 2021 in the document. The SPA still says Dec 2019. Now I'm struggling to pay the next payment due to COVID-19 and project is completed 56% as par Dubai land department and 60% as per the developer. The developer is asking for payment and calling me every day. My question is can I still use the delay in the project as a clause to cancel my unit? Can I cancel my apartment and how much can the developer deduct? After selling me, the developer started offering customers post-handover payment plans for 4 years, which is very unfair as even if I complete my payment, no one will buy from me as the developer is selling something with 4 years post-handover. Can legal help be provided in this regard?

Q: I purchased a property in March 2018 with a completion date of March 2020 with (60/40 payment plan). I have paid 60% of payments; however, the project is only 32% complete. The developer is giving reasons for the delay like: a) Fire Incident b) Covid 19 c) Main contractor safety violations In the current scenario, it looks impossible that he would be able to deliver even by March 2021. What are my legal rights against the developer and how I can be compensated for my investment?

Q: Good morning Mr. Ahmed Abbas, I am W. L. from China. I have ordered an off-plan property in Dubai. Last month, the developer informed me that the unit is completed and reminded me of the last installment. I am living in Shanghai, and the city is on lockdown due to the government's measures against COVID-19 from 28 March 2022. Now people are not allowed to leave their community. Could I treat it as a force majeure event and ask the developer for extending the due date without penalty? Please note that we do not ask for freeing the debt! Thanks

س: السلام عليكم، تأخّر المطور في تشغيل المشروع الفندقي. بعد مرور ٣ سنوات من استكمال البناء ولأنني أحد الملاك، فقد دفعت أكثر من ٩٠% من قيمة الوحدة وتم تسجيل الوحدة في دائرة الأراضي والأملاك. الآن بحسب الزيارة الميدانية فإن المشروع غير مؤهّل لأن يعمل حتى هذا العام ٢٠٢٣. هل يحق لي المطالبة باسترداد الأموال المدفوعة؟

An interview-format article covering the topic of force majeure in the UAE, in light of COVID-19. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

An interview-format article covering the topic of COVID-19 in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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