Q: I have purchased a property in Dubai in Dec 2017 by putting a 30% deposit of the purchase price to the Developers account and received the reservation form and receipts only. However, I still do not have the SPA or OQOOD as of Aug 2018. The developer has been saying the SPA templates have been getting delayed at DLD. Per the reservation form, I have an upcoming payment in Sep 2018, however, I do not want to pay this as I still don't have the SPA or Oqood which is my legal document and there is no escrow account per DLD website. What is my legal position here and how can I get this resolved or can I get refunded given there is no contract as yet? Please guide

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: قام مكتب تمثيل لشركة أجنبية ببيع عقار خارج الدولة وقام المكتب بإبرام استمارة الحجز واستلم شيك بنكي مني. تقدمت بإلغاء الحجز اليوم التالي فرفض المكتب إعادة المبلغ المدفوع. مع العلم بأن المكتب غير مُسجَّل لدى دائرة الأراضي والأملاك ونشاطه بالرخصة مكتب تمثيلي. كيف أتمكن من استرجاع المبلغ المدفوع؟

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.