Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I wanted some legal advice regarding my property issue. I have purchased a quarter share of a hotel room investment in a project in Dubai Marina. I have paid about 31% of the total purchase price. I have signed all the paperwork and obtained the partial property deed. Due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to continue to make the payments required. Now the developers are saying that by Dubai Law, they are allowed to keep 25% of the total purchase price from the monies I have paid. I want to know if there is any case law or discretion that the developers have to consider in circumstances such as mine where I want to complete the transaction but I am unable to due to not having a job and financially being able to complete the transaction. I am trying to sell the interest but at present cannot find a buyer. Please let me know what my legal rights are if the developer does keep the full 25% of the purchase price, do I have any legal remedies? Thank you Z.

Q: I bought an off-plan property In Abu Dhabi and have paid some percentage as part of the flexible payment program for the down payment. However, no sale and purchase agreement has been provided to be signed by both parties. Construction did not commence and recently, the entire project has been moved to another developer. I have been contacted by the new developer and was told the project construction start date is indefinite. Based on this, can I get a refund as I only have the reservation agreement and no contract has been signed, plus the project has not started which will definitely not be completed in time (even with a six months delay allowance)?

Q: I want to buy a house in the UAE. What are the aspects that I should consider? and what are the documents that I should cross-check and verify?

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.