Importance of the Real Estate Sector in the UAE

The real estate sector is considered one of the pillars of the UAE economy, attracting both local and international investors alike. With this substantial growth, real estate disputes arise that require legal intervention to protect the rights of parties involved and ensure market stability.

Major Real Estate Issues

1. Property Disputes

   • Disputes related to property ownership or registration

   • Cases of trespassing on properties or boundary disputes

2. Breach of Real Estate Contracts

   • Issues related to one party’s failure to adhere to contract terms, such as sale or lease agreements

   • Delays in delivering real estate projects by developers

3. Rental Issues

   • Disputes between landlords and tenants over rent or eviction

   • Rent increases or breaches of lease agreement terms

4. Real Estate Development

   • Conflicts between developers and investors

   • Issues related to the registration of properties under construction

5. Refunds

   • Cases concerning the recovery of advance payments due to developers’ failure to fulfill their obligations

Legal Framework

The UAE relies on specific laws that govern the real estate sector, including:

• The Law Regulating the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants (such as Dubai’s Rent Law No. 26 of 2007)

• Laws regulating property (like Law No. 7 of 2006 regarding property registration in Dubai)

• Federal laws governing real estate and investments

Mechanisms for Resolving Real Estate Disputes

1. Real Estate Dispute Committees

   • Such as the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

   • Aimed at resolving disputes quickly and efficiently

2. Real Estate Arbitration

   • An alternative method for dispute resolution, where a specialized arbitrator is appointed to decide the case

3. Real Estate Courts

   • Major real estate cases are escalated to the courts if they cannot be resolved amicably

Conclusion

Real estate issues in the UAE arise due to the diversity of parties involved and the complexity of real estate contracts. Therefore, the presence of strong laws and specialized organizations ensures the protection of the rights of all parties and the stability of the real estate market in the country.