Steps to Register a Real Estate Project in Dubai

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Real Estate Project Registration in Dubai Matters
• Legal Framework for Project Registration
• Step-by-Step Guide to Real Estate Project Registration in Dubai
• Key Regulatory Bodies Involved
• Common Documents Required
• Technology Integration via DLD’s Mollak and Oqood Systems
• Case Study: A Mid-Tier Developer’s Journey in Dubai
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Fees and Charges
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Building with Confidence — Partner with Homecubes

Introduction

Dubai has become a magnet for real estate investment, with property projects launching across its vibrant urban landscape. However, before any marketing or sales activity can begin, developers must navigate a comprehensive registration process with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Real estate project registration ensures regulatory compliance, investor protection, and legal legitimacy.

I witnessed the signing of an agreement, focused on implementing a series of affordable housing projects, between RTA, Dubai Municipality, and Wasl Group. This initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and aligns with the city’s affordable housing policy. The first… pic.twitter.com/lzLd7XwNxC

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 20, 2025

This article offers a step-by-step breakdown of real estate project registration in Dubai, highlighting required documents, the role of escrow accounts, and digital platforms like Oqood and Mollak. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a first-time investor, understanding the procedure is critical to operating within the law and gaining buyer confidence.

Why Real Estate Project Registration in Dubai Matters

Dubai mandates project registration under Law No. 8 of 2007 concerning Escrow Accounts for Real Estate Developments, which aims to protect buyer funds and promote accountability among developers. The DLD, in conjunction with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), enforces this through systems such as Oqood in Dubai, for off-plan sales and Mollak for co-owned property management.

Benefits of registering a real estate project:

• Enables legal off-plan sales
• Provides a trust framework for buyers via escrow
• Prevents fraudulent or speculative development
• Ensures compliance with architectural, financial, and legal standards
• Establishes a transparent and trackable lifecycle for each project

Legal Framework for Project Registration

The primary legislation governing real estate project registration in Dubai includes:

• Law No. 13 of 2008: Requires developers to register all off-plan sales and projects with DLD and RERA.
• Law No. 8 of 2007: Mandates the use of escrow accounts for buyer protection.
• Law No. 6 of 2019: Pertains to jointly owned properties and mandates developer compliance with the Mollak System.

Developers must obtain all construction, financial, and ownership approvals before project registration is accepted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Real Estate Project Registration in Dubai

Step 1: Obtain a Developer License

To initiate registration, you must first be a registered developer. You can apply through the Dubai REST App or the DLD website.

Requirements:

• Trade license issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism
• Company incorporation documents
• Passport and Emirates ID of shareholders
• Developer application fees

Step 2: Submit a Project Registration Application

Once registered as a developer, submit a formal application to register a new project. This includes:

• Land title deed
• No objection certificate (NOC) from the master developer
• Initial project plans and budget
• Escrow agreement

Applications are typically processed through the Oqood portal, designed to streamline approvals.

Step 3: Open an Escrow Account

This is a mandatory step under Dubai’s real estate laws. Funds received from off-plan buyers are deposited here and can only be withdrawn in phases after DLD approval.

The escrow account must be opened with a DLD-approved bank, and the agreement must specify:

• Project name
• Developer details
• Land parcel ID
• Payment release schedule

Learn more about escrow processes on the Dubai REST Portal.

Step 4: Upload Documentation and Pay Fees

Using the Oqood system, developers must upload:

• Master plan approvals
• Project milestones and phasing schedules
• Consultant contracts
• Contractor contracts
• Financial guarantees

Fees vary based on project size and type.

Step 5: Final Approval and Marketing Authorization

Once DLD reviews and approves all documentation:

• The project is officially registered
• Off-plan sales can legally begin
• Project appears in DLD databases for public access

Key Regulatory Bodies Involved

• Dubai Land Department (DLD): Manages project registration, escrow compliance, and transaction transparency.
• Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA): Approves development plans, contractor licensing, and escrow structuring.
• Dubai Municipality: Issues building permits, environmental clearance, and infrastructure approvals.
• Master Developers (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel): Must issue NOCs for sub-developments on their land.

Common Documents Required

1. Developer license and trade license
2. Title deed and land ownership documents
3. NOC from master developer
4. Design and master plans approved by authorities
5. Budget breakdown and sales projection
6. Escrow account agreement
7. Project timeline and handover schedule
8. Contracts with main contractors and consultants

All documents must be authenticated and in Arabic (or officially translated).

Technology Integration via DLD’s Mollak and Oqood Systems

Dubai has digitized most of its real estate procedures. The two main platforms for project registration are:

• Oqood
  Manages project registration, escrow integration, and off-plan sale approvals.
• Mollak
  Regulates co-owned property developments, particularly in terms of service charges, auditing, and financial management.

These platforms ensure faster approvals, transparent operations, and integration with Dubai’s smart governance strategy.

Case Study: A Mid-Tier Developer’s Journey in Dubai

Company: Horizon BuildTech
Project: “Palm Cove Residences” — 90-unit mid-rise residential tower in JVC
Challenges:

• Delay in obtaining NOC from the master developer
• Incomplete architectural documentation
• Incorrect escrow disbursement plan

Solutions:

• Engaged a legal consultant to expedite NOC negotiation
• Worked with a RERA-accredited architect to submit revised blueprints
• Restructured escrow release schedules in line with construction phases

Outcome:
Successfully registered with DLD in Q3 2024, began off-plan sales within 6 weeks, and received high buyer confidence due to strict escrow compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping professional consultation: Legal and regulatory pitfalls can delay approval.
• Delays in escrow setup: Without an escrow account, registration cannot proceed.
• Incorrect documentation formatting: All uploads must meet DLD formatting and language guidelines.
• Unapproved contractors: All project partners must be approved by DLD and RERA.
• Ignoring Mollak compliance for co-owned properties: Failure to register in Mollak will prevent final approvals.

Fees and Charges

While the exact amount varies based on the scope of the project, the general breakdown includes:

For updated rates, visit the official DLD Fee Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to register a real estate project in Dubai?

It typically takes 3–8 weeks, depending on the completeness of the documents and escrow compliance.

Can foreign developers register a project in Dubai?

Yes, but they must first establish a legal presence in Dubai through a licensed entity.

What happens if a developer skips escrow registration?

The project cannot be marketed or sold legally, and the DLD may impose fines or halt construction.

What is the validity of a registered project?

Project registration is valid until completion, provided all milestones and reporting obligations are met.

Is Mollak registration mandatory?

Only if the project involves jointly owned properties, such as residential buildings with shared areas.

Building with Confidence — Partner with Homecubes

At Homecubes, we understand that Real Estate Project Registration in Dubai is more than paperwork—it’s the foundation of buyer trust and legal compliance. While we await final approval of our VARA license to launch regulated tokenization services, we continue to work with stakeholders preparing to meet tomorrow’s real estate standards.

Want guidance on DLD procedures, escrow compliance, or preparing for tokenized real estate registration once licenses are granted?
👉 Reach out to us today and join our early-access network of investors, developers, and forward-thinkers.