Relocating to a new country can be daunting, particularly when encountering unfamiliar terminology in rental agreements. This guide aims to demystify common Arabic terms used in the UAE’s real estate sector, empowering you with greater confidence in your rental journey.
The UAE boasts a robust and transparent real estate market with well-defined regulations safeguarding all parties involved in property transactions.
1. Ejari:
Ejari is a mandatory system for registering long-term rental contracts, overseen by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This crucial step ensures the legality and government authorization of your tenancy agreement.
Key Benefits:
Legal Recognition: Establishes the validity of your tenancy contract.
Essential Services: Facilitates registration with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), TV and internet providers.
Dispute Resolution: Provides a framework for resolving disputes and safeguards your legal rights.
Transparency: Maintains a record of property ownership and tenancy history, enhancing transparency.
2. Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi):
Introduced by the Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM), Tawtheeq is the equivalent of Ejari for Abu Dhabi residents. It mandates the registration of all rental contracts and properties.
Key Benefits:
Transparency and Credibility: Ensures the authenticity of all rental transactions.
Efficiency: Streamlines the registration process, saving time and effort.
Historical Data: Provides a comprehensive record of property and tenancy information.
3. Tasdeeq (Ajman):
Tasdeeq is Ajman’s equivalent system, facilitating the registration of both residential and commercial contracts. While not currently mandatory, it enhances the transparency and security of rental agreements.
4. Musataha:
Musataha refers to a type of lease granting permission to build or cultivate on another’s land, typically with a maximum duration of 50 years. While less common in freehold zones, it may be applicable in certain business communities.
5. Ijarah (Rent-to-Own):
Ijarah is a financing arrangement where a bank leases property to the customer with the option to purchase at the end of the lease term, provided all payments are made.
6. Makani:
Makani is a unique code assigned to all public and private buildings across the UAE. This system aids in property location and facilitates emergency response services.
By understanding these key terms, you can navigate the UAE’s real estate market with greater ease and confidence.
