How to check a Dubai developer or project

1. Find the project in the DLD's records

Search the DLD's real estate project status page by project name. Its fact sheet shows the project's status and completion, the developer's details, the management company and the escrow bank. If you can't find the project, ask the developer for its DLD project number before you go further.

2. Confirm the developer is registered

Under Law No. 8 of 2007, only developers entered in the DLD's Register of Real Estate Developers and licensed by the competent authorities can carry out real estate development in Dubai. The developer details in the project fact sheet should match the company named in your SPA.

3. Match the escrow account

Each off-plan project must have its own escrow account, opened in the project's name and used only to build it. Check that the bank and account in your payment instructions match the escrow account for the project, and pay nothing into any other account.

4. Check the advertising

A developer needs the DLD's written authorisation to advertise off-plan units or promote them at exhibitions. In Dubai, property adverts carry a DLD Trakheesi permit number and QR code. Ask for the permit if you can't see one.

5. Use Dubai REST

Dubai REST is the DLD's official app. Developers issue no-objection certificates through it, which are needed for resale and mortgage registration, and owners can use it to view their properties.

Warning signs

• A request to pay a personal account, an agent or a "holding" account.
• No project or developer you can find in the DLD's records.
• Pressure to pay before you've seen the SPA.

Official sources

• DLD: Real estate project status
• Dubai Law No. (8) of 2007 concerning escrow accounts (Articles 4, 5 and 9)
• DLD: Property sale registration (e-NOC via Dubai REST)
• DLD: Dubai REST