United Arab Emirates: Construction & Planning

Investing in off-plan property can be an attractive way to buy in Dubai. Buyers can purchase the unit early, take advantage of payment plans, and potentially benefit from the property’s appreciation in value before it is completed. But things don’t always go as promised. Construction delays, project changes, disputes over instalments, cancelled developments and disagreements over refunds can leave buyers unsure of their rights.

Construction projects in the UAE move quickly. Builders, contractors, subcontractors, developers, consultants, and suppliers often work under tight deadlines, staged payments, technical approvals, variation...

A significant part of this growth has been driven by off-plan property sales, allowing investors to purchase units before construction is completed, often at attractive prices and through flexible payment plans.

Off-plan property investments can quickly turn into costly disputes when developers fail to meet obligations.

On 1 June 2026 (the “Effective Date”), Federal Decree-Law No. 25/2025 promulgating the Civil Transaction Law (the “New Civil Code”) comes into force. As a result, some of its mandatory...

On 1 October 2025, the United Arab Emirates government issued Federal Decree Law No. 25/2025 promulgating the new UAE Civil Transactions Law (the "New Civil Code").

In this episode, our hosts and rights of light experts, James Souter and Jerome Webb are joined by Barrister, John McGhee KC, Wilberforce Chambers who was leading...

On 26 September 2025, the Ministry of Finances ("MoF") of the UAE issued a corporate tax public clarification (the "Public Clarification") on the application of the valuation...

On 14 April 2025, the Emirate of Ajman published Law No. 1 of 2025 concerning the regulation of real estate contributions (the "Law") in Official Gazette Issue No. 3.