Transfer of Ownership
Transfer of ownership is the change of a property’s registered owner. In Dubai it takes effect when the Dubai Land Department records it.
Definition
Law No. (7) of 2006 provides that transactions transferring real property rights are recorded in the Property Register and “will not be deemed valid unless recorded in the Property Register”. DLD runs separate services for different kinds of transfer — Property Sale Registration, Property Gift Registration, Inheritance Title Transfer and the Title transfer application — each with its own documents and fees.
What it shows — and what it does not
Knowing which kind of transfer you are making tells you which DLD service, documents and fees apply. An agreement between the parties is not itself the transfer.
Example
Illustrative example: a father giving an apartment to his son uses the gift service, not the sale service, so a different fee applies and proof of relationship is needed.
Next step
See the routes at How a Dubai property transfer works.
Source: Law No. (7) of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai — Dubai Legislation Portal · supports: validity only on registration · checked 11 October 2026
Source: Property Sale Registration — Dubai Land Department · supports: the sale service · checked 11 October 2026
Source: Property Gift Registration — Dubai Land Department · supports: the gift service · checked 11 October 2026
Source: Inheritance Title Transfer — Dubai Land Department · supports: the inheritance service · checked 11 October 2026
Authoritative references
Governance
- October 11, 2026
Maintenance: Updated for material UAE authority/trustee process changes and recurring user confusion. Method: Editorial Policy