How to File a Real Estate Case in Dubai: A Complete Legal Guide (2026)

Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic and investor-friendly property markets in the world. With thousands of property transactions taking place every year, disputes are inevitable. These disputes may arise between buyers and developers, landlords and tenants, co-owners, brokers, or property management companies.

If you are facing a real estate dispute, understanding how to file a real estate case in Dubai is crucial to protecting your rights, money, and property.

This comprehensive guide explains the complete legal process, relevant authorities, documentation, costs, timelines, and expert tips—written from the perspective of an experienced real estate litigation professional in the UAE.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Real Estate Disputes in Dubai

2. Laws Governing Real Estate Cases in Dubai

3. Types of Real Estate Cases in Dubai

4. Which Authority Has Jurisdiction?

5. Step-by-Step Process to File a Real Estate Case in Dubai

6. Filing a Case Through Dubai Courts

7. Filing a Rental Dispute (RERA / RDC)

8. Filing a Case Against a Developer

9. Documents Required for a Real Estate Case

10. Legal Fees and Court Costs

11. Timelines for Real Estate Cases in Dubai

12. Can Foreigners File Real Estate Cases in Dubai?

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

14. Why Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer Is Critical

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

16. Conclusion

Understanding Real Estate Disputes in Dubai

A real estate dispute occurs when one party believes that another party has violated contractual, statutory, or regulatory obligations related to property ownership, sale, leasing, construction, or management.

Dubai’s real estate sector is strictly regulated, and disputes are resolved through specialized judicial and administrative bodies.

Real estate cases commonly involve:

• Financial losses
• Contractual breaches
• Delays in project delivery
• Illegal eviction or rent disputes
• Property defects or misrepresentation

Laws Governing Real Estate Cases in Dubai

Real estate litigation in Dubai is governed by a combination of federal and emirate-level laws, including:

• UAE Civil Transactions Law
• UAE Civil Procedures Law
• Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 (Real Property Registration Law)
• Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Landlord & Tenant Law)
• Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008 (Amended Tenancy Law)
• Regulations issued by Dubai Land Department

Understanding which law applies depends on the nature of your dispute.

Types of Real Estate Cases in Dubai

1 Property Sale & Purchase Disputes

• Breach of Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
• Delay in handover
• Cancellation of off-plan projects
• Refund claims

2 Landlord & Tenant Disputes

• Rent increase disputes
• Illegal eviction
• Maintenance obligations
• Security deposit recovery

3 Developer Disputes

• Delayed projects
• Misrepresentation
• Non-completion
• Quality and structural defects

4 Brokerage Disputes

• Unpaid commissions
• Unauthorized listings
• Misleading advertisements

5 Co-Ownership & Property Management Disputes

• Service charges
• Owners association issues
• Mismanagement claims

Which Authority Has Jurisdiction?

Choosing the correct authority is the most critical step in filing a real estate case in Dubai.

Main Authorities:

• Dubai Courts
• Rental Dispute Center (RDC)
• Dubai Land Department
• Special tribunals for developers and escrow disputes

❗ Filing in the wrong forum can lead to rejection or delays.

Step-by-Step Process to File a Real Estate Case in Dubai

Step 1: Identify the Nature of the Dispute

Determine whether your case is:

• Rental related
• Sale & purchase related
• Developer related
• Ownership related

Step 2: Attempt Amicable Settlement (Recommended)

Dubai authorities strongly encourage dispute resolution before litigation. Mediation can save time and cost.

Step 3: Prepare Legal Documents

Your claim must be supported by legally valid documents (explained later).

Step 4: Determine Jurisdiction

• Rental disputes → RDC
• Ownership & sale disputes → Dubai Courts

Step 5: File the Case

Cases can be filed:

• Online
• Through court service centers
• Through licensed lawyers

Filing a Real Estate Case Through Dubai Courts

Dubai Courts handle property ownership, sale, developer, and compensation disputes.

Procedure:

1. Draft a Statement of Claim (Arabic mandatory)

2. Attach evidence and contracts

3. Pay court fees

4. Case registration

5. Hearings begin

6. Judgment issued

7. Execution (if required)

Court language is Arabic, and improper translation can weaken your case.

Filing a Rental Dispute (RERA / RDC)

All landlord-tenant disputes must be filed with the Rental Dispute Center.

Common RDC Cases:

• Rent increase disputes
• Eviction notices
• Maintenance claims
• Ejari issues

RDC Process:

1. File complaint online or at RDC
2. Pay fees (lower than courts)
3. First instance judgment
4. Appeal (if applicable)

RDC decisions are legally binding and enforceable.

Filing a Case Against a Developer in Dubai

Developer disputes are common in off-plan projects.

Grounds to File:

• Delayed handover
• Project cancellation
• Escrow violations
• False promises

Developers are regulated by Dubai Land Department, and claims may involve escrow accounts.

Documents Required for a Real Estate Case

Typical documents include:

• Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
• Title deed / Oqood
• Ejari certificate
• Payment receipts
• Developer correspondence
• Legal notices
• Passport & Emirates ID
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

All documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator.

Legal Fees and Court Costs

Court Fees:

• Usually 6% of claim value
• Capped at AED 40,000 (Dubai Courts)
• RDC fees are lower

Lawyer Fees:

• Fixed fee or percentage-based
• Depends on complexity and claim value

⚠️ Poorly filed cases often cost more in the long run.

Timelines for Real Estate Cases in Dubai

Timelines vary based on evidence, hearings, and appeals.

Can Foreigners File Real Estate Cases in Dubai?

Yes. Foreign investors have equal legal rights in Dubai property disputes.

Foreigners can:

• File cases personally
• Appoint UAE-licensed lawyers
• Grant Power of Attorney

Dubai courts regularly handle international real estate disputes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Filing in the wrong authority
❌ Missing limitation periods
❌ Poor Arabic translations
❌ Incomplete documentation
❌ Acting without legal advice

These mistakes can result in case dismissal.

Why Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer Is Critical

A qualified Dubai real estate lawyer:

• Determines correct jurisdiction
• Drafts legally sound claims
• Represents you in Arabic
• Handles appeals & execution
• Maximizes compensation chances

Real estate law in Dubai is technical—professional legal support is not optional, it is strategic.