Yes. A judgment of the court of first instance may be appealed to the Court of Appeal within 30 days. If the appeal is unsuccessful, a cassation appeal may be filed with the Dubai Court of Cassation within 60 days. The cassation court reviews only the legality of the judgment, not the factual circumstances of the case.

In Dubai local courts, the official language of proceedings is Arabic. All documents must be translated, and hearings are conducted with an interpreter. However, in international jurisdictions such as DIFC and ADGM, proceedings are conducted in English under common law principles.

Mortgage for foreigners is available, but banks require proof of income, property appraisal, an initial down payment, and a complete set of documents. Terms vary by bank and depend on the borrower’s status.

Registration of ownership usually takes a few business days if all documents are complete and there are no disputes. If additional checks, NOC approval, or property verification are required, the process may extend to several weeks.

On the secondary market, foreigners can purchase apartments in designated freehold areas where ownership registration is permitted. Buying directly from a private seller requires particularly thorough due diligence: verification of ownership history, previous payments, registration records, and possible encumbrances. A lawyer conducts a comprehensive review, identifies potential risks, and provides recommendations — such as requesting the removal of encumbrances, adjusting the contract terms, or cancelling the transaction if necessary.

An NOC (No Objection Certificate) is an official approval issued by the developer or management company confirming that the property has no outstanding debts or legal restrictions and that the developer has no objections to the transfer of ownership. Without an NOC, registration is often blocked. A lawyer will request and verify the NOC in advance, monitor its conditions, and ensure there are no hidden obligations that could delay or prevent the registration process.

If hidden encumbrances or debts are discovered after the transfer of ownership, prompt action is essential: collect all relevant documents and notify the seller in writing, then consult a lawyer. The lawyer will request an extract from the property register, review the NOC, prepare a formal claim, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to remove the encumbrance, recover funds, or claim damages. Interim measures through the court may also be applied to secure your interests.

The government transfer fee is typically around 4% of the transaction value. In addition, fixed registration charges (usually 2.000–4.000 AED) and administrative costs apply. The total amount in other currencies depends on the exchange rate. Before payment, a lawyer prepares a detailed calculation of all fees to help you avoid unexpected expenses and plan for currency transfers and bank commissions in advance.

For a secure transaction, you will need the sale and purchase agreement, passports of both parties, payment confirmations and bank statements, the seller’s ownership documents, and handover certificates. An NOC from the developer is often required, along with Arabic translations and notarization. A lawyer will prepare the full documentation package, verify compliance, and provide payment instructions — minimizing the risk of delays during registration.

Yes, foreigners can purchase property in Dubai, but not in all areas. In designated zones, ownership can be registered in a foreign buyer’s name, with full entry into the land registry. A lawyer will verify whether the property’s location allows foreign ownership, prepare the necessary documentation, and explain the rights granted to the new owner.