Dubai Rent Valuation Certificate | Overview

Dubai Rent Valuation Certificate | Overview

Rent Valuation Certificate

Re-evaluation of Dubai rental property value, by landlords, can be done through the Dubai Land Department. Landlords who believe that the RERA calculator does not accurately reflect the rental value of their Dubai properties can benefit from this service.

In such cases, landlords can request the Land Department to value their specific Dubai property, factoring in the individual features and specifications. 

This service can be accessed through:

  • The Dubai Land Department’s official website or,
  • Through the Dubai REST app.

Under the Services menu, there is an option to Request Valuation of Property Lease.

Some of the required documents include:

  1. Details and photos of the specific property, 
  2. As well as a payment of AED 2,000 per unit.

Based on the submitted documents, the Land Department may issue the Rental Valuation Certificate, reflecting the current market value of that property in Dubai. This Certificate then becomes an official reference, which can be used by landlords to raise Dubai rent or in case of dispute. 

The principle of property re-evaluation is based on Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008, regarding Dubai rental laws. And, specifically, Article 9.2, which sets out criteria, such as the “overall economic situation in the Emirate” and the “average rent of similar property” in determining market value of the property. 

This principle is also well settled in the Dubai Rent Dispute Center or RDC, which has consistently authorized landlords to increase rent beyond the RERA calculator, on the basis of the Dubai Rental Valuation Certificate.  

 
Increasing Rent on Basis of Rental Valuation Certificate

Landlords can increase the rent in Dubai, above the RERA Calculator, in cases where they have obtained a Property Valuation Certificate, issued by the Dubai Land Department.

This Certificate, in turn, can be issued on the basis of Landlord’s proof that the current market value of their Dubai property is above that reflected in the RERA Calculator. 

Notably, in all cases landlords can only increase rent in Dubai, in line with the allowed percentage of rental increase. Which ranges from 5% to a maximum of 20%. As per Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 on Dubai Rent Increase, and Article 1, in particular.

Noteworthy, for the landlord to increase rent, using the Property Valuation Certificate, still requires: 1) the proper legal notice and 2) tenant’s approval. 

In the event the tenant does not agree to the new property value, the Landlord must file a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center or RDC, to confirm the new rent in Dubai, on the basis of the Property Valuation Certificate.

This principle was re-asserted by RDC recently, in April of 2023. 

  •  In that case, the landlord wished to increase rent in Dubai by AED 25,000, from AED 175,000 to AED 200,000, on the basis of the Rental Valuation Certificate.
  • This would have been 14.3% increase.
  • The RDC allowed for the Dubai rent increase, but limited it to 5% or AED 8,750.00
  • This was on the basis that the current Dubai rent of the property was 14% less than the Rental Valuation Certificate, which allows for a maximum of 5% increase.
  • In its judgment, RDC relied on: 1) the Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 on Dubai Rent Increase, as well as 2) Law No. 33 of 2008, otherwise known as Dubai Rental Law. 

Dubai Rent Valuation Certificate - FAQs

It is a service that provides re-evaluation of Dubai rental property. This can be done through the Dubai land Department.

Landlords who believe that the RERA calculator does not accurately reflect the rental value of their Dubai properties can benefit from this service.

During this situation, landlords can request the Land Department to value their specific Dubai property, factoring in the individual features and specifications. 

Based on the review of the submitted documents, the Dubai Land Department may issue the Rental Valuation Certificate, reflecting the current market value of that property in Dubai.

Some of the required documents include: 1) details and photos of the specific property, 2) as well as a payment of AED 2,000 per unit.

Yes. In fact, for the landlord to increase rent, using the Property Valuation Certificate, still requires: 1) the proper legal notice and 2) tenant’s approval. 

If the tenant does not agree to the new property value, the Landlord must file a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center or RDC, to confirm the new rent, on the basis of the Property Valuation Certificate.

In all cases landlords can only increase rent in Dubai, in line with the allowed percentage of rental increase. Which ranges from 5% to a maximum of 20%.

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Injuries at Work in UAE-Guideline

Guideline to Injuries at Work in UAE

Occupational illnesses or injuries at work in UAE must be compensated by the employer

  • In other words, if the injuries at work in UAE is a direct result of one’s work, then the employer is obligated to pay for the treatment.
  • The treatment could be either in government or private health facilities. 
  • And the company must pay treatment costs, until either the worker recovers or is deemed disabled
  • Importantly, for injuries at work in UAE the treatment also includes rehabilitation
  • Furthermore, the company is obligated to pay for any moving expenses if required for treatment. 
  • However, the worker is not entitled to compensation for treatment in the event the injury was the result of one’s own negligent actions

This is in accordance with the U.A.E. Employment Law No. 33 of 2021, and Articles 37 and 38, specifically. As well as Article 23 of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.   

@ludmilayamalova Work Injuries in UAE - Overview 1. If the injury is a direct result of one’s work, then the employer is obligated to pay for the treatment. 2. The treatment could be either in government or private health facilities. 3. And the company must pay treatment costs, until either the worker recovers or is deemed disabled. #lylaw #ludmilayamalova #learnontiktok #legaltiktok #workinjury #employement ♬ ... is sweaty - Kellan

Injuries at Work in UAE - FAQs

The employer must compensate for any occupational illnesses or injuries at work in the UAE.

The employee can get treated in either government or private health facilities.

The company must pay for the treatment costs, until either the worker recovers or is deemed disabled.

Yes. The company is obligated to pay for any moving expenses if required for treatment.

The worker will not entitled to any compensation for treatment if the injury was the result of his/her own negligent actions.

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World’s First Crypto Freezone in UAE

World’s First Crypto Freezone in UAE

A dedicated digital and virtual assets UAE freezone has been introduced. It is based in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. And it is called the Digital Assets Oasis, established under the Ras Al Khaimah Law No. 2 of 2023.

It is reported to be the world’s first and only crypto freezone, set up exclusively to host digital and virtual asset companies.

Which are operating in new and emerging sectors, such as the:

  1. Metaverse,
  2. Blockchain,
  3. Utility tokens,
  4. Virtual asset wallets,
  5. NFTs, and
  6. Other Web3-related businesses.

The crypto UAE Freezone, ie, the Digital Assets Oasis has been granted financial, administrative, and legislative independence. 

And it will be affiliated with the newly created Department of the Future. Which was established by virtue of RAK Law No. 1 of 2023.

RAK Digital Assets Oasis will open for applications in the second quarter of 2023.

@ludmilayamalova World’s First Crypto Freezone in UAE 1. A dedicated digital and virtual assets freezone has bed introduced in the UAE. 2. It is based in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. 3. And it is called the Digital Assets Oasis, established under the Ras Al Khaimah Law No. 2 of 2023. 4. It is reported to be the world’s first and only free zone, set up exclusively to host digital and virtual asset companies. #ludmilayamalova #lylaw #learnontiktok #legaltiktok #cryptocurrency #crypto #cryptok ♬ I Like Me Better - Lauv

Crypto Freezone in UAE - FAQ

The digital and virtual assets UAE freezone introduced is located in Ras Al Khaimah.

It is called the Digital Assets Oasis, established under the Ras Al Khaimah Law No. 2 of 2023.

It will include the following the sectors:
1) Metaverse,
2) Blockchain,
3) Utility tokens,
4) Virtual asset wallets,
5) NFTs, and
6) Other Web3-related businesses.

RAK Digital Assets Oasis will open for applications in the second quarter of 2023.

Yes. There is no income tax in the UAE. And your financial transactions are not going to be subject to tax. There will be some banking charges, as is the case with all financial transactions. But no tax. And even when corporate tax is introduced, they will apply only to businesses with profit. Your type of transaction will not be subject to tax even then.

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Anti-Discrimination UAE Laws

UAE Laws on Anti-Discrimination

As per the UAE laws, discrimination is prohibited and penalized by a number of specific laws.

The main UAE law on anti-discrimination is the Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015, on Combating Discrimination and Hatred, which came into effect in August 2015

The law is rather comprehensive, covering blasphemy, hate speech, and all forms of discrimination. 

The penalties for violating this UAE law can be severe and include:

  1. Prison of not less than 5 years, and/or
  2. Monetary penalty of not less than AED 500,000.

Additionally, discrimination is also expressly forbidden and penalized in the employment context, pursuant to the UAE Labor Law, No. 33 of 2021, along with its Executive Regulations. Which include expressed provisions on Equality and Non-Discrimination

For example, under Article 4 of the UAE Labour Law, it is forbidden to have discrimination in the workplace on the basis of :

  1. Ethnicity,
  2. Race,
  3. Sex,
  4. Religion,
  5. National origin,
  6. Social status or
  7. Any disability.

It is also forbidden to discriminate amongst people in the same job.

Furthermore, the UAE Labour Law provides expressed prohibition against any form of discrimination against working women, including on the basis of pay-scale.  

Finally, there are multiple UAE laws regarding non-discrimination of people of determination. One such law is the UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 on the Rights of People of Determination. As well as a separate Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022 on the Rights of People with Disabilities in Dubai.

Anti-Discrimination UAE Laws - FAQs

The primary UAE law on anti-discrimination is the Federal Decree Law No.2 of 2015, on Combating Discrimination and Hatred. This came into effect in August, 2015.

This UAE law is comprehensive and covers all aspects of:
1. Blasphemy
2. Hate speech
3. And all kinds of discrimination in UAE

Penalties for violating this UAE law will be severe. It includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and/or monetary penalty of not less than AED 500,000.

As per the UAE law, discrimination in the workplace is forbidden and penalized. As such, it is forbidden to discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, sex, religion, national origin, social status or any disability.

Yes. In fact, the UAE Labour Law provides an expressed prohibition against any form of discrimination against working women and this specially covers pay-scale as well.

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Dubai Government Launches Feedback Platform

Dubai Government Feedback Platform

Dubai residents can now submit feedback, suggestions and complaints against government departments and/or officials through a dedicated service.

04 Platform – is the name of the feedback service platform that was recently launched by the Dubai government, specifically, HH Sheikh Hamdan. 

  • More than 40 government entities are already registered on the Dubai government feedback service platform.
  • The Dubai government feedback service platform allows residents to file complaints efficiently, in 3 steps.
  • The complaint will then be reviewed by the relevant government officials and addressed accordingly. 

The objective of the 04 Platform is to connect Dubai Government and its customers, to allow the Government to make informed decisions based on customers’ input. 

The Dubai government feedback service platform can be accessed on the website, by typing https://04.gov.ae/

The service is also accessible via WhatsApp for Business, where residents can message directly to provide their feedback.  

Feedback Service by Dubai Government - FAQs

04 Platform is the name of the new feedback service launched by the Dubai Government. You access this service by clicking on this website here- https://04.gov.ae/

Yes. Their service is accessible via WhatsApp for Business, where Dubai residents can message directly to provide their feedback.

The purpose of this platform is to connect Dubai Government and its customers to allow the Government to make informed decisions based on customers’ input.

Dubai residents can now submit feedback, suggestions and complaints against government departments and/or officials through this dedicated service. And it can be submitted in 3 simple steps.

There are more than 40 government entities already registered on the platform.

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UAE Ramadan – Working Hours, Food Outlets, Anti-Begging Law, Donations Law

Ramadan Kareen 2023

Ramadan UAE - Overview

Ramadan Kareen 2023

UAE Ramadan – Working Hours 

The UAE Ramadan working hours must be reduced by 2 hours a day.

This applies, equally, to the: 1) private sector, 2) public sector and 3) schools.

And for everyone – those who fast, as well as those who do not.

The requirement to reduce working hours during Ramadan in UAE for the private sector is set out in Article 15(2) of the Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 re: Implementing Regulations of the UAE Labor Law.

Furthermore, with regards to the public sector, on Fridays, federal employees will work remotely70% of their working hours.

Similarly, schools in the UAE have the option of allowing students and staff to attend school from home on Fridays, during the whole month of Ramadan.

UAE Ramadan – Dubai Restaurants & Outdoor Dining

Ramadan, as we all know, is a month of fasting for Muslims. 

And the UAE observes and encourages a fasting-friendly environment

As such, for the non-fasting population, it is sensible to avoid eating or drinking publicly, out of respect for those who are fasting. 

Over the recent years, the UAE, as an increasingly multicultural society, has relaxed many of its previously stringent Ramadan protocols. 

In Dubai, in 2021, the Department of Economic Development issued a Circular, stating that:

  • Food outlets were no longer required to serve food out of public view, during fasting hours.
  • And that screens and curtains, particularly, in malls, would no longer be required. 
  • Nor would the Dubai restaurants be required to obtain a permit for serving food during fasting hours.

This Circular replaced previous circulars, which had required restaurants to block dining areas from the sight of those who were fasting. As such, as we enter Ramadan 2023, in Dubai:

  • Dubai Restaurants, cafes and bars can remain open and serve food publicly.
  • Supermarkets, pharmacies, malls and businesses can also remain open throughout the day.
  • Though live music will most likely be less popular during this time. 

UAE Ramadan – Anti-Begging Law


While
honoring the spirit of giving and sharing, during the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE, remember not to do so through begging, or encourage begging. This is because any form of begging in the UAE is illegal

There is a specific law on Anti-Begging, which is the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021.

  • Pursuant to which, anyone who is caught begging in the UAE will be subject to: 1) a fine of AED 5,000 and 2) imprisonment of up to 3 months
  • Furthermore, any type of organized begging is subject to even stricter 1) fine of AED 100,000, and 2) a 6-month imprisonment.
  • Also, begging using online or digital means is subject to a separate law, which is the UAE Cybercrime Law, No. 34 of 2021. And Article 51 of that law, in particular, titled Cyber Begging.
  • Which criminalizes online begging, with 1) a minimum fine of AED 10,000 and/or 2) imprisonment for up to 3 months

Importantly, the UAE Cybercrime Law also penalizes anyone who, through digital means, enables unauthorized raising or collection of funds. 

UAE Ramadan – Donations Law

During this holy month of Ramadan, when the spirit of sharing and giving, in the Muslim communities, is at its highest, it is important to remember that there are specific laws, regulating donations and charitable activities in the UAE

  • In other words, any type of 1) donations, 2) fundraising or 3) other charitable efforts can only be conducted by properly licensed and authorized organizations
  • Unauthorized 1) collection of donations or 2) use of donations can lead to serious penalties, including: 1) imprisonment and 2) a fine from AED 150,000 – 500,000, depending on the offense
  • Importantly, this applies not only to collecting donations without a proper license, but also sending or transferring unauthorized donations.
  • There is also a separate fine of AED 100,000 for any unlicensed entity, which claims to be a charitable or humanitarian organization.

This is governed by the UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 on Regulation of Donations. 

However, if you wish to donate or contribute, some examples of licensed organizations in the UAE are:

  • Emirates Red Crescent Authority
  • Khlaifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
  • Al Maktoum Foundation
  • Emirates Charity Portal
  • Dubai Cares, among others…

So, if you want to give or share, there are many meaningful opportunities to do so legally. 

UAE Ramadan Overview - FAQs

The UAE Ramadan working hours have been reduced by 2 hours a day.

No. The reduced working hours during Ramadan in UAE is applicable equally to both fasting and non-fasting employees across private sectors, private sectors and even schools.

Yes. It is mandatory for companies to abide by UAE Ramadan working hours and it is applicable to both fasting and non-fasting employees.

Yes, however, only through licensed and authorized entities in the UAE. Here are some examples of licensed organizations if you wish you donate this Ramadan. 

  • Emirates Red Crescent Authority
  • Khlaifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
  • Al Maktoum Foundation
  • Emirates Charity Portal
  • Dubai Cares

Yes. As per the Circular issued by the Department of Economic Development in 2021:

  • Food outlets such as cafes and restaurants in Dubai can remain open and serve food publicly. 
  • Even supermarkets, malls, pharmacies and businesses can also remain open throughout the day.

Live music will most likely be less popular during Ramadan in UAE. As such, for the non-fasting population, it is sensible to avoid eating or drinking publicly, out of respect for those who are fasting.

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Dubai Rent Increase Percentage Calculation

Dubai Rent Increase Percentage Calculation

Dubai rent increase limited to a maximum of 20% of the contract value. In other words, the most that the landlord can legally increase your rent by is 20%, from your current rent amount. 

This is irrespective of how much higher, the landlord believes, the current market value of the property may be. 

Importantly, the allowable percentage of rent increase in Dubai depends on the percentage of the increase of the market value of the property. 

Specifically,

  • In cases where the market value of the property has increased by no more than 10% from the contract value, then there is NO increase allowed, all together. 
  • If the market value of the property has increased between 11% – 20% of the contract value – then the maximum percentage of increase is 5%.
  • In cases where the market value is between 21% – 30% above the contract value – the percentage of increase is 10%.
  • If the market value of the property is between 31% and 40% over the contract value – the maximum increase is 15%
  • And, finally, if the market value of the property is more than 40% above the contract value – the maximum percentage of rent increase is 20%

This means, in simple terms, that if your contract rent is AED 100,000 and the property is now valued at AED 300,000, or 3 times more – the maximum amount that the landlord can increase your rent by is AED 20,000, to a total of AED 120,000/per year, which is a 20% increase. 

This is in accordance with the Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013, Determining Rent Increase for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai.

And Article 1, titled Percentages of Increase, in particular.

Dubai Rent Increase Percentage Calculation - FAQs

The maximum percentage of rent increase is 20% of the contract value.

If the market value has increased between 11% to 20% of the contract value, then the maximum rent increase is 5% for your property.

It will be 20%, which is the maximum percentage of rent increase in Dubai

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Trademark Registration in UAE – Q&A

Trademark Registration In UAE - Q&A

  1. How do you define a trademark?
    -A trademark is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services.
    -In the UAE, a trademark can be a name, word, signature, drawing, packaging etc.

  2. What are some of the criteria for registering a trademark in UAE? 
    -Anything that distinguishes one good from another qualifies.  And it must be used in a commercial setting, to enjoy protection.
    -Ordinary elements related to a person, which do not distinguish them, do not qualify as a trademark.  Also, certain public symbols or words cannot be trademarked.

  3. Does the UAE have trademark laws and if so, what are they? 
    -Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021.
    -And Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2022 re: Executive Regulations to the Trademark Law. 

  4. Is the UAE a member of any international trademark protocols or treaties?
    -The U.A.E. adopted the Nice Classification system in its Federal Decree-Law No. 156 of 2021.
    -Also, in 2021, the UAE adopted the Madrid Protocol, which is the Federal Decree-Law No. 67.

  5. How much does it cost for trademark registration in UAE? 
    -The initial application fee is AED 750/trademark.
    -And the trademark registration fee is AED 5,000.

  6. What are the penalties for trademark infringement? 
    Anything from closing down the business, to seizing and destroying the goods, 3) to fines, which can range from AED 10,000 – AED 1 million.
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Nominal Ownership of Property in UAE – Q&A

Nominal Ownership Of Property In UAE - Q&A

  1. What is nominal ownership of a property?
    It is when a property is officially registered in the name of someone other than the owner.  For example, I buy a property and register it under my friend’s name.

  2. Is nominal ownership of a property in the UAE legal? 
    -The UAE does not recognize nominal ownership of real estate assets. 
    -In the UAE, property registration, as is reflected in the title deed, is undisputed evidence of property ownership.
    -For title deed to be treated otherwise, would contradict the principles of 1) security and insurance, 2) confirmation of property registration, 3) integrity of the land registry
    -Therefore, the title deed is considered to be an absolute authority.

  3. Are there ways to challenge such ownership?
    Only if there is proof of either fraud or forgery

  4. What are the consequences of nominal ownership? 
    -Attempts to challenge the ownership will result in extensive legal fees and court proceedings.
    -The person listed on the title deed is the legal owner.
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Health Insurance in UAE

Health Insurance in UAE - Q&A

  1. Is UAE health insurance mandatory?
    Yes, although it is more regulated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as compared to other emirates.

     

  2. What laws cover UAE health insurance? 
    There are both federal and emirate-based laws. Most Emirates have their own specific health-insurance regulations, which apply to their residents. But at the federal level, the UAE Immigration Law lists health insurance coverage as a requirement for all types of visas and residencies.

     

  3. Who does the UAE health insurance apply to? 
    All residents of the UAE are supposed to be covered by health insurance.  This includes even those who are self-sponsored, for example on Golden Visas. Furthermore, even tourists are supposed to have health insurance in UAE.

     

  4. Who has the responsibility of providing health insurance in the UAE?
    The sponsor has the obligation to provide health insurance in UAE.  For example, companies sponsoring employees must provide health insurance to their employees.  However, if employees are sponsored by someone else or self-sponsored, then the obligation is on the sponsor.  This applies to Golden Visa sponsors.

     

  5. Is there a basic level of protection/coverage for UAE health insurance?
    Yes, it is called the Essential Benefits Plan and it applies automatically to all residents in Dubai.  This plan covers 1) basic tests, 2) diagnosis, 3) treatment, 4) as well as emergencies in all Emirates.

     

  6. What are the penalties for not providing/having UAE health insurance?
    The penalties depend on the violation.  Under the Dubai Health Insurance law, the penalties range from AED 500 to AED 150,000.  Employers who fail to provide health insurance to their employees, are subject to AED 1,000 fine/employee. Employers who demand their employees to cover the costs of health insurance can be subject to AED 10,000/fine.  
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