If you can’t verify a project and its developer with RERA/DLD in minutes, don’t sign anything. You have two reliable checkpoints in Dubai: the Dubai REST mobile app and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) online services. Use them before you transfer a dirham or commit to an off-plan promise.
Why this matters (and why buyers still get burned)
Dubai’s market moves fast. Off-plan launches sell out overnight, and glossy brochures can distract you from the basics: Is the project actually registered? Is there a real escrow account? Is the developer licensed today—not “used to be licensed”? I’ve seen deals fall apart because buyers skipped a simple search they could’ve done on their phone. Honestly, this is the lowest-effort, highest-impact check you can make.
What I do first (every single time)
I start with the official sources only. No forums. No hearsay. I open Dubai REST or the DLD site, search the project by name or RERA project number, then cross-check the developer by their registered name or license number. If I can’t see an escrow account tied to that project, I stop right there.
Step-by-step: Verify a project is registered
- Open Dubai REST (or use DLD online services).
- Use “Track Project Status.” Search by project name, developer name, or the unique RERA project number.
- Confirm the essentials: official registration status, escrow account details, plot/parcel info, and builder/contractor shown in the record.
- Look for permits/certificates: project registration and building permits should be visible or referenced.
- Match names exactly: the developer name on the listing should match your contract and marketing materials—letter for letter.
Step-by-step: Verify a developer is registered
- Search the developer in Dubai REST or on the DLD site.
- Check the license status: it must be current and the developer must be RERA-approved.
- Note the registration number and keep a screenshot for your file.
- Review track record: view completed projects and status of ongoing ones as a credibility signal.
Quick red flags I watch for
- Project shows no escrow account or the account name doesn’t match the project/developer.
- The developer’s license appears expired, suspended, or simply doesn’t show up.
- Names and numbers in marketing materials don’t match the registry entries.
- You’re asked to send money to anything other than the official project escrow. If payment instructions don’t align with the registry, that’s a hard no.
My personal checklist before any payment
- ✅ Project found in Dubai REST/DLD with active status
- ✅ Escrow account displayed and matches paperwork
- ✅ Developer shows valid RERA/DLD registration
- ✅ Screenshots or PDFs saved from the official search
- ✅ Payment arranged only to the registered escrow account (never to a personal or unrelated company account)
Bottom line
You don’t need a team of analysts to protect yourself here—you just need to use the official tools and verify the basics. Five minutes of checking can save you months of headaches. Do the search. Confirm the escrow. Then proceed with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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