When buying property in Dubai, there are rules and systems in place to protect buyers, sellers, and developers. One of the most important systems is Oqood, an online registration system created by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and managed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
In this blog, LEOS Developments takes you through everything you need to know about Oqood in Dubai and how it protects buyers in off-plan property transactions.
What is Oqood?
The word “Oqood” means “contracts” in Arabic. It is an online system by the Dubai Land Department that registers off-plan property sales. This ensures every transaction is legal, transparent, and protected, giving buyers proof of ownership and safeguarding their investment until the project is completed.
Why Oqood Is Important in Dubai’s Property Market?
Dubai’s real estate sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world, attracting both local and international investors. With so many off-plan projects being launched, it has become essential to have a system that guarantees fairness, security, and transparency in every transaction. Oqood was introduced to fill this need, acting as a safeguard for buyers, sellers, and developers.
For Buyers:
Oqood proves that the property they bought is officially registered. It prevents fraud and gives them legal protection.
For Developers and Sellers:
It makes selling off-plan properties easier and ensures they follow DLD’s rules.
For the Market:
Oqood builds trust, reduces disputes, and makes Dubai’s property sector more attractive to investors.
In short, Oqood protects everyone and keeps the property market safe and transparent.
Who Uses Oqood?
Oqood is used by all main players in the off-plan property market:
Developers/Sellers:
They must register every off-plan unit they sell. If the property is resold before handover, they also update the new buyer’s details.
Buyers:
Their purchase is recorded in Oqood, protecting them from fraud or disputes.
Off-plan property owners:
If someone resells their off-plan property, the new sale is also registered in Oqood.
Brokers:
Licensed brokers help make sure the Oqood process is done correctly.
How Oqood Works?
Oqood is designed to make buying and selling off-plan properties in Dubai clear, simple, and secure. It acts as a digital bridge between developers, buyers, sellers, and the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Here’s how the process usually works:
Developer Registers the Project:
Before any sales can happen, the developer must register the project with DLD. This ensures the project is approved and legally recognised.
Contract Registration:
Once a buyer agrees to purchase a property, the sales contract is signed and uploaded into Oqood. This creates an official record of the deal.
Payments and Updates:
Developers also record payment plans, installments, and construction milestones in the system. Buyers can track these updates, which adds extra transparency.
Ownership Record:
The buyer’s name is officially added into the DLD system, giving them legal recognition of their ownership, even before the property is completed.
Resale Transactions:
If the property is sold before completion, Oqood updates the records to reflect the new buyer’s details. This prevents duplicate or fraudulent sales.
Because Oqood is fully connected to DLD’s central database, every step is official, accurate, and protected by law. This means fewer disputes, more trust, and complete clarity for everyone involved.
Benefits of Oqood
Transparency:
Every sale, payment, and update is recorded in the system, so all parties know exactly where they stand.
Buyer Protection:
Buyers get official proof that their property is registered under their name, giving them peace of mind.
Fraud Prevention:
The system ensures the same unit can’t be sold twice or through fake contracts.
Paperwork Reduction:
The entire process is handled digitally, saving time and avoiding piles of documents.
Oqood Fee and Costs
Registration Fees
When buying an off-plan property in Dubai, registering the purchase through the Dubai Land Department’s system is mandatory. The DLD registration fee is 4% of the property’s purchase price, calculated based on the agreed value and payable during the registration process.
Upon paying the 4% registration fee, buyers can receive their Oqood certificate, which also incurs:
Administrative Charges
Typically, AED 250–500, covering the processing of paperwork.
Knowledge and Innovation Fees
Small fixed fees of around AED 10–20 per transaction, supporting Dubai Land Department initiatives.
This registration process ensures that your property purchase is legal, transparent, and protected under Dubai’s real estate regulations.
Who Pays Oqood Costs?
In most cases, the buyer pays the fee. The developer collects it and then submits it to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Oqood vs Title Deed
Oqood:
This is the certificate that proves you legally own an off-plan (under-construction) property. It protects your rights during the building phase and ensures that no one else can claim or sell your unit.
Title Deed:
This is the final ownership document you receive once the property is completed and handed over. It proves that you are the full owner and gives you the right to sell, rent, or mortgage the property freely.
In short, Oqood protects you during construction, while the Title Deed confirms your complete ownership after completion. Together, they make sure your investment is safe at every stage.
How to Check Your Oqood?
DLD Website:
Visit the Dubai Land Department’s official website, log in with your details, and check the status of your property registration.
Dubai REST App:
Download the official Dubai REST app, where you can view all your registered properties, ownership details, and Oqood certificates in one place.
Through Developers:
Contact your property developer directly. They are required to provide you with a copy of your Oqood once the registration is completed.
Customer Happiness Centers:
You can also visit DLD’s service centers across Dubai to request information or a copy of your Oqood in person.
Call Center / Helpline:
The DLD helpline can guide you on checking your registration status and resolving any issues.
By using these methods, buyers can easily confirm that their property is registered, ensuring their investment is legally protected.
Conclusion
Oqood is an important system that keeps Dubai’s property market safe, fair, and transparent. It protects buyers, helps developers follow the rules, and makes sure all sales are officially recorded.
If you’re buying an off-plan property in Dubai, make sure your Oqood is registered; it’s your proof of ownership until you receive the Title Deed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Oqood if I buy off-plan?
Yes, it’s required to prove your ownership before completion.
Can I resell my off-plan property with just Oqood?
Yes, but it needs DLD and developer approval.
Who pays the Oqood fee?
Usually, the buyer pays.
Is Oqood the same as a Title Deed?
No. Oqood is for under-construction properties, while the Title Deed is for completed ones.
How do I check my Oqood?
Through the Dubai REST app, DLD website, or your developer.
