The UAE’s booming property market attracts thousands of investors each year. While the system is well-regulated, cases of fraudulent property deals, misrepresentation, and breach of contract still occur. If you’ve been cheated in a property transaction, knowing your legal options is essential to safeguard your rights and recover losses.
Common Forms of Property Fraud in the UAE
- Selling Off-Plan Without Approval – Developers selling properties before securing necessary permits.
- Misrepresentation of Property Details – Providing false information about size, location, or ownership.
- Duplicate Sales – Selling the same unit to multiple buyers.
Failure to Deliver on Time – Developers delaying handovers without valid justification.
Legal Steps to Take if Cheated
- Collect Evidence
Gather all related documents such as sale agreements, payment receipts, property brochures, and communication records. Evidence is key to proving fraudulent intent. - File a Complaint with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The DLD provides mechanisms to address disputes, including the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which ensures compliance and regulates developers. - Civil Lawsuit
Victims can file a case in the UAE courts to seek compensation for financial loss, cancellation of fraudulent contracts, or enforcement of rights. - Criminal Complaint
If fraud is involved (e.g., fake documents or intentional deception), filing a criminal complaint can result in prosecution of the offender under UAE criminal law. - Arbitration or Mediation
Many real estate contracts include arbitration clauses. Disputes can often be resolved faster through arbitration or mediation, with binding outcomes.
People also read: How to Resolve Real Estate Disputes Through Mediation and Arbitration in the UAE
How Adv. Sanafer Arakkal of Concept Advocates Helps
Adv. Sanafer Arakkal, founder of Concept Advocates, specializes in property law and has assisted numerous clients in reclaiming their rights after fraudulent property deals. His expertise includes:
- Case Assessment – Evaluating whether fraud, breach of contract, or misrepresentation has occurred.
- Filing Complaints with Authorities – Representing clients before the DLD, RERA, or police to initiate legal proceedings.
- Litigation and Arbitration – Providing strong representation in civil, criminal, or arbitration forums to secure compensation or contract cancellation.
- Negotiation and Settlement – Guiding clients toward amicable settlements when possible, saving time and costs.
- Protection of Future Investments – Advising clients on safe practices to avoid property scams in future purchases.
Final Thoughts
Being cheated in a property deal can be financially and emotionally draining. However, the UAE legal system provides strong protections for buyers and investors through civil, criminal, and regulatory channels.
With the guidance of an experienced lawyer like Adv. Sanafer Arakkal and his team at Concept Advocates, victims can pursue justice effectively, recover their losses, and safeguard their future investments in the UAE property market.
