Ejari, Oqood, DLD — What Do These Terms Really Mean?
Saturday, 22 November 2025
Dubai’s real estate market is fast-growing, transparent, and heavily regulated to protect both residents and investors. If you’re renting or buying property in Dubai, you will often hear terms like Ejari, Oqood, and DLD. Understanding them helps you navigate your property journey confidently — whether leasing an apartment or purchasing an off-plan home.
Let’s simplify what each term means and why they matter.
Table of Contents
- What is Ejari?
- Why Ejari Matters
- Who Registers Ejari?
- What is Oqood?
- Why Oqood is Important
- Registration Fee
- What is DLD?
- Ejari vs. Oqood vs. Title Deed — Quick Comparison
- Why Understanding These Systems Matters
- Frequently asked questions
What is Ejari?
Ejari is an online system regulated by Dubai’s real estate authorities that officially registers rental contracts in the emirate.
Why Ejari Matters
Ejari ensures a fair and legal relationship between tenants and landlords. It:
- Protects tenant and landlord rights
- Issues a unique registration code for each tenancy contract
- Helps resolve disputes if they arise
- Is mandatory to connect services and apply for visas linked to housing
Who Registers Ejari?
It can be done by:
- The landlord
- The tenant
- Or a property management representative
In practice, tenants often register it themselves.
In Simple Terms:
Ejari = Legal proof of your rental contract in Dubai.
What is Oqood?
Oqood, meaning “contracts” in Arabic, is the system used to register off-plan property sales — properties still under construction.
Why Oqood is Important
Oqood provides:
- Legal protection for off-plan buyers
- Digital registration of sales agreements
- Transparency on payment plans and project status
- Ability to transfer ownership before completion (subject to approval)
Registration Fee
Oqood requires a 4% registration fee based on the property price, paid to real estate authorities.
In Simple Terms:
Oqood = Official registration for properties bought before construction is finished.
What is DLD?
DLD stands for the Dubai Land Department, the main government authority overseeing all real estate activities in Dubai.
Its responsibilities include:
- Registering property ownership
- Regulating real estate transactions
- Issuing title deeds
- Ensuring fair and secure property dealings
DLD also oversees systems like Ejari and Oqood to keep the market organized and transparent.
In Simple Terms:
DLD = Dubai’s official land and property authority.
Ejari vs. Oqood vs. Title Deed — Quick Comparison
| System | When Used | Purpose | Who Uses It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ejari | For renting a property | Legal rental contract registration | Tenants & landlords |
| Oqood | Buying off-plan property | Secure contract before completion | Developers & off-plan buyers |
| Title Deed | After property handover | Final proof of ownership | Buyers of completed property |
Why Understanding These Systems Matters
Dubai’s strong property regulation ecosystem provides:
- Security for renters and owners
- Transparency in transactions
- Confidence for global investors
- A stable and trust-driven real estate market
Whether you are renting your first apartment or investing in your future home, knowing these terms helps you make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ejari mandatory?
Yes — all rental contracts in Dubai must be registered through Ejari.
Do I need Oqood for completed properties?
No — Oqood applies only to off-plan properties. Completed homes require a Title Deed.
Can I sell my off-plan property before completion?
Yes — through Oqood, subject to developer and authority approval.
Who issues Title Deeds in Dubai?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) issues all property title deeds.
Can I apply for utilities without Ejari?
For most housing-linked services, an Ejari certificate is required.
