GUIDE TO YOUR PROPERTY’S BILLS

To activate water and electricity in Dubai, you need to contact DEWA.

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is a state-owned company that exclusively provides utility services in Dubai, serving over 1 million consumers.

DEWA is one of the most efficient suppliers in the world. The company has broken 2 Guinness World Records, uses alternative energy sources and artificial intelligence.

DEWA SERVICES

▫️ Activation (Moving-in)
▫️ Deactivation (Moving-out)
▫️ Transfer of services (Moving-to)
▫️ Invoicing, etc.

HOW TO ACTIVATE DEWA SERVICES

Provide the following documents:

✓ Tenant – Copy of valid lease agreement (Ejari)
✓ Owner – Title Deed
✓ Copy of landlord and tenant passport or copy of Emirates ID card
✓ Activation application

You can use the DEWA app, the website or visit one of the Customer Happiness Centres.

SIMPLIFIED MOVING-IN PROCESS

Simplified procedure for activating services.

➊ Register with Ejari and your personal DEWA account will be created automatically
➋ Receive an email and SMS from DEWA
➌ Pay the security deposit
➍ Services will be activated within 15 hours after payment

HOW TO DEWA OR TRANSFER DEWA SERVICES

✓ Settle any outstanding bills or DEWA will debit them from your deposit, if the amount is less than the deposit
✓ Send a request via your DEWA account or to the Customer Happiness Centre

For deactivation (Moving-out):

✓ Pay expenses
✓ Enter the date of your move and your preferred method for refunding your security deposit

For the relocation (Moving):

✓ Provide the number of the property you are moving from and the date of the move
✓ Enter the number of the property you are moving into

The required documents are the same as those required for DEWA account activation.

WE ANSWER THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS

1. Market fluctuations and price volatility

  • The city has a strong economic base, with continued demand for both residential and commercial properties, due to population growth and the steady flow of expats, professionals, and tourists. In addition, Dubai has become a highly diversified global investment destination, with an ever-evolving infrastructure and attractions. In times of volatility, Dubai has shown that it can adapt and recover quickly, supported by favorable government policies.

2. Geopolitical risks and regional instability

  • Dubai is known for its political stability, which sets it apart from other cities in the region. The UAE government is committed to maintaining a safe and stable environment for investors. In addition, Dubai has greatly diversified its economy, reducing dependence on oil and promoting sectors such as technology, tourism, finance, and trade. The city has shown resilience even in times of global crisis and will continue to be an attractive destination for international investors due to its strategic location and excellent infrastructure.

3. Government policies and regulatory changes

  • The Dubai government has demonstrated a great ability to adapt to the needs of the market and implement investor-friendly policies. Changes to laws are usually announced well in advance, allowing investors to adapt. In addition, Dubai has taken steps to improve market transparency and protect investors, including stricter property registration systems and tax policies that favor the entry of foreign capital. Recent reforms, such as allowing foreigners to own property in multiple areas of the city, have further strengthened Dubai’s position as a global hub for investment.

4. Return on Investment (ROI)

  • Dubai continues to offer relatively high returns compared to other global cities. Demand for residential and commercial real estate is fueled by economic expansion, tourism, and population growth. In addition, favorable tax policies and the relative absence of taxes on rental income and capital gains make Dubai an attractive option for long-term investors. The city has also seen a continuous improvement in the quality of construction, with high-end projects attracting a premium clientele.

5. Long-term supply and demand

  • Dubai is an ever-expanding city, and the government has planned for long-term development through infrastructure, global events such as Expo 2020 (now Expo City Dubai), and attractiveness to international professionals and entrepreneurs. Population growth, fueled by the increase in expatriates and the continuous expansion of job opportunities, ensures a stable demand for real estate. In addition, the city’s focus on sectors such as technology, tourism and finance ensures that there is constant demand in both residential and commercial.

6. Risk of default or economic hardship by developers

  • Dubai has implemented strict regulations to ensure transparency and accountability in the real estate industry, while minimizing the risks of non-compliance by developers. Investors can count on property rights protection laws and constant supervision by local authorities. Additionally, the core developers in Dubai are generally well-capitalized and have a strong reputation, which further reduces the risk of project failures or delays.

7. Changes in interest rates and access to credit

  • Dubai still offers a range of financing options for investors, with interest rates remaining relatively competitive compared to other global destinations. In addition, local banks are generally very supportive of granting loans to foreigners, which facilitates access to credit. In the event of a rise in interest rates, it is important to remember that the Dubai real estate market has a high demand for rentals, which could continue to ensure good profitability even in high rate scenarios.

8. Property Restrictions for Foreigners

  • Dubai has considerably expanded the possibilities for foreign investors, allowing direct ownership of properties in numerous areas designated as “freeholds”, where foreigners can purchase properties without restrictions. Recent changes to the law that favor foreign investment, including long-term visas for investors and professionals, continue to strengthen the city’s position as one of the most attractive destinations for global real estate investment.

9. Risk related to portfolio diversification

  • Dubai is one of the most diverse global cities in terms of real estate opportunities, with a wide range of options ranging from luxury residential apartments to commercial properties, from tourism projects to business infrastructure. In addition, while the real estate market can be cyclical, investors with well-diversified portfolios across different property types (residential, commercial, tourism, etc.) can balance risks and benefit from different sources of income.

10. Dubai’s attractiveness as a long-term investment destination

  • Dubai is one of the most dynamic cities in the world and has a long-term growth plan that makes it increasingly attractive to investors. Its strategic position between East and West, the continuous evolution of the infrastructure sector, legal certainty and the favor of tax policies place it among the safest destinations for investment. Despite competition from other cities, Dubai has been able to solidify its reputation as a hub of business and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for global real estate investors.

AL MARJAN ISLAND – AN INVESTOR GUIDE

AL MARJAN ISLAND – INVESTOR’S GUIDEThe artificial archipelago of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the most promising areas for investment in the UAE real estate market in 2023-2024.

7 FACTS ABOUT AL MARJAN ISLAND

➊ Located in the south of the emirate, near the border with um Al Quwain, an hour’s drive from DXB airport.

➋ Composed of 4 islets arranged in the shape of coral. Total area – 2.7 km².

➌ The islets are called: Breeze Island, Dream Island, Treasure Island and View Island.

➍ It represents 45% of the total 5-star rooms in the emirate, concentrated in hotels of international brands: Rixos, DoubleTree and Hampton by Hilton, Movenpick, Radisson.

➎ By 2027, the first casino in the United Arab Emirates will open in this area, with a 1,500-room hotel and a theater. This is the largest foreign direct investment of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah and the first project of global operator Wynn Resorts in the MENA region. The cost of the project is $3.9 billion.

➏ Foreign investors can obtain full real estate ownership (freehold). The properties are mainly residential and hotel apartments.

➐ Currently, prices for ready-made properties near the sea are significantly lower than in Dubai. However, with increased demand, prices are already rising (+10% in the first half of 2024).

RAS AL KHAIMAH – INVESTOR GUIDE

2024 can be called the year of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Since the announcement of the first UAE casino in the emirate, leading developers have shown unprecedented interest.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ras Al Khaimah (from the Arabic term “top of the tent”) is the northernmost emirate of the 7 that make up the United Arab Emirates, with the capital of the same name. Area – 2,478 km².

It is known for its scenic diversity, ranging from 64 km of pristine beaches to deserts and mountains, as well as a rich history of 7,000 years.

POPULATION

400,000 people in 2021, compared to 345,000 in 2015. 37% of the population is made up of Emirati citizens, which is higher than in Dubai.

ECONOMY

The emphasis is on non-oil revenues. The economy is based on various sectors: tourism, business, manufacturing, shipping, and transportation, each with a share of GDP that does not exceed 26%, thus increasing flexibility.

BUSINESS

An important element of the entrepreneurial ecosystem are the Free Zones that attract foreign investment. The RAKEZ zone welcomed more than 1,500 new companies in the second quarter of 2023 (+132%). In 2023, the world’s first Free Zone for digital and virtual asset companies was launched.

TOURISM

The Gulf Cooperation Council chose RAK as the region’s tourist capital in 2020 and 2021. In addition to the sea and 5-star resorts, tourists are attracted by the archaeological sites and the highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais.

SAFETY

RAK is the first in the world to receive the “safe” certification from Bureau Veritas and the first in the UAE to receive the “safe” seal from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

MESS

📍 Marjan Island

The casino will be part of the Wynn Marjan resort, operated by Wynn Resorts, known for its casino hotels in Macau, Boston and Las Vegas. The casino in RAK will be twice the size of the one in Las Vegas. Surface area – 18,500 m², opening – 2027.

REAL ESTATE

RAK offers foreign investors the possibility of owning 100% real estate and the absence of income taxes. The main developer is the state-owned company RAK Properties. However, in 2024, beachfront projects were launched in the emirate by Emaar, Ellington, Aldar Properties, and many others.

TOP 7 REASONS TO RENT A PROPERTY IN DUBAI

➊ Rising rents

Between 2023 and 2024, apartment rents increased by 15.4%, reaching an average annual rent of $24,800. The largest increase of 18.5% was recorded for one-bedroom apartments.

➋ Demand growth

Nearly 3 million people, or 77% of Dubai’s population, prefer to rent real estate. The number of people living in the emirate is growing every year: from January to September 2024, it increased by 130,000.

➌ High yield on rents

Dubai’s average gross annual rental yield is 8%. Against:

New York – 5.3%

Moscow – 3.7%

London – 3.6%

➍ Stability

80% of tenants prefer long-term rentals (5-15 years). Payments are typically made in advance for the entire year, guaranteeing owners a significant sum.

➎ Return on investment

In Dubai, the average payback period for rental properties is 9 years. Against:

New York – 17 years old

London – 24 years old

Moscow – 27 years old

➏ Tax advantages

Rental income in Dubai is tax-free. In London, on the other hand, taxes can reach 45%.

➐ Stable currency

The United Arab Emirates (AED) dirham is pegged to the US dollar, offering income stability and protection from currency risks.

GUIDE TO THE DUBAI LAND DEPARTMENT

The Dubai Land Department (DLD), founded on January 23, 1960, has set the rules for Dubai’s booming real estate market for the past 64 years.

The DLD is the government body responsible for organizing and promoting real estate investment in Dubai, providing more than 160 services.

❗️On average, it records about 500 real estate sales transactions per day, not counting mortgages and donations.

THE LEGISLATIVE BASIS

Law No. (7) 2013 relating to the Department of Land Territory, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

DLD DIVISIONS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

➊ Real Estate Development Sector

✓ Proposal for legislative reform

✓ Real estate innovation system management

✓ Big data collection, storage and analysis, report publishing, etc.

➋ Real Estate Registration Industry

✓ Ensures that all transactions are documented

✓ Transaction verification and property valuation system management

✓ Record rental transactions (Ejari system), etc.

➌ Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)

✓ Real estate licensing system management, including agencies

✓ Real estate training system

✓ Escrow control and other control systems

➍ Dubai Tenancy Dispute Centre (DRC)

A court system specialising in the resolution of tenancy disputes and conciliation procedures.

DUBAI REST

An application to access DLD services, where users can:

• Obtain a title deed or replace a lost one

• Download the Ejari certificate for long-term leases

• Find out the construction status of the property and the project

• Calculate rent increases and average market rent (Rental Index)

• Find out the service charges in the selected location

• Discover transaction statistics for a specific date and much more.

DLD is committed to making Dubai the world’s best marketplace for innovation, trust and investor experience, and it is succeeding.

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