When you are new to the UAE, you’ll hear certain terms in Arabic while buying or renting properties. That’s why knowing all the important Arabic real estate terms becomes essential.
Additionally, these terminologies are crucial to striking a good deal. For that reason, here are all the Arabic real estate terms and their meanings that you’ll come across!
Common Arabic Real Estate Terms You Should Know
Below is a complete list of all Arabic real estate terms and meanings that can be useful when learning about the UAE’s property market.
Ejari
In the simplest terms, Ejari is a word derived from Arabic, translating directly to “my rent.” However, it is a system set by the Dubai Land Department that ensures all tenancy contracts are saved under unified criteria.
Ejari is important as it helps tenants and landlords abide by tenancy laws in Dubai and maintain the details of both rental parties.
Oqood
Caption: Contract Signing
Alt-text: signing a contract
Moving on, Oqood directly translates to “contract.” However, in this context, it is an off-plan property registration system managed by the Dubai Land Department.
Its main aim is to organise the entire process for off-plan registrations while following the property buying laws in Dubai. Moreover, it focuses on legally documenting all transactions.
Tasdeeq
Tasdeeq is a service set up for the attestation of rental agreements in Ajman. Mostly, it helps avoid major disputes between tenants and landlords renting out units to willing tenants. Additionally, it regulates the rental market with certain laws and regulations.
Tasdeeq offer services such as authentication of rental contracts and cancellation.
Tawtheeq
The tenancy contract registration system in Abu Dhabi is also known as Tawtheeq. It is slightly different from Ejari. While Tawtheeq means attestation, it was introduced in 2011 to maintain tenancy contracts carried out in the emirate.
It is managed by the Abu Dhabi Municipality. It also essentially manages rental agreements and helps avoid disputes between landlords and tenants.
Makani
While Makani is an Arabic real estate term that means My Location, it means something different in legal terms. It is a legalised 10-digit number that is assigned to each building in Dubai. Besides, this number helps track the house or building location easily.
Besides, one of Makani’s main uses is emergency services and delivery services throughout Dubai. It also has a useful app that you can download through the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Trakheesi
The Trakheesi system is a portal set up and managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It is mainly used to manage real estate business licences, activities, and property advertisements online. It offers a safe way to issue permits governed by DLD’s terms.
Estidama
Estidama means sustainability which is more contextual than anything. Abu Dhabi’s government has created this system and initiative to make buildings more sustainable.
It uses the Pearl Rating System, which takes the sustainability of each building into account, giving a rating of 1-5 pearls.
The Pearl Rating System applies to the following buildings:
- Offices: Meeting rooms, staff facilities, toilets, print rooms, and plant rooms.
- Retail Areas: Supermarkets, restaurants, banks and travel agencies.
- Schools: Primary, secondary, and colleges.
- Residential areas.
Musataha
Musataha is a contract for the private and public sectors. This contract regulates the use of commercial land and protects the rights of owners.
It allows an investor to own land for up to 50 years, according to article (6) in Decree No. (23) of 2022, it describes that commercial land can be owned for 35 years. However, it is at the discretion of the owner to extend the period for a maximum of 50 years.
Al Sa’fat
Similar to Estidama, Al Sa’fat is a rating system for buildings. It was initiated by the Dubai Municipality in the UAE. It is yet another sustainability-based project that aims to make buildings greener and more environmentally friendly.
Al Sa’fat system rates the buildings based on the following factors:
- Reduced energy consumption
- Increased efficiency of electrical and mechanical systems
- Use of sustainable and high-quality materials
- Building design and construction
Ijarah
In its literal meaning, Ijarah means to hand something out on rent. In Arabic real estate terms, it is a financial concept that is Shari’a Compliant and is used in leasing out property. Moreover, it is one of the Islamic mortgage types.
Split into two terms, the operating Ijarah is a lease in which the assets are given back to the lessor. The Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek refers to letting the lessee own the property.
Tafweet
Tafweet is a term used in Ras Al Khaimah to create a title deed for old properties. It is a government service started to authenticate old properties in RAK.
Ejaar
Similar to Ejari and Tawtheeq, Ejaar simply refers to a rental agreement between landlords and tenants in Fujairah. The rental laws in the Emirate require all terms and conditions to be followed and safeguarded.
FAQs
You should know a few things, including ensuring that the real estate agency on RERA is licensed. Your broker’s RERA card should also be required, while the landlord should sign the contract themselves.
Read up on the things to know before signing a tenancy contract so that no mistakes are made later on!
While ROIs typically range from 5-10%, a higher ROI equates to an area offering some of the best residential units in Abu Dhabi. For example, Al Reem Island offers the highest ROIs for apartments in Abu Dhabi as per the Q1 2024 Market Watch by Property Finder.
While Estidama and Al Sa’fat are similar terms, Estidama uses the Pearl Rating System, granting buildings 1-5 pearls. Compared to that, Al Sa’fat refrains from using any such system and is simpler to understand.
Terms such as the following are important to know when getting into the UAE’s real estate market:
BUA (Built Up Area)
SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement)
POA (Power of Attorney)
EIBOR (Emirates Interbank Offered Rate)
That concludes the meanings and information about Arabic real estate terms. Knowing these terms before you dive deep into the real estate market helps you familiarise yourself. Learn them before you head into the market and rent a property in the UAE for yourself!
Keep reading Property Finder blogs to learn more about important real estate terms used in the UAE.
