Buying a property is a complex decision since several options are available in the UAE real estate market. To complicate matters further, some terminologies – mostly Arabic – can be confusing, especially for first-time home buyers. This is why we have compiled a list of some important Arabic real estate terms and their meaning. Every homebuyer must familiarise themselves with these basic real estate terms when dealing with a property in the UAE.
Knowing these Arabic real estate terms will also make you more confident as you proceed with the home-buying procedure. Read on and find out the meaning of unfamiliar property jargons you might come across in the UAE.
Arabic Real Estate Terms You Should Know
Following is a list of some of the commonly used Arabic property terms in the UAE real estate market.
Ejari
Ejari is a standardised way of registering tenancy contracts in Dubai. It is one of the most common Arabic real estate terms you will encounter if you are planning to rent a property in Dubai. Besides, Ejari is an essential document required to set up DEWA connections, visa formalities and other internet or phone service. Here is how you can renew your Ejari contract and the Ejari cancellation process in Dubai.
Makani
The literal meaning of Makani is ‘my location’ in Arabic. It is a 10-digit smart addressing system assigned to each building in the UAE. The unique Makani number provides you with the exact location of the building with the help of geo-tagging.
With the help of the Makani number, you can easily navigate around the Emirate using smartphones, computers and navigation systems. You can download this useful real estate app from (Android | iOS) for further assistance.
Tawtheeq
As Ejari is used in Dubai, Tawtheeq is one of the most frequently used Arabic terms you might hear when renting a property in Abu Dhabi. It is a tenancy contract validation system required for the smooth registration of tenancy contracts and the landlord and tenant rights in Abu Dhabi regulation.
Besides, the system provides several services such as utility connection, parking cards, visa and sponsorship of dependents and more. Once expired, landlords or tenants can renew Tawtheeq online.
Trakheesi
It is again one of the most important Arabic real estate terms used in the UAE. The Trakheesi system in Dubai approves and provides licensing to brokers and real estate professionals in Dubai. The smart system allows real estate brokers to complete their transactions through the DLD website. The system provides real estate services including permits for advertising, estate licences for agencies, Ecards to realtors and brokers, etc. Check some lesser-known facts about Dubai real estate here.
Tasdeeq
Tasdeeq is a digital solution to regulate tenancy contracts in Ajman. It validates and finalises the tenancy agreement documents to avoid any future disputes. The service was launched by Ajman Municipality and Planning Department to offer property registration, lease contract authentication for economic activities, lease contract cancellation service and others.
Oqood
Oqood is the Arabic translation of the English term ‘Contracts’. It is a user-friendly online system introduced by the Emirates Real Estate Solutions to manage and register off-plan property contracts between buyers and developers. The portal also regulates and monitors the off-plan property market in Dubai to increase transparency and trust among investors.
Ijarah
Ijarah is a lease system introduced by the Dubai Land Department. It is also known as rent-to-own property. Ijarah is a lease contract where a bank leases property on rental payment for a specific period. The bank then transfers the property title to the customer once the payments are complete and the financial tenure is over.
Musataha
It is again an investment partnership between the public and the private sectors, that permits the owner to build a property on leased land for a defined period (usually up to 50 years). The contract was designed to encourage investors to make property without purchasing the land. The project assets and land ownership is transferred back to the Government after a certain period.
Estidama
Estidama is an Arabic word derived from the Arabic word for sustainability. It is commonly used in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market. It is a vital part of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 which helps bring sustainability to the real estate projects that feature the Pearl Rating System. As per the Estidama, the building must get at least 1 Pearl Rating whereas the government-funded facilities must achieve at least 2 Pearl Ratings.
With this, we end our list of Arabic real estate terms in the UAE. Knowing these terms will help you when buying or renting a property in the UAE. Besides, here is a complete real estate glossary that will help you to all key terms used in the real estate industry.
Here are some common real estate myths in the UAE that you need to debunk before and crosscheck all the information before taking any decision.
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