Real Estate Contracts in Dubai: What Buyers, Sellers & Tenants Must Know

Posted by Kelt&corealty on February 20, 2026

Real Estate Laws

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Dubai’s real estate market is highly dynamic, attracting both local and international investors. Whether you are buying, selling, or renting a property in Dubai, understanding the types of real estate contracts used is critical. These contracts define the rights and responsibilities of all involved parties. It avoids disputes and protects both buyers and sellers. In this guide, we’ll explore various real estate contracts to guide you through every legal step of Dubai property investment. 

What is a Real Estate Contract?

It is a legally binding document that regulates a property transaction, clarifies the roles and responsibilities of landlords, sellers, buyers, tenants, and agents, while protecting their interests by detailing price, timelines, penalties, and exit conditions. Real estate contracts in Dubai are governed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to enhance transparency and build trust. 

Major Types of Real Estate Contracts in Dubai

These are the most commonly used real estate contracts in Dubai: 

Form A – Listing Agreement

It is the first official step when you intend to sell your property. RERA Form A is a formal agreement between the seller and a RERA-certified real estate agent, authorizing the agent to market and sell the property. It includes various details, such as:

• Property details
• Asking price
• Term of the listing
• Commission terms
• Seller duties and commitments

After signing the agreement, RERA Form A is submitted on Trakheesi. This issues a permit number, allowing the Brokers to advertise the property. Sellers can opt for an exclusive listing with one agent or up to three agents, each under a separate Form A. Properties backed by a valid Form A are considered authentic, enhancing their visibility and increasing the likelihood of a successful deal. Selling the property without this real estate contract is recognized as illegal, resulting in severe consequences for the involved parties. 

Form B – Buyer-Agent Agreement

It is a legally binding agreement between the buyer and the broker. Form B establishes the partnership terms and ensures both parties understand their responsibilities during the property search and buying process. It binds the broker to act in the buyer’s interest. The RERA Form B must include:

• Details of the buyer and broker
• Buyer’s requirements, such as budget, location, and property type
• Commission of the broker
• Duration of the agreement

Regulated by RERA, Form B maintains transparency and clarity between buyers and brokers, offering an organized method for finding the property. Like Form A, this real estate contract must be submitted to DLD to ensure transparency.

Form F – Purchase Agreement (MOU)

Also known as the Dubai real estate sales agreement, Form F is an official document issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). It outlines the terms of sale between the buyer and the seller and is mandatory for all real estate transactions in Dubai. These types of real estate contracts are also referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It includes the following:

• Sale price and payment conditions
• Property details
• Details of the involved parties
• Transfer and handover
• Fixtures and fittings
• Additional clauses

It ensures adherence to the RERA regulations and prevents disputes. It is signed by both parties and is mandatory for the transfer of ownership in Dubai. For buyers, it ensures that property details and terms are transparent, minimizing the risk of disputes. For sellers, it guarantees that the buyer is committed to the purchase under the agreed conditions.

Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)

It is an important document required for off-plan purchases. A Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is an official agreement between the real estate developers and the buyers. Following the initial deposit and signing the reservation form, the developer issues the SPA, which is signed by both parties. This document clearly states:

• Information about the buyer and the seller
• A thorough description of the property
• Sale price and payment plan
• Penalties for delays or non-payment
• Completion and handover
• Exit clauses
• Obligations of the developer
• Warranty and maintenance terms

To ensure legal recognition, the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) must be registered with the DLD Interim Registry (Oqood) until property handover. Following the completion of the project, the ownership is transferred through a title deed. Though it is issued by the developers, it must comply with the DLD standards. The buyer must get the SPA reviewed by an experienced professional to ensure all terms adhere to local regulations. For buyers, it confirms that the property is legally valid and the seller has the right to sell it. 

Ejari Tenancy Contract

The Ejari Tenancy Contract is associated with rental transactions. It is necessary for the formal registration of residential and commercial rental contracts. Implemented by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), Ejari oversees the Dubai rental market, safeguards tenants’ and landlords’ rights, and ensures rental contracts are fully transparent. This document includes the following details:

• Annual rent and payment term
• Requirements for security deposits 
• Upkeep responsibilities
• Notice requirements and renewal conditions 

The Ejari tenancy contract protects the rights of the tenants and landlords, helps to activate utilities, acquire a trade license, visa processing, and government services. An Ejari-registered tenancy contract ensures a legally valid lease and adherence to Dubai’s rental regulations. 

Special Real Estate Contracts

The following are some special types of real estate contracts used in Dubai:

Form I – Agent-to-Agent Agreement

RERA Form I is used when a buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent, both RERA-certified, agree to work together. It protects the clients and listings of both parties. It also specifies the commission split, reinforcing professionalism and cooperation. 

Form U – Termination of Contract

This RERA form is officially called a Termination Notice. Overseen by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), Form U  is used to cancel a property sale agreement between the buyer and the seller before completion. It is used to terminate the Form A and Form B. Buyer, seller, agents, and the DLD are involved in the Form U. It may be submitted by either party with a 7-day notice to conclude the broker relationship, ensuring compliance with RERA requirements. 

Reservation Form (Off-Plan)

The Reservation Form is one of the real estate contracts, which is signed by the buyer to secure the unit. It is signed before the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).  It validates the buyer’s commitment to buy, unit number and specification, down payment, reservation fee, and deadline for signing the SPA. It lays the groundwork for acquiring an off-plan property. 

Lease-to-Own Contracts

Lease-to-Own is one of the best alternative ways to home buying. In this agreement, a portion of the monthly rent is credited towards the purchase price. This agreement is less common in Dubai. It is the right choice for those seeking flexibility and lower upfront investment. 

Musataha Agreements

These types of real estate contracts offer the right to develop or use the land owned by another party. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and other government authorities regulate Musataha Agreements. It does not give land ownership; it gives long-term rights to use and manage the property. Their duration ranges between 25 years and 50 years. This land can be used for residential, commercial, industrial, hotel, and agricultural developments. 

Usufruct Agreements

Usufruct Agreements grant the right to use and enjoy a property that they do not own for a fixed term, ranging between 10 years and 99 years. It is regulated by Articles 1337-1348 of the UAE Civil Code. It can be transferred, sold, and inherited. The recipient cannot make the structural changes in the property under a Usufruct Agreement, making it different from the Musataha Agreements, which allow such changes. These rights are officially documented with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Usufruct Agreements are typically used by institutional investors, hotel and resort operators, and developers.

Pro Tips

• Ensure the contracts are registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to confirm their legal validity. 
• Review the contracts thoroughly or get them reviewed by professionals. 
• Ensure all changes are documented in the real estate contracts.
• Choose the correct form for a specific transaction. 

Conclusion 

Familiarizing yourself with the types of real estate contracts used in Dubai is essential to making strategic and informed real estate decisions. Each contract, from Form A to Ejari and Form I to Usufruct Agreements, plays an important role in how properties are sold, leased, and managed. They outline the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of all involved parties. DLD-registered contracts not only ensure compliance but also safeguard your investment and avoid disputes. Working with RERA-certified advisors, like Kelt and Co Realty, guarantees that every stage is handled with diligence, clarity, and expertise. 

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