Is it possible to buy a property in the UAE without going through a property broker? I know you can rent property here through the owner to save money on broker commissions, but can the same be done when buying a property?
What are the advantages of using a broker as opposed to cutting out the middlemen and doing it yourself? JT, Sharjah
It is possible to buy a property in the UAE without using the services of a real estate agent. However, while it may seem attractive to save on the 2 per cent fee, it is important to understand exactly what a broker does to claim their commission.
Buying a property is the biggest financial outlay for most people and, as such, it is extremely important to ensure things are done correctly. That is why you should use the services of a property broker or company.
Think about it this way: if you need to go to a dentist because a tooth needs to be removed, you would not dream of doing the extraction yourself, would you? The same is true for property, leave it to the professionals.
The broker’s role is of great importance – not only at the initial stages when searching for the right property but also during the legal process.
A lot of legal paperwork is involved in a property sale and this needs to be completed correctly. There are also specific procedures that need to be done for the transaction to go through. Lack of legal knowledge can be costly and could lead to the potential breakdown of the deal.
The agent is fully aware of the laws involved and can guide you accordingly. As the saying goes, “time is money” and you can save valuable time by dealing with a broker.
As the saying goes, 'time is money' and you can save valuable time by dealing with a broker
Mario Volpi
Doing all the work and research yourself is very time-consuming, so this is one important reason why you should hire the services of a reputable broker or company registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency in Dubai.
I am vacating my apartment in a few days but have been unable to reach my landlord. He travels a lot, so it is not unusual for him to be unresponsive from time to time.
The problem is that I need his no-objection certificate, or NOC, to obtain a move-out permit from my building security. I have made arrangements with different service providers such as movers, Dewa, du and maintenance contractors.
If I cannot get a response from my landlord in the next few days, can the building security prevent me from moving out, forcing me to remain in my apartment (free of rent, presumably) and incur thousands of dirhams worth of fees and cancellation charges? Is there anything I can do to prevent this? JL, Dubai
Building security needs an NOC when tenants move out to guarantee that there are no underlying issues between the parties. Tenants and landlords sometimes leave on bad terms and money is often owed to one or another of the parties. To ensure a smooth transition, one party has to get another to confirm this with an NOC.
In your case, it is only the absence of communication with the landlord that is causing a delay. If you explain your position to the building security, they will have a solution.
Any delays in moving out could have a knock-on effect but, hopefully, common sense will prevail on the part of the security team. The worst-case scenario would be that they may not allow you to move out furniture and other physical items, but you can still move wherever you intend to.
Ensure you continue trying to communicate with your landlord as this will be the best solution.
Mario Volpi is the sales and leasing manager at Engel & Volkers. He has worked in the property sector for more than 35 years in London and Dubai. The opinions expressed do not constitute legal advice and are provided for information only. Please send any questions to mario.volpi@engelvoelkers.com
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Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
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Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
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The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
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- Grade 4 = grade C
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
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Salama bint Butti Street
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