Dubai Land Department & Dubai Awqaf Partner to Boost Real Estate Portfolio

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has entered into a strategic memorandum of collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai), aiming to enhance the competitiveness and development of the Foundation’s real estate assets. This partnership aligns with the goals of the DLD’s Building Classification Project and focuses on deepening cooperation across shared areas of interest within Dubai’s property market.

Formal Signing of the Agreement

The signing ceremony took place at the DLD headquarters, where Mr. Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector, and His Excellency Khalid Al Thani, Deputy Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai, formalized the agreement. The event was attended by division managers from Awqaf and CEOs from both organizations, reflecting the importance and senior-level commitment to the partnership.

Key Objectives and Scope of Collaboration

Under the agreement, DLD will evaluate and classify Awqaf Dubai’s properties based on official standards. This includes reappraising properties that have undergone upgrades, with the goal of improving their classification. The collaboration also grants access to inquiry services for properties owned by deceased persons, minors, and others under legal protection, ensuring full access to all related documentation.

Driving Sustainable Real Estate Practices

Majid Al Marri said: "Our collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships among government entities in the emirate, serving the public interest, and supporting Dubai’s vision of becoming a global model in real estate management, including the management of endowment properties. Through this memorandum, we will work on developing and classifying the foundation’s properties according to the highest standards, enhancing their competitiveness in the market. We will also provide advanced mechanisms to enable more efficient and transparent management of lands and properties belonging to deceased individuals and minors, which aligns with our commitment to offering innovative services that meet the community's aspirations. This collaboration will foster greater government integration, help us achieve our shared goals of promoting real estate sustainability, and support the national economy fully aligned with Dubai’s vision of building a brighter future for future generations."

His Excellency Khalid Al Thani emphasized that this cooperation reflects Awqaf’s mission to foster sustainable development and inclusivity within its operations. He highlighted that the initiative marks a significant step in delivering proactive and integrated services for stakeholders, particularly endowment donors and minors. By adhering to engineering and technical benchmarks, the classification system is expected to elevate the quality and market position of Awqaf’s real estate assets.

Enhancing Investment Returns and Property Value

Al Thani noted that the classification system will support the Foundation in strategically upgrading its real estate portfolio. The initiative is aimed at boosting sustainability and achieving optimal returns, ensuring alignment with the intentions of endowers and the best interests of minors. The partnership will also establish a centralized platform to improve service quality, data accessibility, and administrative efficiency.

Integration with Digital Valuation Systems

The memorandum allows staff from Awqaf’s Inheritance Department to access the DLD’s Ejari valuation system. This access enables verification of rental contracts associated with legally protected individuals. Moreover, the integrated platform between the two entities will facilitate service requests, such as property registration, endowment updates, land valuations, and sale approvals for assets owned by minors or those under guardianship.

The Building Classification Framework

DLD’s Building Classification Project is anchored on five main pillars: engineering and technical standards, sustainability, documentation, health and safety, and financial and operational management. Each building is assessed using detailed criteria that result in a star rating, ranging from 1 to 4 stars, with an elite 4+ category for those meeting the highest sustainability benchmarks.

Benefits for Real Estate Stakeholders

The classification initiative is designed to deliver comprehensive and proactive services to all real estate stakeholders. This includes property investors, developers, government agencies, tenants, and private firms. Through this initiative, the Dubai Land Department aims to raise the bar for quality and transparency across the emirate’s real estate sector.