Project under 5% complete: DLD FAQ read 9 October 2026

If a project has not been cancelled and you want your money back, Dubai Land Department's FAQ says you must go to court (FAQ read 9 October 2026). DLD cannot end your contract at your request.

Which three cases does the FAQ separate?

The route depends on the project's formal status, not on how stalled the site looks. DLD's FAQ (dubailand.gov.ae/en/frequently-asked-questions, Development Services) separates three cases.

Cancelled project: the FAQ says the account passes to the project liquidation department, which asks the developer to return amounts paid to investors within 60 days of the cancellation decision, a period RERA can extend; if the developer does not comply, the matter goes to court (FAQ read 9 October 2026).

Under cancellation: the FAQ says the project is not yet cancelled and goes through several steps, such as a grievance and its review, before a decision.

Not cancelled, completion not above 5%: the FAQ (read 9 October 2026) says RERA monitors construction, gives the developer a period to correct the project's status, and starts cancellation procedures if the developer does not comply without justification.

RERA is the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.

Can DLD cancel my contract?

No. The FAQ says DLD does not have the authority to terminate a contract between developer and investor at the investor's request. The investor goes to the real estate court. DLD's role is limited to reconciling the two parties.

What does DLD do in these cases?

DLD administers escrow accounts. An escrow account is the project account that buyers' payments go into. DLD can act when a project moves into formal cancellation or liquidation.

It does not end a sale and purchase agreement on its own at an investor's request. That power sits with the courts.

Where else does the FAQ use a percentage?

The FAQ (read 9 October 2026) uses 5% in other places too: only 5% of total sales can be paid from the escrow account for project marketing, and Article 14 of the Escrow Account Law keeps 5% of the amount paid into escrow for one year after completion.

Which route applies to your project?

Which of the three cases applies decides the route the FAQ describes: the liquidation department for a cancelled project, the cancellation steps for one under cancellation, and the court where the project is not cancelled.

Can Keyva's data tell you a project's status?

No. Keyva's transaction data does not show whether a project is cancelled, under cancellation or in liquidation. The status of a specific project is a question for DLD.

Keyva's listing checks page links to the Dubai Land Department's and RERA's own public checks. Keyva is independent and is not part of, or endorsed by, either body.

Updated 9 October 2026: figures and wording corrected.