Dubai Land Department announces over 400 real estate vacancies for Emiratis

The owner of property in Dubai who has an outstanding mortgage loan and plans to sell the real estate before returning to their home country needs to know the relevant rules. The question arises whether the buyer can take over the remaining mortgage debt, if bank approval is required, and what the legal procedure is for transferring ownership and settling or transferring the loan.

According to Dubai legislation, since the property is located in Dubai, the Dubai Mortgage Law applies. The seller (mortgagor) is permitted to sell, gift, or otherwise dispose of the mortgaged property, or create any rights on it, only upon obtaining the consent of the mortgagee and provided that the buyer agrees to assume all the seller's obligations under the mortgage agreement. The mortgagee also has the right to stipulate that the seller and buyer will jointly be responsible for these obligations. This corresponds to Article 10 of Dubai Law No. 14 of 2008 on Mortgages in the Emirate of Dubai.

There are two main options available to consider.

Option 1: Selling the Property by Settling the Existing Mortgage

The property can be sold, and the proceeds used to fully repay the existing mortgage loan. The general sequence of practical steps is as follows:

1. Obtain a Letter of Obligation from the Bank: It is necessary to request a document confirming the outstanding loan amount and the required amount to close the mortgage, including any applicable early repayment fees or other payments.
2. Agree on Sale Terms: A sales contract is concluded with the buyer, taking into account the existence of the mortgage, and the repayment of the loan amount is arranged.
3. Registration of the Transaction with the Dubai Land Department (DLD): DLD provides a service called 'Registration of Sale of Mortgaged Property'. Under this service, the seller and buyer visit the Real Estate Registration Centre office with the necessary documents. The transaction is first registered to protect the interests of both parties while the mortgage repayment process is underway.
4. Repayment of the Outstanding Loan: The DLD procedure involves the use of manager's cheques, including a cheque in favor of the bank for the debt amount and a cheque in favor of the seller for the remaining sale amount, if any. After this, a letter from the bank confirming the release of the mortgage is obtained.
5. Completion of Ownership Transfer: After the DLD provides the mortgage release letter, it finalizes the registration procedures for the sale and the removal of the mortgage. If the buyer is obtaining a new mortgage, the corresponding financing and mortgage registration procedures must be completed.

This procedure is particularly relevant if the buyer pays for the purchase with their own funds or receives separate financing, and the seller's existing loan is settled using the sale proceeds. Exact documents and payment terms should be agreed upon with the bank and the Real Estate Registration Centre before completing the transaction.

Option 2: Transferring Existing Mortgage Obligations to the Buyer

Alternatively, permission can be requested from the bank for the buyer to assume the current mortgage obligations, if they are willing. In this case, you must approach the bank with a proposal for the deal and request confirmation on whether the buyer can take over the existing loan. The bank may assess the buyer's financial situation and require updated or replacement financing documentation. Any transfer of ownership and associated mortgage obligations must be documented and registered in accordance with bank approval and DLD requirements.

Based on the above provisions and procedures, the possibility of selling the property before returning home can be considered. The most suitable path will depend on whether the bank allows the buyer to assume the existing loan or requires the loan to be repaid using the sale proceeds. Written confirmation from the bank regarding the proposed procedure should be obtained, and actions should be coordinated with the DLD or the Real Estate Registration Centre to finalize the transaction.

For further clarification, it is recommended to contact your mortgage lender and the DLD.

Applicable Provision: Dubai Law No. 14 of 2008 on Mortgages in the Emirate of Dubai.

The Museum of the Future in Dubai has announced a new hiring campaign that disregards traditional job requirements and experience. The museum is seeking a special type of talent, which they call 'Future Perfects'—individuals capable of embodying ideas related to science, technology, and society through human interaction and storytelling.

This initiative, the first of its kind globally, focuses on finding candidates who possess imagination, curiosity, emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and adaptability, rather than relying on a standard list of qualifications or previous work experience.

Selected applicants will join the museum's visitor team, helping to shape the updated route and narrative for visits before the planned reopening in 2027. Applications are accepted until November 8, 2026.

The selection process includes live assessments and final interviews before an expert committee. It is designed to identify qualities that might be overlooked on a resume, such as how candidates listen, react to others, and handle unforeseen situations.

The 'Future Perfects' role combines the functions of a guide, storyteller, and conversationalist. These employees will welcome visitors from diverse cultures and social strata, explain complex concepts in accessible language, and encourage people to discuss issues of the future.

The museum is interested in natural communicators, attentive listeners, and confident problem-solvers who can connect with people of different ages and temperaments. Previous experience in customer service or museums is not mandatory, opening doors for candidates whose strengths may lie outside conventional career paths.

Successful candidates are expected to start full-time in November 2026, welcoming guests from around the world and contributing to an experience where interactions with ideas about science, technology, nature, and society feel personal and meaningful.

The museum's approach is based on the belief that while technology can expand the boundaries of what is possible, people play a critical role in helping others understand and experience these possibilities.

Azza Al Nuaimi, Chief Operating Officer of the Museum of the Future, noted that this initiative reflects Dubai's approach to identifying potential and creating conditions for realizing ideas. She stated: 'Dubai built its global standing by recognizing opportunities even before they became obvious and by creating the conditions for people, ideas, and ambitions to realize them.'

Al Nuaimi emphasized that the museum's vision goes beyond simply presenting the future; it also focuses on the people who will shape that future and how visitors can see themselves within it. She added that curiosity, imagination, and human connection will remain vital as technology advances. According to her: 'These qualities cannot be measured by a diploma, a position, or years of experience.'

In Al Nuaimi's view, the 'Future Perfects' initiative demonstrates Dubai's belief in recognizing potential beyond traditional career trajectories. She concluded: 'We are looking for people who may never have imagined working in a museum but possess exactly what the Museum of the Future needs.'

The Dubai Municipality has completed more than 107 infrastructure projects worth 1.6 billion dirhams in 2026. These investments cover the development of beaches, neighborhood parks, public facilities, and initiatives to enhance the city's appearance, all aimed at improving residents' quality of life.

Projects implemented through the Municipality's Public Facilities Agency include work on Al Mamzar beaches, the creation of new neighborhood parks, the development of the Hewi Dubai area in Nad Al Sheba, the Majlis social district, as well as facilities in rural Dubai.

In addition to recreational areas, this program supports the development of educational, social, and community infrastructure for other government entities, thereby expanding the Municipality's role in meeting the needs of Dubai's growing population.

A significant portion of the invested funds was directed towards improving urban spaces: 36 percent was allocated to the development of public beaches, and 22 percent to landscaping, design, and agricultural projects.

These projects are part of broader efforts to increase access to outdoor recreation and public areas amid Dubai's continued growth. The focus is on creating public spaces that stimulate outdoor activity, social interaction, and an improved overall quality of life, including beach modernization and the creation of greener districts.

The Dubai Municipality stated that community feedback, visitor opinions, and operational data are taken into account when planning and improving public facilities, allowing the agency to respond to the changing needs of different age groups.

Bader Anwahi, Director General of the Public Facilities Agency at the Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the impact of infrastructure development should be measured by how it benefits people, not just by the number of completed projects.

He stated: 'The value of public infrastructure is measured by what we build, as well as how it improves people's daily lives and contributes to the long-term development of the city.' Anwahi added that the agency works to ensure efficient and sustainable management of public spaces at all stages—from design and development to operation.

'The completion of over 107 projects worth 1.6 billion dirhams demonstrates the scale of this endeavor and our constant commitment to accelerating implementation while strengthening quality and operational performance,' he noted.

Alongside infrastructure development, the Public Facilities Agency has created over 100 investment opportunities in Dubai's public facilities, including opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to attract greater private sector participation and introduce commercial and service offerings that complement the recreational and public functions of public spaces.

Anwahi clarified that the goal is to expand the economic contribution of public spaces while ensuring that commercial activities align with the specific nature of each location. The agency is also focused on refining project planning, construction methods, and management processes, paying close attention to maintenance, resource efficiency, and visitor experience from the design stage onwards.