The law regulating the rental relationship in protecting the rights of the landlord in Dubai, UAE

The regulatory framework governing landlord-tenant relations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is primarily established under Law No. (26) of 2007 on the Regulation of the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, along with its subsequent amendment, Law No. (33) of 2008. This legislation outlines the respective rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, including provisions concerning eviction procedures. Specifically, the law permits landlords to seek eviction under defined circumstances, such as non-payment of rent, violation of contractual terms, or the necessity for significant property renovations. While the legislation appears to protect landlords’ interests, it has been criticised for containing substantive and procedural deficiencies that necessitate urgent reform. This study adopts a doctrinal legal research methodology, supplemented by a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews, to examine the law regulating the rental relationship in protecting the rights of the landlord in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The study particularly focuses on analysing the law regulating the rent procedure in Dubai, the legal deficiencies in rental laws in Dubai, and the practical problems affecting lease contracts in Dubai. Data were collected through library-based research and interviews with twelve (12) respondents, including legal practitioners, academics, judges, and a chief executive officer. Various analytical methods, including historical, comparative, analytical, critical, and content analysis, were employed to interpret the findings. The study reveals that Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendment, Law No. (33) of 2008, are fraught with notable shortcomings from the perspective of landlords. These include the absence of clear provisions for long-term leases, inconsistent enforcement of legal stipulations, a lack of coordination among relevant regulatory bodies concerning eviction procedures, and delays inherent in the eviction process. This, in turn, restricts landlords’ autonomy and limits their ability to manage their property. In light of these findings, the study advocates for comprehensive legislative reform of Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendment, Law No. (33) of 2008. Particular emphasis should be placed on refining the legal structure governing lease relationships to align with the evolving dynamics of Dubai’s real estate sector. Such reforms are essential to enhancing legal certainty, improving the investment climate, and promoting sustainable development within the real estate industry in Dubai.