The Land Department today announced the introduction of its ‘next generation’ services which will include a core same-day on the spot registration procedure. The move will allow property transactions in one of the most dynamic markets to be completed securely online faster than anywhere else in the rest of the world.
The announcement signals activation of a new technologically-advanced integrated approach to registering and protecting land and property interests in the emirate said Sultan Bin Butti Bin Mejren, Director General of the Land Department, announcing the initiative.
During a ceremony to launch the new system, he said, “Today has seen the immediate activation of the technological infrastructure stage which will support the new advanced services and electronically integrate processes as diverse as registration, pre-registration, escrow accounts and a state-of-the-art e-services system.”
He added, “This will take the Department significantly closer to the stage where it will be able to offer one of the most advanced systems for registering and regulating land and property transactions. It moves land and property ownership in Dubai into a new era in which coherent strategy and planning results in joined-up access and protection of owners’ interests. One of the most important aspects of this ‘services-led initiative’ is that it integrates registration with procedures such as licensing the brokers who sell the property and even with the trust accounts through which funding for its construction is channeled.”
He said, “The benefits to owners, investors and end users in particular will be substantial and result in quick, simple seamless transfer through all stages of the immediate and related procedures conferring title while reinforcing top-to-tail regulation and protection.”
“Effect from today buying and selling Dubai property has become faster, easier and more secure,” he pointed out.
The announcement was made following completion of the first phase implementation of the new system after a four-week test period to bed in the technical infrastructure. This in turn followed a two-year review and implementation programme which has taken the Land Department’s already advanced electronic system to the next level and opens up the new services options.
“We are moving towards a range of new online options that will transform land transactions in Dubai,” said Mr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, IT Director at the Land Department.
He added, “Today’s activation means we have taken the critical step which will enable the Land Department to offer online services as standard. The motivation and rationale behind this initiative were guided by our experience of the market and the requirements of those involved in buying and selling property. The market has changed dramatically in the past five years so our starting point had to be different and our response pitched at a different level.”
“A coherent state-of-the-art e-services system offers a convincing solution to the technological issue. But the crucial factor is the ability it offers the Department first, to integrate its own services under a single umbrella and second, to link these with other Government Departments and service providers,” Al Suwaidi said.
“This has opened up the way to an online ‘done in one’ gateway which will enable buyers’ transaction to be completed in a single hit. Ultimately, it also opens up the possibility of, for example, banks being able to directly scrutinize escrow accounts online, which adds to the security offered to buyers and investors,” he added.
“At the end of the day, today’s initiative means property buyers now have the right environment within which to conduct their business or transactions. Our priority is to enable the Land Department’s customers to fulfill their business needs,” Al Suwaidi stated.
Sultan Bin Butti added, “By offering real estate buyers, investors and professionals procedures which are quick, simple, connected and allow instant access to on the spot reports we are giving them the confidence and assurance they need to invest in Dubai property.”
