Pedestrian UAE real estate agents continue to use feet

It has been almost two years now that Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (Esma) passed a ruling stating that property measurements should be in metric unit, and not foot unit.

Yet, most property dealers are yet to update the new form of length measurement. At least that’s what’s evident in the numerous advertisements that are displayed to prospective buyers on a aily basis.

To be fair, a handful of property dealers do feature both measurements, but such dealers are an exception rather than the rule.

Even though land authorities such as the Dubai Land Department issue a title deed that details property measurement only in square metres, the advertising for such property continues to ignore the rule and, leading to a lot of confusion.

When Emirates 24|7 quizzed a local property dealer who continues to advertise properties with square foot measurements, he refused to reason why such a violation was allowed.

“I can’t comment on it. I am just doing my job,” insisted an agent.

It was in May 2011 that Esma published the replacement in length measurement in the Official Gazette in its issue No. 523.

It states that the measurement unit of foot should be replaced by the unit of metre in all official and commercial transactions in the UAE with effect from November 11, 2011.

When Emirates24|7 highlighted the violations to Esma, a senior official admitted that violations continued, but insisted that “change is gradual”.

“When you go to the land department, all transactions will be measured in metre. Even if it still shows square foot readings, it will also show the metric unit,” explained Mohammad Al Mulla, Director of Metrology Department.

“This sort of change takes time. It is a case of educating people and spreading awareness,” he added, admitting that this delay does lead to confusion.

“We have taken steps to change the measurement in line with the international system of units.”

He highlighted about how all oil companies and corporations in the UAE shifted fuel measurement from gallon to litre unit from the start of 2010.

“It will happen, but it will take time,” he said.

He added that penalties will be imposed if such oversight in advertising is also replicated in the actual transactions.

“If it is ignored in the transaction or certificate, then they will be penalised.”

Al Mulla detailed that the penalties in such cases will be determined based on individual cases. “Once it is brought to our attention, we follow a procedure to determine the punishment. It could be a warning or a fine.”