Land Department starts on-the-spot registration

Land Department yesterday 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, while 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."

Mejren 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."

Mejren 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."

"From today buying and selling of Dubai property has become faster, easier and more secure," he said.

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.

"We are moving towards a range of new online options that will transform land transactions in Dubai," said 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.

"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 to integrate its own services under a single umbrella and to link these with other Government Departments and service providers."

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