TryBeforeDubaiThe honest guides to moving to Dubai.
51 practical, no-agenda guides — area comparisons, the terms that confuse everyone, real first-year costs, schools and the questions that stop expensive mistakes. Written to help you decide, not to sell you an apartment.
Dubai terms explained
14 guidesEjari, chiller-free, DLD fees, RERA, NOC — the jargon decoded before you sign.
Chiller free, explained
'Chiller free' is one of the most valuable lines in a Dubai listing — and one of the most misunderstood. Here's exactly what it means, what it saves, and how to verify it before you sign.
Read guideEjari, explained
Ejari is the official registration of your tenancy contract with Dubai's land authority. Without it, you can't get DEWA, visas or much else. Here's how it works.
Read guideDLD fees, explained
If you're buying property in Dubai, the DLD transfer fee is the big upfront government charge. Here's what it is, the headline 4%, and the other costs that come with a purchase.
Read guideFreehold vs leasehold, explained
If you're buying in Dubai, freehold vs leasehold decides what you actually own and for how long. Here's the difference and why it matters for expats.
Read guideOqood, explained
Buying off-plan in Dubai? Oqood is the interim registration that records your purchase before the building is complete. Here's what it means.
Read guideService charges, explained
Service charges fund the upkeep of your building and community — and they vary enormously. Here's what they cover, what's typical, and how to check before you commit.
Read guideChiller costs, explained
Cooling is one of Dubai's biggest hidden running costs. Here's what it typically costs, how billing works, and how to check the real number before you sign.
Read guideDEWA setup, explained
DEWA powers and waters your home. Connecting it is one of the first things you'll do after signing — here's the process, the deposits and the timing.
Read guideDubai tenancy law, explained
Dubai's tenancy law gives renters real protections — on rent increases, evictions and disputes. Here's what you're entitled to, in plain English.
Read guideThe RERA rent calculator, explained
The RERA rent calculator is the official tool that decides how much your rent can rise. Here's how to use it and read the result.
Read guideSecurity deposits, explained
Your security deposit is refundable — but only if you protect it. Here's what's typical, what landlords can legitimately deduct, and how to get it back.
Read guideRental cheques in Dubai, explained
Dubai rent is traditionally paid by a handful of post-dated cheques, not monthly. Here's why, what's normal, and how to negotiate more instalments.
Read guideNOC (No Objection Certificate), explained
An NOC is a short letter saying a party doesn't object to something. In Dubai property, you'll meet several — here's when and why.
Read guideThe Dubai Golden Visa, explained
The Golden Visa offers long-term UAE residency without a local sponsor. Here's the property route, the thresholds, and who else qualifies.
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