Licensed brokers in Dubai work under a written code of conduct. The code exists so that buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants can expect the same baseline of professionalism from anyone holding a brokerage licence. This page summarises the eleven principles that the archived version of this site set out, rephrased as general information.
The principles in brief
- Fair treatment. Every party to a deal is treated equally, with no favouritism or discrimination between them.
- Respectful treatment. Brokers show courtesy to everyone involved and avoid any behaviour that demeans a client or counterparty.
- Privacy. Personal and financial details belonging to buyers, sellers and related parties stay confidential. They are not passed to anyone who could use them for commercial or personal purposes.
- Trust and integrity. Both sides get an honest account of the property and of every relevant circumstance the broker knows about, and the reputation of the wider profession is protected.
- Quality. Services should have real practical value, and brokers are expected to keep improving their accuracy and standards.
- Compliance with law. Brokers follow the regulations of the country, honour their contracts, and do not allow unlicensed people to operate under their office’s name or licence. Falsifying or carelessly supplying wrong information invites investigation and disciplinary action.
- Transparency. Dealings are based on clear, reliable information, including openness about how the office’s own systems and procedures work.
- Responsibility to society. Brokers respect local values and contribute to orderly property development across Dubai.
- Protecting each party’s interests. A broker avoids any step that would damage the interests of one side of the transaction.
- Record keeping. Documents and papers connected to a deal are preserved.
- Respect for the Land Department. Brokers follow the department’s rules and the instructions of its officials, behave properly when visiting, and do not seek personal favours from its staff.
Personal undertakings
Alongside the eleven principles, the original code included two practical pledges. The first is to check the regulator’s website every week for announcements and legal amendments, and to apply them straight away. The second is to carry the official broker’s card at all times while working, and to show it to anyone who asks.
How the code works in practice
Codes like this are only useful when they can be enforced. In Dubai the licensing body can question brokers, investigate complaints about misleading information, and take disciplinary action. That is why the original document stresses accuracy, record keeping and keeping the broker’s licence in the open. A client who wants to test a firm’s standards can ask how it stores contracts, how it protects ID copies and how it handles deposits.
Why it matters to consumers
When you deal with a broker in Dubai, you can reasonably ask to see the broker card and the licence of the firm. You can also expect your documents and personal details to be handled discreetly, and you can expect an even-handed explanation of any risks. If something goes wrong, the regulator, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, is the body to approach. Always confirm the current rules directly with official sources, since requirements change over time.