Dubai Land Department, telecoms authority to regulate real estate ads on social media

Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed an MoU with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to regulate real estate advertisements on social media and websites.

The MoU aims to regulate real estate advertisements by setting up an “operational framework” in the control departments, a statement said.

The agreement includes the regulation of electronic advertising, especially for websites that offer real estate; the exchange of information; and coordination on unauthorised advertisements that are in violation of laws and regulations.

It also covers the mechanism of blocking the websites if they do not modify the violating advertisements or comply with the laws set in place.

DLD will provide the TRA with all the data, information, contact numbers, e-mail addresses, and links to all violating companies by specifying the violation text and its legal reference. The TRA will ensure the implementation of laws and regulations for the amending of real estate advertisements.

The move is hoped to reduce misleading property advertisements, the DLD said.

Also read: Dubai introduces new rule for property advertisements

Sultan Butti bin Mejren, director general of DLD, said: “Through this cooperation, we look forward to unifying and regulating the advertisement procedure for real estate companies and their use of text messaging and communications services to avoid public inconvenience.

“It will assist us in eliminating unlicensed advertisements on social media and websites that promote real estate or leasing, both inside and outside the country.”

DLD, through the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), issues official circulars addressed to all real estate companies and institutions operating in Dubai, urging those wishing to advertise any property to apply for a permit through the Trakheesi system on DLD’s website.

The regulations for real estate developers and agents with regards to advertising properties in the emirate were introduced in 2016.

The move is aimed at cracking down on fraudulent property advertising in Dubai and to increase transparency in the market.

Property developers or agents found violating the rule will face a fine of upto Dhs50,000.

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