Working with a licensed Dubai real estate broker is not optional. It is the law. Every agent who represents you in a property transaction in Dubai must hold an active RERA broker card, and the brokerage office they work for must hold a valid Dubai trade licence. Anyone operating outside this framework is doing so illegally, and any transaction they facilitate exposes you to risk.
The good news is that verifying a broker takes 30 seconds and is something every buyer or seller should do before signing anything — including a Form A or Form B representation agreement. This guide shows you exactly how.
Who is RERA and what do they regulate
RERA — the Real Estate Regulatory Agency — is a department within the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It was established in 2007 and is the regulator of all real estate professionals in Dubai: brokers, brokerages, developers, property management companies, and owners' associations.
For our purposes as buyers and sellers, RERA does three things that matter: it licenses every individual broker after they complete the required training course and pass the exam; it licenses every brokerage office and inspects their compliance; and it maintains a public registry where you can verify any broker or brokerage in seconds.
What to look for: the broker card
Every licensed broker in Dubai carries a physical RERA broker card. It includes their full name, photograph, broker registration number, the name of the brokerage they work for, and the expiry date. The broker number is a unique 7-digit identifier you can verify against the public registry.
Ask to see it before you do anything
Any legitimate broker will produce their RERA card on request without hesitation. If a broker hesitates, makes excuses, or shows you a different ID, that is your first red flag. Walk away.
How to verify in 30 seconds
- Open the Dubai REST app (free on iOS and Android) — or visit dubailand.gov.ae
- Tap the "Brokers" or "Verify Broker" service
- Enter the 7-digit broker number from their card
- Confirm the photo and name match the person you are dealing with
- Check that the licence status is "Active" and not expired
- Note the brokerage office name — it should match the company the broker says they work for
You can also verify the brokerage office itself the same way. Brokerages have their own RERA licence number (usually displayed in the office and on marketing materials). Verifying both the individual broker and the brokerage gives you full confidence in who you are dealing with.
What the verification tells you
- The broker has completed the required RERA training course and passed the exam
- The brokerage office holds an active Dubai economic department trade licence
- Both have undergone background checks
- They are subject to RERA discipline if they violate the code of conduct
- Any disputes can be escalated to the Rental Disputes Centre or Dubai Courts under regulatory frameworks
Red flags that should make you walk away
These are not minor concerns
If a broker exhibits any of these signs, do not proceed with the transaction. The cost of working with an unlicensed agent can include losing your deposit, being unable to register the property, and having no legal recourse if anything goes wrong.
- Refuses to show or share their RERA broker card
- RERA card shows expired status when you check the registry
- Insists you transfer the deposit to their personal account rather than the brokerage escrow
- Pressures you to skip Form F (the MoU) or sign blank documents
- Cannot name the brokerage office they work for
- Claims to be acting for both buyer and seller without written disclosure (this is illegal under RERA)
- Offers prices that are far below market without inspection or documentation
- Asks for cash payments outside of standard transaction channels
Commission structure: what RERA permits
The standard Dubai commission for sales transactions is 2% of the property value plus 5% VAT, payable to the broker representing the buyer. For rentals, the standard is 5% of the annual rent. These are market norms, not legally fixed — but RERA requires all commissions to be clearly disclosed in writing in the representation agreement (Form A for sellers, Form B for buyers) before the transaction proceeds.
If a broker tries to add fees that are not disclosed in your Form A or Form B, you can refuse to pay and report them to RERA. Hidden commissions are one of the most common complaints, and RERA takes them seriously.
Forms A, B, F and I — the paperwork RERA mandates
Dubai has a standardised set of forms for every stage of a property transaction. These forms exist to protect you and to make sure everyone has signed off on the same terms. Brokers cannot legally skip them, even for friends or repeat clients.
| Form | Purpose | When |
|---|---|---|
| Form A | Seller appoints the listing broker | Before marketing the property |
| Form B | Buyer appoints their representing broker | Before viewings and offers |
| Form F | Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between buyer and seller | On accepted offer |
| Form I | Co-broking agreement between two brokerages | When two brokers are involved |
What to do if something goes wrong
If you have already engaged a broker and you suspect they are unlicensed, or if you have a dispute with a licensed broker, RERA provides a clear escalation path.
- File a complaint through the Dubai REST app under "Real Estate Services > Broker Complaint"
- Visit the DLD customer service centre at Trade Centre with documentation
- For unpaid commission or refund disputes, escalate to the Rental Disputes Centre (which also handles broker disputes despite the name)
- For criminal fraud, file a police report at any Dubai Police station
Frequently asked questions
Can a real estate agent work in Dubai without a RERA licence?
No. It is illegal to broker any Dubai property transaction without an active RERA broker card. Agents who do so face fines and may be banned from the industry. Buyers who use unlicensed agents have limited legal protection if disputes arise.
How long is a RERA broker card valid?
Broker cards are issued for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires the broker to complete continuing education hours and pay the renewal fee.
Can one broker represent both buyer and seller?
Only with full written disclosure to both parties in advance and explicit consent from both. This is called dual agency. Most reputable brokerages avoid it because of the conflict of interest. If a broker pushes dual agency on you, that is a red flag.
Where do I find a verified broker?
You can search the public RERA broker registry through the Dubai REST app or the DLD website. Reputable platforms only list RERA-verified brokers — at MR HAUS, every agent profile shows their RERA number publicly.
What if the broker is licensed but the brokerage is not?
Both must be active. A licensed broker working under an unlicensed brokerage cannot legally represent you in a transaction. Verify both before signing anything.