DLD decision to nullify plot’s title deed reversed

dubai — The appellate court in Dubai has reversed a decision by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) that had nullified a title deed for a plot of land sold to an investor. Dismissing the appeal, the court ordered that the security deposit be confiscated and directed the DLD and an intervening litigant to pay expenses and a sum of Dh1,000 as attorney fees.

The investor had bought a plot of land, along with the buildings constructed in the area, from a property developer a couple of years ago. Promptly after the sale transaction, a contract was registered and a title was issued by the DLD.

Months after the legalities were finalised, the investor was ‘surprised’ after learning that the DLD cancelled his company’s ownership of the land. The department placed a block on the title deed because of a complaint filed by a partner of the seller. According to the department, the partner claimed that he wasn’t able to receive his share from the sale, prompting him to file a request to stop the transaction.

Opposing the deed’s cancellation, the investor — represented by Firas Al Shoufi of Bin Sevan Advocates — filed a civil lawsuit against the DLD at the Court of First Instance, which ruled in his favour. The lower court ordered the department to pay all expenses and a sum of Dh500 as attorney fees.

The DLD, however, appealed this decision and took the case to the Court of Appeals. The court rejected the appeal and recognised the investor as the legal owner of the property.