Dubai’s real estate market is carefully regulated to safeguard both buyers and developers, particularly in the off-plan property sector.

One of the most important documents in this process is the Oqood Certificate—a digital contract issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) when purchasing property that is still under construction or on a payment plan. 

 

Understanding the Oqood Certificate

When a developer sells off-plan units, the property and its details must be registered in the Oqood system. Once registered, the buyer is issued an Oqood Certificate, which acts as proof of ownership during the construction phase.

This certificate includes:

  • Property details
  • Purchase price
  • Payment schedule
  • Developer information

The Oqood system ensures developers follow strict regulations, meet financial obligations, and comply with construction timelines. For buyers, it provides transparency, accountability, and legal protection in an otherwise complex off-plan market. 

 

Oqood vs. Title Deed: What’s the Difference?

While both documents are crucial in Dubai real estate, they apply to different stages of ownership:

  • Oqood Certificate
    • Issued for off-plan properties (under construction or on payment plans)
    • Confirms legal rights to the property during development
    • Contains purchase and payment details
  • Title Deed
    • Issued once a property is completed and ready for handover
    • Confirms full and final ownership
    • Lists the owner’s details and any restrictions or encumbrances

In short: Oqood = proof of ownership during construction; Title Deed = proof of ownership once completed. 

 

Using Oqood for Real Estate Power of Attorney in Dubai

When granting a Real Estate Power of Attorney (POA), the Title Deed is usually required to establish ownership. However, if a Title Deed is not yet available, an Oqood Certificate can serve as a valid substitute.

With a POA, you can authorize a trusted representative (your “Attorney”) to:

  • Buy or sell property on your behalf
  • Sign contracts and legal documents
  • Manage your property or finances

This flexibility is particularly valuable for clients living abroad or unable to personally attend to their real estate matters in Dubai.

 

How to Get a Real Estate Power of Attorney Online in Dubai

Thanks to Dubai Courts’ e-notary portal, you can now issue and notarize a POA entirely online, without visiting a notary office. Here’s how it works with POA.ae: 

Step 1: Place your order online choosing either a General or Property POA package.

Step 2: We prepare your POA draft in English and Arabic and send it for your review and approval.

Step 3: Once approved, we guide you through the full electronic notarization process until your notarized POA is delivered directly to your email. 

 

Final Thoughts

The Oqood Certificate plays a critical role in Dubai’s off-plan real estate market, offering protection and proof of ownership before the Title Deed is issued. Combined with a Power of Attorney, it ensures you can manage, sell, or delegate property responsibilities smoothly—even from abroad.

 

Contact us today at POAUAE.com to draft and notarize your Real Estate Power of Attorney online—secure, efficient, and fully compliant with UAE law.