Every legitimate Dubai agent, agency, advert and off-plan project can be checked on official Dubai Land Department channels in minutes. Here's exactly what to check — and what should make you stop.

1 · Get the number

Ask the agent for their broker card. It shows their name, photo, BRN and expiry date.

BRN

2 · Verify it officially

1Open the Dubai REST app
2Use the broker card (e-card) verification
3Enter the BRN or scan the card
4Compare the result with the person you're dealing with

Dubai REST app

3 · What did the official record show?

Did you notice any of these?

0 of 3 confirmed. Tick each point once you've seen it in the official record.

This tool doesn't connect to DLD — it only reflects what you tick. The official record is the only proof.

Follow the money

Where your money
should — and shouldn't — go.

🏗️Off-plan

Instalments go only into the project's escrow account. Check the account number against the DLD project record, digit by digit.

🔑Ready (resale)

Payments are made by manager's cheque and the transfer happens at a DLD registration trustee office — not into an agency's account.

⛔Never pay into

An agent's personal account, an overseas account, a crypto wallet, or a payment link sent on WhatsApp or social media.

Already paid someone suspicious?Act fast — in this order.

1
Call your bank's fraud line
Immediately — recalls are most likely to succeed within the first hours.
2
Report to Dubai Police
Through ecrime.ae, the Dubai Police app, or by calling 901.
3
File a complaint with DLD
Report the broker, agency or advert so the regulator can act.
4
Keep every record
Messages, receipts, adverts, contracts and the numbers you were given.

Outside Dubai?Each market has its own regulator.

Abu Dhabi

Brokers and transactions are regulated by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) through the DARI platform.

Saudi Arabia

Brokers must hold a FAL licence from the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).

Qatar

Brokers are licensed by the Real Estate Brokerage Regulatory Committee at the Ministry of Justice.

Bahrain

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA Bahrain) licenses brokers and registers off-plan projects.

Kuwait

Real estate brokerage licences are issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Oman

Real estate brokers are licensed through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

FAQ

Verification,
explained.

01Does Property Aster check the numbers for me?

No — this page doesn't connect to DLD's systems and can't confirm a licence. It shows you exactly where and how to verify on official channels, which is the only check that counts.

02What is the difference between a BRN and an ORN?

A BRN (Broker Registration Number) belongs to an individual agent and is printed on their broker card. An ORN (Office Registration Number) belongs to the brokerage company. Both should point to the same agency.

03What is a Trakheesi permit?

It's the advertising permit every property advert in Dubai must carry. The permit links the advert to a specific property, agent and agency, and can be checked by number or QR code.

04Is an agent's word that the project is 'DLD approved' enough?

No. Search the project yourself in the Dubai REST app and confirm the developer and escrow account before you pay anything.

05Does this apply outside Dubai?

These steps are specific to Dubai. Abu Dhabi and the other GCC markets have their own regulators and verification services — see the market list on this page.

Guidance last reviewed October 2026. Services and app menus can change — the Dubai Land Department is the authority.

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Every agent on Property Aster
starts with a licence check.

Buying, renting or investing in Dubai? Our team works only with licensed brokers and registered projects — and walks you through every check.

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Verify first. Pay second.

Where your money
should — and shouldn't — go.

Verification,
explained.

Every agent on Property Aster
starts with a licence check.

Dubai Land Department

Verify first. Pay second.

Where your moneyshould — and shouldn't — go.

Verification,explained.

Every agent on Property Asterstarts with a licence check.

Where your money
should — and shouldn't — go.

Verification,
explained.

Every agent on Property Aster
starts with a licence check.