Dubai Land Department and Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation Sign Agreement to Enhance Real Estate Assets
Dubai, UAE – 29 April 2025 – The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has entered into a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation to boost and optimize the foundation’s property portfolio through the implementation of DLD’s Building Classification Project.
The signing ceremony took place at the DLD headquarters, with Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector, and Khalid Al Thani, Deputy Secretary-General of Awqaf Dubai, in attendance, along with senior representatives from both sides.
This initiative is designed to assess and upgrade Awqaf Dubai’s real estate holdings in alignment with DLD’s established classification standards. Following enhancements, properties will be re-evaluated accordingly. The partnership also facilitates access to inquiry services concerning lands and properties owned by deceased individuals, minors, or others under similar legal protection, complete with verified documentation.
Al Marri emphasized that the project aligns with Dubai’s ambitions to set international standards in real estate and endowment asset management. “This collaboration helps elevate property competitiveness and introduces advanced, transparent systems to manage properties linked to deceased persons and minors. It is part of our commitment to fostering innovation and seamless government collaboration in support of Dubai’s strategic economic and sustainability goals,” he stated.
Al Thani affirmed that the agreement reflects Awqaf Dubai’s focus on forging strategic alliances that advance inclusive and sustainable property stewardship. He noted that the new classification framework will empower the foundation to effectively evaluate and improve its assets, ensuring they generate optimal returns to support endowers and minors.
The collaboration will also involve the development of a joint system to access and process endowment property data and requests, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.
The DLD Building Classification Project evaluates properties based on five core criteria: technical and engineering standards, sustainability, legal documentation, safety and health, and management and financial performance. Buildings are graded on a scale from 1 to 4 stars, with a 4+ rating awarded to top-tier, eco-friendly properties. Additional factors such as maintenance standards, HVAC systems, elevators, parking, and external building conditions are also reviewed.
This classification initiative offers forward-thinking solutions for key players in the real estate market, including investors, developers, landlords, tenants, and both public and private sector stakeholders.
