Buying or selling property in Dubai means handing an agency a lot of trust, and a large amount of money often rides on it. So it’s fair to ask whether the agency you’re speaking to is legitimate. The short answer for us: Takween Aldar is a RERA-registered real estate agency Dubai. You shouldn’t just take an agency’s word for it, though, so here is how licensing works and how to check it yourself.
Who regulates real estate agencies in Dubai?
Dubai’s property market is regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). RERA sets the rules for brokerages and agents, protects buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants, and can take action against firms that break them. Any agency legally brokering property in Dubai must be registered with RERA and hold a valid trade licence.
What makes an agency “licensed”?
A legitimate Dubai agency should have all of the following:
- A valid trade licence issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with real estate brokerage listed as an activity.
- A RERA Office Registration Number (ORN) for the brokerage itself.
- A RERA Broker Registration Number (BRN) for every agent. Each agent holds a broker card, and only registered brokers can legally represent you.
- Trakheesi permit numbers on property advertisements. Every legitimate listing carries a permit number that links it to an approved ad.
If an agency can’t show you these, treat that as a red flag.
How to verify an agency in five steps
- Ask for the ORN and trade licence number. A licensed agency will share them straight away. Ours are ORN [insert ORN] and Trade Licence [insert licence number].
- Ask for your agent’s BRN and broker card. Check that the name matches the person you’re dealing with.
- Check the Trakheesi number on the listing. It should be visible on the advertisement and match the property.
- Confirm details through official DLD/RERA channels. The DLD and Dubai REST services let you look up registered brokers and offices.
- Insist on a written agreement. Use the standard RERA forms, such as Form A for sellers or Form B for buyers, before any money changes hands. Never pay a deposit to a personal account or to anyone you haven’t verified.
Red flags to avoid
- Agents who can’t provide a BRN or broker card
- Listings with no permit number
- Pressure to pay a deposit before any paperwork is signed
- Prices far below the market with no clear reason
- Requests to transfer funds to an individual rather than an official account
Why working with a registered agency matters
A RERA-registered agency is accountable to the regulator, follows standard contracts, and has to keep to Dubai’s rules on advertising, commissions and transactions. That protection matters whether you’re buying off-plan, purchasing a resale apartment, or selling a villa. It is also why we encourage every client to verify us and any other agency they consider.
Final thoughts
Licensing is the foundation of a safe property transaction in Dubai. At Takween Aldar, our team is happy to share our registration details and broker credentials, and to walk you through the process from viewing to title deed. Visit takweenaldar.ae or contact us to speak with a registered consultant.
