UAE Introduced a New Law Concerning Federal Properties

UAE Introduced a New Law Concerning Federal Properties

The UAE has introduced a fresh legislation concerning federal properties, signaling a commitment to enhancing their governance and development. This new law, identified as Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2023, marks a significant stride in refining the management of diverse federal assets, including real estate holdings. A central feature of this legislative update is the establishment of an advanced electronic platform for cataloging federal real estate properties, ensuring their protection, management, and upkeep. This digital initiative underscores the nation's commitment to transparency and aligns with its broader digitalization agenda.

Moreover, the decree-law provides clarity on the definition and registration procedures for federal real estate assets, resolves ambiguities in asset management and utilization, and introduces strategies for maximizing government asset returns through efficient leasing and utilization practices. It also allows for flexibility to cater to the specific needs of federal entities, ensuring alignment with their respective roles and responsibilities. In addition to addressing real estate assets used for public services like roads, railways, and bridges, the law also covers movable assets supporting these properties and non-real estate federal properties. It establishes regulations for managing private federal properties and non-real estate assets not dedicated to public service, including acquisition, use, and sale, as well as coordinating with local authorities for asset recovery or transfer to local governments.

The decree-law delineates management rules for federal properties within and outside the state, sets leasing guidelines for private properties, and outlines requirements for utilizing and benefiting from federal assets. It stresses compliance with local urban planning and building regulations to ensure optimal utilization. Federal Decree-Law No. 35 will supersede Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2018 concerning federal government real estate properties upon its effective date of March 28, 2024. The complete text of the decree-law is available on the UAE Legislation platform.