Property Gifting in Dubai (Hibah): Everything You Need to Know
Updated: Sep 13
Property gifting in Dubai, commonly referred to as a Hibah (sometimes written as Hiba) transfer, allows ownership of a property to be transferred without a traditional sale.
It is most commonly used between family members, such as spouses, parents and children, although it may also apply in other ownership structures depending on the individual circumstances.
While no purchase takes place, a property gift is still a legal transfer of ownership that must be completed through the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The process involves documentation, valuation, government approvals and a formal transfer appointment before a new title deed can be issued.
At CLC Conveyancing, we manage the entire process from start to finish, ensuring your property gift transfer is handled efficiently, professionally and with complete peace of mind.
What Is a Hibah (Property Gift)?
A Hibah is the Arabic term used to describe the gifting of property or other assets without a sale taking place.
Unlike a standard property sale, ownership is transferred without a purchase price being paid between the parties. Instead, the transfer is processed through the Dubai Land Department as a gift transaction, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Although no money changes hands, the transaction still requires careful preparation to ensure everything is completed correctly.
Why Do People Gift Property?
Property gifting is commonly used when families wish to transfer ownership without selling the property.
Typical situations include:
Transferring property between spouses
Parents gifting property to their children
Family restructuring of property ownership
Estate and succession planning
Consolidating family assets
Every transaction is different, and the appropriate structure will depend on the parties involved and the ownership of the property.
Who Can Receive a Gifted Property?
In most cases, property gifting is available between close family members, including:
Husband and wife
Parents and children
The Dubai Land Department will usually require official documentation confirming the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. Depending on where these documents were issued, attestation or legalisation may also be required.
If you are unsure whether your circumstances qualify, seeking advice before beginning the process can help avoid unnecessary delays.
What Are the Dubai Land Department Fees for Property Gifting?
One of the main advantages of a qualifying property gift is the reduced Dubai Land Department registration fee.
For eligible family gift transfers, the DLD registration fee is typically 0.125% of the property's value, compared to the standard 4% transfer fee generally payable on a normal property sale.
Additional costs may also apply, including:
Property valuation fees
Trustee Office fees
Administrative charges
The exact fees will depend on the property and the specific circumstances of the transfer.
Can You Gift a Property with a Mortgage?
If the property is currently mortgaged, additional steps will usually be required before the gift transfer can proceed.
The mortgage must first be settled and the title deed released before ownership can be transferred.
If finance is involved, our team can explain the additional requirements and guide you through the process.
How the Property Gifting Process Works
Although every transaction is different, a typical Hibah transfer follows these stages.
Step 1 – Initial Review
Review the ownership structure
Confirm eligibility for the gift transfer
Identify the documents required
Step 2 – Document Preparation
Typical documentation may include:
Title Deed
Emirates ID
Passport copies
Proof of relationship
Additional supporting documents where required
Step 3 – Valuation & Approvals
Depending on the property, this stage may include:
Property valuation
Developer requirements (if applicable)
Dubai Land Department review
Verification of supporting documentation
Step 4 – Transfer Appointment
Once everything has been approved:
The Trustee Office appointment is arranged.
The transfer documents are signed.
The gift transfer is processed through the Dubai Land Department.
Step 5 – New Title Deed Issued
Following completion of the transfer:
Ownership is updated.
The recipient receives the new electronic title deed confirming ownership.
Typical Timescale
Every property gift is different, however a typical transaction may take between one and three weeks, depending on:
Document preparation
Property valuation
Developer approvals (where applicable)
Dubai Land Department processing times
Appointment availability
Preparing the correct documentation from the outset can significantly reduce delays.
Where Delays Can Happen
Most delays are avoidable and are often caused by missing information or additional approval requirements.
Common examples include:
Missing or incomplete documentation
Relationship documents requiring attestation
Outstanding mortgages
Developer approvals
Ownership structure queries
Additional Dubai Land Department requirements
Having an experienced conveyancing team manage the process can help identify these issues before they become delays.
How CLC Conveyancing Can Help
Although property gifting is often seen as a simpler alternative to a sale, it still requires careful coordination.
Our team manages the process from start to finish, including:
Reviewing eligibility
Preparing documentation
Coordinating property valuations
Liaising with developers where required
Managing Dubai Land Department requirements
Booking transfer appointments
Guiding you through every stage until the new title deed is issued
Our role is to remove the complexity so you can focus on your family's plans while we manage the legal process.
Key Takeaways
A Hibah (Hiba) is the legal gifting of property without a traditional sale.
Property gifting is commonly used between spouses, parents and children.
Although no purchase price is paid, the transfer still follows a formal legal process.
Eligible family gift transfers generally benefit from a 0.125% Dubai Land Department registration fee, compared with the standard 4% transfer fee for most property sales.
Professional guidance can help avoid delays and ensure the transfer is completed smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Hibah property transfer?
A: A Hibah (also written as Hiba) is the legal transfer of property ownership without a traditional sale. In Dubai, Hibah transfers are commonly used between qualifying family members and are processed through the Dubai Land Department.
Q: Can I gift my property to my spouse?
A: Yes. Property gifting between spouses is one of the most common Hibah transactions in Dubai, provided the Dubai Land Department requirements are met.
Q: Can I gift property to my children?
A: Yes. Parents can generally transfer property to their children through a Hibah transaction, subject to the required documentation and eligibility requirements.
Q: Can I gift a mortgaged property?
A: If the property has an existing mortgage, additional steps will be required before the gift transfer can proceed. The mortgage must first be settled before ownership can be transferred.
Q: Do I still pay Dubai Land Department fees?
A: Yes. Although there is no sale, government registration fees still apply. Eligible family gift transfers generally benefit from a reduced DLD registration fee of 0.125%, together with any applicable valuation, Trustee Office and administrative fees.
Q: How long does a property gift transfer take?
A: Most property gift transfers take between one and three weeks, depending on documentation, valuation requirements, approvals and appointment availability.
Q: Can overseas owners gift property in Dubai?
A: Yes, in many cases overseas owners can complete a property gift transfer. If you are unable to attend in person, it may also be possible to appoint a representative under a valid Power of Attorney, depending on your circumstances.
Thinking About Gifting a Property?
Whether you're transferring ownership to your spouse, parent or child, CLC Conveyancing provides independent guidance throughout the entire process.
From reviewing your eligibility and preparing the documentation to coordinating with the Dubai Land Department and attending the final transfer appointment, we manage every stage on your behalf.
If you're considering a property gift (Hibah) in Dubai, we'd be happy to guide you through the process.
