UAE off-plan glossary

Escrow account

Project-specific bank account where off-plan buyer payments are held; funds are only released to the developer against verified construction progress.

Under UAE law every off-plan project must have a dedicated escrow account at a RERA-approved bank. Buyer payments flow into this account, and the developer can only withdraw funds against engineering-verified construction milestones. This structure is the main consumer-protection mechanism in the UAE off-plan market — if the developer fails to deliver, escrowed funds remain available for completion or refund.

FAQ

Are off-plan payments safe in Dubai?

Yes, by design. UAE law requires every off-plan project to have a project-specific escrow account at a RERA-approved bank. Funds can only be released against verified construction milestones.

What happens to my money if the developer goes bankrupt?

Funds in the project escrow account remain available for completion or refund under RERA supervision. The exact outcome depends on construction progress.