The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has not yet officially confirmed the reasons behind suspending registrations of title in the names of offshore companies although they have said through the media that this is a temporary measure.

The DLD is not currently registering titles in the name of foreign offshore companies such as companies registered in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Republic of Seychelles, etc. Although the DLD have indicated through the media that this may be a temporary measure, we are seeking further clarification on:

• how long this will be applicable

• whether the DLD is actually upgrading their information systems i.e. software upgrades and what these upgrades will entail

• whether the procedures for application of title registration will change in the near future and how this will affect foreign offshore entities

• whether there will be any remedial measures undertaken in respect of the titles that are issued by the DLD in the names of shareholders of companies instead of in the names of the companies