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Off-plan handover delays in Dubai: what the DLD registry shows

We analysed the official Dubai Land Department registry: of 1,569 projects under construction, 412 (26%) are already past their planned completion date. Where it happens most and what it means for buyers.

Where the data comes from

The Dubai Land Department publishes a registry of all registered projects on Dubai's open data portal (data.dubai). For each project it lists the developer, completion percentage, planned start and end dates and the escrow bank. We used the export of 2 October 2026 and selected projects with the status active, not started or pending.

A passed date is not a failure yet

The completion date in the registry is the planned one. A developer can agree an extension with RERA, and the registry is sometimes updated with a delay. So a passed date is a reason to ask questions, not proof of a problem. Look at the completion percentage: a project at 90% with a passed date will almost certainly hand over soon; one at 10% will not.

Areas where timelines slip more often

Areas with many small developers — Arjan, JVC, Dubai Marina — have a higher share of projects past their date: many buildings there come from companies on their first or second project. Master communities of large developers (Emaar's Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Hills, Nakheel's Dubai Islands) keep to schedule noticeably better.

How to protect yourself

Before booking, check the project in the DLD registry: status, completion percentage and escrow account. Compare the promised handover date with the planned date in the registry. Look at the developer's record: how many projects it has delivered and how late. Find the delay-compensation clause in the sales agreement (SPA).

What to do if handover is delayed

Buyers' money sits in an escrow account and is released to the developer as construction progresses, so it does not disappear when a project is late. If a project is cancelled, Dubai law returns the funds to buyers through the escrow bank under RERA supervision. Keep all communication with the developer in writing and follow updates to the completion percentage.

AreaUnder constructionPast dateShareAvg completion
Arjan391949%36%
Dubai Marina14643%46%
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)1677042%28%
Business Bay531936%26%
Palm Jumeirah23835%34%
Downtown Dubai21733%27%
DAMAC Hills9333%25%
MBR City & Meydan431228%15%
Al Furjan491224%18%
Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)40922%19%
Dubai South1052221%13%
Dubai Hills Estate34618%34%
Dubai Islands1031515%5%
Dubai Creek Harbour1716%26%

Source: Dubai Land Department — Real Estate Projects (data.dubai), 2026-10-02

How PromptEstates helps

PromptEstates shows the DLD registry data for every project — completion percentage, planned handover date and escrow bank — next to the price and payment plan.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'past the planned date' mean in the DLD registry?

It is the planned completion date the developer gave at registration. If it is in the past and the project is still under construction, the timeline has moved or the registry is not yet updated — ask the developer.

Will I get my money back if a project is cancelled?

Yes: payments are held in an escrow account, and if RERA cancels the project the funds are returned to buyers through the bank.

How often is the data updated?

The Dubai Land Department updates the registry regularly; we use the export of 2 October 2026.

Sources: Dubai Land Department

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