Fujairah Ruler issues law banning disposal of granted lands, govt-built houses

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has issued Law No. 1 of 2017 banning disposal of plots of lands acquired through housing grants and government-built within the emirate.

The new law is effective from the date of issuance.

The first article states that beneficiaries, landlords and their heirs may not transfer the ownership any other party. Any disposal of property that violates the provisions of this law shall be rendered null and void and shall have no standing in any litigation against the government and other involved parties.

The article, however, states one exception: that, for the sole purpose of getting funds for constructing buildings on such lands, landlords may mortgage their lands as a security upon approval from the emirate's municipal authorities.

According to the second article, and in the event of the owner's death, ownership of his property may be transferred to heirs only through an official orders from the concerned court.

Non-Emirati heirs may continue to use the property until they reach the age of majority if they are males, or marry if they are females, or receive UAE citizenship.

According to the third article, any disposal made prior to the issuance of this law without being adequately registered, shall not be considered legal or effective unless a relevant request was approved by the municipality.

The fourth article names Fujairah Municipality, Dibba Al Fujairah Municipality, and its committees for residential land affairs within its jurisdiction, as the competent authorities for enforcing this law.

Source: Khaleej Times