New law on timeshare industry in Dubai issued

Our Correspondent

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a new law regulating the timeshare industry in Dubai. The Law provides a clear legal context for timeshare business activity, such as encouraging investments in the vacation ownership sector, providing adequate residential alternatives for tourists and visitors, and regulating the timeshare industry in Dubai according to international best practices.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is responsible for overseeing all activities in the emirate’s timeshare industry.

It will also investigate grievances and complaints against any individual or entity practising timeshare activities in Dubai without obtaining the required permits and approvals.

Dubai Tourism will manage a database for all facilities operating as timeshare property in Dubai, create the contractual terms for timesharing, and outline the requirements for timeshare advertisements. Timeshare permits are valid for a renewable period of one year. Dubai Tourism is authorised to grant permits for up to four years based on request from permit owner.