A gift deed is the instrument used to transfer property ownership between close family members as a gift rather than a sale. In Dubai, a qualifying gift transfer typically between first-degree relatives is registered at the DLD and attracts a reduced transfer fee instead of the standard rate that applies to a normal sale.
Where you’ll see it
A gift deed is used when, for example, a parent transfers an apartment to a child, or one spouse transfers to another. The transfer is registered at the DLD like any other, but on a gift basis, and confirming eligibility and preparing the paperwork is part of what a property transfer specialist handles for a family transfer.
Why it matters
The gift route can substantially reduce the DLD transfer fee — a qualifying first-degree gift is commonly charged at around 0.125% of the property value rather than the standard 4%. But the relationship must qualify and be evidenced; treating an ordinary sale as a gift, or assuming an ineligible relationship qualifies, leads to the transfer being refused or recharged at the full rate.
What it is not
A gift deed is not an ordinary sale agreement no purchase price is being paid, and the reduced fee reflects that. It is also not available between all relatives; the reduced-fee treatment is limited to defined close relationships, which is why gift eligibility is checked first.
Example
A father transfers a Dubai apartment to his son. Rather than registering it as a sale, the parties use a gift deed, evidence the parent-child relationship with attested documents, and register the transfer at the DLD at the reduced gift fee.
Connected documents and parties
Gift deed, title deed, proof of relationship (e.g. attested birth or marriage certificate), IDs; donor, recipient, DLD and the trustee office.
Going deeper: to check whether a transfer qualifies and what the DLD will require, see the family-transfer guidance from a Dubai conveyancing specialist.
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Last reviewed: June 2026