Key Takeaways
- Dubai REST is the official DLD app for buying, selling, renting, and managing property in Dubai.
- You can register and renew your Ejari directly through the app, often at a lower cost than typing centres.
- The Real Estate Wallet gives owners real-time data on property value, rental yields, and service charges.
- Login is done via UAE Pass or Emirates ID, and the app supports both Arabic and English.
- Recent 2026 updates include a redesigned interface, updated Smart Rental Index Calculator, and property tokenisation features.
Who Is the Dubai REST App For?
The app is built for everyone active in Dubai's property market:
- Property owners and landlords use it to manage their portfolio, track rental yields, issue certificates, and handle transactions without a third party.
- Tenants can register or renew an Ejari contract directly. They can also cancel Ejari and file rental dispute cases with the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC).
- Real estate brokers, investors, and developers get access to verified directories, off-plan project data, and market indices they can act on quickly.
If you are a foreign investor renting out property from outside the UAE, the app is particularly useful. It gives you visibility and control without needing to be on the ground.
Key Features of Dubai REST App
Ejari Registration and Renewal
This is one of the most used features. Tenants and landlords can register, renew, or cancel a tenancy contract directly through the app. It is typically faster and more affordable than going through a typing centre.
If you have been wondering whether you need Ejari and what happens without it, the short answer is yes, you need it. Without Ejari contract, tenants cannot connect to DEWA, apply for a residence visa, or file a dispute.
Real Estate Wallet and Market Insights
Owners get a personal Real Estate Wallet showing live property values, rental yields, service charges, and relevant indices. This includes:
- The Rental Index, updated for 2026
- The Sale Index
- The Service Charges Index
This data is especially useful when you are trying to price your rental property competitively or checking whether a proposed rent increase is legally compliant. Also, the Smart Rental Index Calculator helps find the correct rental value as per the rent increase law.
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Off-Plan Project Tracking (Mashrooi)
If you have invested in an off-plan property, the Mashrooi feature gives you real-time construction progress. You can see the actual completion percentage, project photos, escrow account details, and upcoming payment milestones. You can also save projects to track over time.
This is a meaningful transparency tool in a market where off-plan purchases are common, and buyers often have limited visibility into project status.
Rental Disputes
The app connects directly to the Rental Dispute Centre, allowing tenants and landlords to submit and track dispute cases. This is relevant if you are dealing with an unresponsive landlord or facing an illegal rent increase. You can file, monitor, and manage your case digitally through the Smart Judge feature.
Property Certificates and Transactions
Through Dubai REST, you can request title deed verification, "To Whom It May Concern" letters, valuation certificates, and mortgage documents. Property buying, selling, and leasing can also be initiated and tracked within the app.
How to Get Started
Download the app:
- iOS: Search "Dubai REST" on the App Store
- Android: Search "DUBAI REST" on Google Play (over 500,000 downloads)
Login options:
- UAE Pass is the recommended and most seamless method
- Emirates ID, residence visa number, or face scan are also accepted
- Foreign investors who do not have a UAE residency can use title deed details in some cases
Select your role when registering: Individual, Owner, Tenant, or Broker. Your access and features will be tailored accordingly.
What to have ready:
- Emirates ID
- Unified tenancy contract (for Ejari registration)
- Payment method linked for in-app fee settlement
The app uses secure digital signing and integrated payment gateways, so most processes can be completed end-to-end without leaving the platform.
Why It Matters for Landlords Specifically
For property owners, the Dubai REST app reduces your dependency on intermediaries for routine transactions. You can verify broker credentials directly in the app, check rental return benchmarks before setting your asking price, and stay on top of service charges without chasing building management.
That said, the app handles government-side transactions. The day-to-day of managing tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance still requires a separate workflow. That is where a Keyper’s property management service fills the gap, handling what REST does not. All the services provided by the REST app are provided through the Keyper App (Android | iOS).
Recent 2026 Updates
The app has gone through a significant redesign for 2026. Key updates include:
- A modern, faster interface
- The updated 2026 Rental Index has been integrated into the wallet
- Display of recent sale transactions per area
- UAE Pass restrictions enforced for certain login types
- Property tokenisation: owners can now view tokenised properties and associated certificates
FAQs
1. Can I register Ejari through Dubai REST without a typing centre?
Yes. Both landlords and tenants can register, renew, or cancel an Ejari contract directly through the app. In many cases, the in-app fee is lower than what typing centres charge. You will need the unified tenancy contract and a valid Emirates ID to complete the process.
2. What if I do not have UAE residency? Can I still use the app?
Foreign investors without UAE residency can access some services using title deed details. However, the UAE Pass significantly improves your access and experience within the app.
3. Does the Dubai REST app show if a rent increase is legally permitted?
The app gives you access to the Rental Index and market data, which are the same tools used to assess legal rent increases under Dubai rental laws. You can cross-reference your current rent against the building and area benchmark.
The Dubai REST app is not optional if you are serious about property in Dubai. It is the DLD's official platform and the most direct way to handle government-regulated real estate transactions, from Ejari to disputes to off-plan tracking.
Where it falls short is in the daily management side of property ownership. Rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance coordination, and lease renewals still need attention. Keyper is built specifically for that layer, giving landlords a complete picture alongside what Dubai REST provides on the government side.
