New decree on ownership of educational lands in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has issued Decree No. (32) of 2020 transferring the ownership of certain educational lands in Dubai to the Knowledge Fund Establishment.

The educational lands subject to this Decree are lands granted to government entities and real estate developers, including lands leased to third parties.

Undeveloped lands granted to individuals and private entities that have not been developed within five years of the date of the grant or those that have ceased to have education activity.

The educational lands excluded from the articles of this Decree included those granted to public education facilities, lands within education zones like Dubai Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, mortgaged lands and common lands that include educational lands.

Moreover, educational lands allocated to federal entities, foreign communities and civil society organisations are subject to this Decree if the lands were not developed within five years of the date of allocation, education activity has ceased in the allocated land or, the purpose of the allocation has lapsed.