What Regulatory Standards Govern Commercial Valuations in the UAE?

When I first started working with property valuations in Dubai, one of the biggest challenges was navigating the regulatory landscape. It’s not just about running the numbers—valuations need to be credible, transparent, and legally compliant. That’s especially true when it comes to valuing commercial property in Dubai, where large investments are at stake. Here’s how the main standards come into play.

The most important authority is the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Any company providing professional valuations in Dubai must be licensed through the DLD. This isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. The DLD sets strict guidelines on who can conduct valuations, the methodologies used, and how reports are structured. This ensures consistency across the market and gives investors confidence that a valuation has real weight.

Beyond DLD licensing, many firms also follow international best practices, and that’s where RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) comes in. RICS doesn’t replace DLD standards, but it adds an additional layer of professionalism. Its “Red Book” is considered a gold standard globally, and valuers trained under RICS principles tend to adopt a more rigorous and transparent approach. In Dubai, having a RICS-certified valuation can strengthen trust with international investors who want reassurance that global practices are being followed.

Then there’s the IVSC (International Valuation Standards Council), which publishes international valuation standards used in many parts of the world. Like RICS, these are not mandatory in Dubai, but they align valuation practices with globally recognized frameworks. When valuers combine DLD requirements with RICS and IVSC principles, the outcome is a valuation that not only meets legal requirements but also resonates with banks, investors, and regulators beyond the UAE.

In practice, this means if you’re getting a valuation for a commercial property—whether it’s an office tower, retail space, or warehouse—you can expect it to comply with DLD rules. If the valuation also follows RICS or IVSC, it’s even stronger, especially if you’re using it for financing, cross-border transactions, or investor presentations.

From my perspective at YallaValue, this regulatory mix is actually a strength for Dubai. The DLD provides the legal backbone, while RICS and IVSC elevate valuations to meet international expectations. For investors and owners alike, that balance helps ensure transparency in what is one of the most dynamic property markets in the world.