First obtain the official status and cancellation decision. A halted construction site or a developer's email is not proof of final RERA cancellation. A project still under cancellation may require a different route from a project already being liquidated.
Confirm whether the Special Tribunal for Unfinished and Cancelled Real Property Projects is handling the project and how to lodge your claim. Its framework excludes projects within DIFC. Some unfinished projects may be assigned to another developer for completion.
An escrow account protects project funds but does not promise an immediate cash refund. Establish the amount paid, any assignment of the purchase, the identity of the entitled claimant and any project-specific filing directions. Do not assume one refund deadline applies to every case.
A practical next step
Prepare the sale agreement, registration record, transfer documents and bank receipts. Ask DLD or the handling tribunal to identify the project file and current claim-submission requirements.
Official sources
Law No. 19 of 2020 — Article 11(b), refund after final RERA cancellation
Decree No. 33 of 2020 — project tribunal jurisdiction and liquidation
Law No. 8 of 2007 — project escrow accounts and protection of depositors