Can We Buy Abandoned Cars in Dubai?

By Alice Nichols

Abandoned cars are a common sight in Dubai. These cars may have been left behind due to various reasons such as accidents, owners leaving the country, or financial difficulties.

If you come across an abandoned car in Dubai, you might wonder if it is possible to buy it. In this article, we will explore whether it is legal to buy abandoned cars in Dubai and what the process entails.

Is it Legal to Buy Abandoned Cars in Dubai?

Buying an abandoned car in Dubai can be a tempting proposition, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, it’s important to note that buying an abandoned car is not always legal. The first thing you need to do is determine the ownership of the vehicle.

If the owner of the car has left the country or cannot be traced, then the car may be considered abandoned. However, this does not automatically give you the right to buy it. According to UAE law, if a person leaves their car unattended for more than 30 days without notifying the authorities or providing a valid reason for doing so, then the vehicle can be impounded and eventually sold at auction.

The Process of Buying an Abandoned Car

If you’re interested in buying an abandoned car in Dubai, here are some steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Locate the Car

The first step is to locate the abandoned car that you’re interested in buying. You can start by checking with local authorities such as Dubai Municipality or Dubai Police to see if they have any information about abandoned vehicles.

You can also try searching online classifieds websites such as Dubizzle or Gulf News Classifieds for listings of abandoned cars for sale.

Step 2: Check Ownership

Once you’ve located a potential car, you need to confirm its ownership status. This can be done by checking the car’s registration details with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). If the car is registered, you can contact the RTA to get information about its owner.

Step 3: Contact the Owner

If you’re able to locate the owner of the abandoned car, you can try contacting them directly to see if they are willing to sell it. However, if you’re unable to reach the owner or they are not interested in selling, then you may need to consider other options.

Step 4: Attend an Auction

If the car has been impounded by authorities and put up for auction, you can attend the auction to bid on it. However, keep in mind that there may be other bidders interested in buying the same vehicle, so be prepared to compete for it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it may be possible to buy abandoned cars in Dubai, there are legal considerations that need to be taken into account. If you’re interested in buying an abandoned car, make sure that you follow all legal procedures and confirm ownership before making any purchases.

Additionally, attending auctions can be a great way to find affordable cars but be prepared for competition from other bidders. So, this is all about buying abandoned cars in Dubai.