The Dubai Land Department was established on January 24, 1960 / 26 Rajab 1379H.On that blessed day, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late Ruler of Dubai, signed a decree, stating: "We have decided to establish a committee to oversee affairs related to land and private properties in the emirate, in order to register these lands and properties in a systematic and effective manner and to safeguard the rights of our people."

Since then, the Land Department (LD) has kept pace with the great strides the UAE has made towards modernization. In days bygone, the sale of land was based on trust, and sealed with a handshake. Now, these traditional methods have been replaced with contracts and paperwork.All matters of legalization of sale and purchase of lands have been entrusted to the LD. This has served to regulate the registration process and protect property from misappropriation. It has also facilitated transactions between landowners and buyers, and their heirs, when applicable.

 Throughout the decades, the LD gained the trust of UAE nationals, by offering distinguished services and sound advice. The LD's first chairman was His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who took office in 1960 until the establishment of the Federal Union. The current chairman is Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who took office in 1971.

 LD has developed in sync with the rapid growth of Dubbai. The number of lands registered at LD exceeds 50,000 plots all over the emirate. The process of registering real estate data is entirely computerised. All procedures related to sale, purchase, and mortgage are conducted electronically.

The LD has left the era of manual work behind, keeping pace with advanced technology, which allows the department to provide clients with quality and time-efficient service. The LD places a high premium on customer care. Most clients are either UAE nationals and or GCC investors. The Dubai Land Department continuously strives to keep up with the development and prosperity of the emirate under the rule of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

LD has adopted a new organizational chart, relying on three new administrations incorporating all the different sections of the department. This step was taken as part of the five-year development plan (2004-2007).