Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

Ealani is a free, online classifieds platform — connecting buyers and sellers across the region.

Whether you are looking to sell a used item, list a new product, offer a service, or find your next home or vehicle, Ealani provides the space and the tools. You provide the honesty and the deal.

Ealani is not a party to any transaction — we simply help you connect with your community.

Free. Local. Yours.

Yes — the core platform is free.

  • No listing fees
  • No subscription charges
  • No hidden costs
  • No commissions on sales

Inshaa Allah, Ealani will always remain free for everyday users — for families selling used items, students looking for deals, and anyone in the community.

Anyone 18 years or older can use Ealani, provided they comply with UAE laws and our platform rules.

You are welcome to use Ealani if you are:

  • A private seller with used items to sell
  • A buyer looking for good deals
  • A small business or trader with new or excess stock
  • A service provider (tutor, plumber, cleaner, etc.)
  • A real estate agent or landlord
  • An employer posting a job vacancy

You must not use Ealani if:

  • You are under 18
  • You intend to post prohibited or illegal items
  • You intend to scam, defraud, or mislead other users

All users are responsible for complying with UAE laws and our Terms of Use.

  1. Click the “Register” or “Sign Up” button on our homepage.
  2. Enter your email address and create a password.
  3. Provide your mobile number (UAE-based) for verification.
  4. Check your email or SMS for a verification code.
  5. Enter the code to activate your account.
  6. Complete your profile with your name and optional details.

Once registered, you can:

  • Post ads instantly
  • Browse and search listings
  • Save favorite items
  • Message other users
  • Manage your account settings

Tip: Use a valid email and mobile number — these are how buyers and sellers reach you.

Posting Ads

  1. Log in to your Ealani account.
  2. Click the “Post an Ad” button (usually at the top of the page).
  3. Choose a category that best fits your item or service.
  4. Fill in the details:
    • Title: Clear and descriptive
    • Description: Honest and accurate
    • Price: In UAE Dirhams (AED)
    • Location: Where the item is located
    • Photos: Upload clear, real photos of the actual item
  5. Review your ad and click “Post”.
  6. Your ad will go live immediately (or after a brief review if we have moderation in place).

Tips for a great ad:

  • Use high-quality photos (well-lit, multiple angles)
  • Describe any defects honestly
  • Include contact details (or use our messaging system)
  • Set a fair, realistic price

Important: Please read our Listing & Advertising Policy before posting to ensure your ad complies with our rules.

In most cases, your ad will go live immediately after you click “Post.”

However, we may review ads that:

  • Are in high-risk categories (services, vehicles, property)
  • Trigger our automated moderation system
  • Have been reported by other users

If your ad requires review, it will typically be processed within 24-48 hours. You will receive an email notification once your ad is live or if any issues are identified.

To avoid delays:

  • Ensure your ad complies with our Prohibited Items Policy
  • Use clear, honest descriptions and real photos
  • Avoid duplicate postings

Need help? Visit the contact us page

Your ad may be rejected or removed for several reasons:

Common Reasons:

  • The item or service is prohibited (see our Prohibited Items Policy)
  • Your ad contains misleading or false information
  • You used copyrighted or stolen photos
  • Your ad is a duplicate of another listing
  • Your ad contains inappropriate language or content
  • You posted in the wrong category
  • Your ad links to external websites or competing platforms
  • You misrepresented yourself as a private seller when you are a business

If your ad is rejected, we will typically:

  • Send you an email explaining the reason
  • Suggest corrective actions
  • Allow you to edit and repost (if applicable)

If you believe your ad was rejected in error, please Contact us and our team will review your case.

You can delete your ad — but editing is not allowed after posting.

To delete your ad:

  1. Log in to your Ealani account.
  2. Go to your ad’s single page (the full listing view).
  3. Look under your name / author section.
  4. Click the “Delete” button.
  5. Confirm the deletion.

To make changes:
If you need to update the price, description, photos, or any other detail, you must:

  1. Delete the original ad.
  2. Create a new ad with the correct information.

Why we don’t allow editing:

  • Prevents scams: Editing an ad after it has been reported or reviewed could allow bad actors to change content and mislead users.
  • Maintains trust: Buyers can rely on the fact that what they see is what was originally posted.
  • Protects you: Your original listing remains as a record of what was advertised.

Important Notes:

  • Deleted ads cannot be recovered.
  • Once an item is sold, please delete the ad to avoid wasting other users’ time.
  • If your ad was removed by our moderation team for a policy violation, you may not be able to repost the same content.

Pro Tip: Before posting, double-check your title, description, price, and photos. Once it’s live, you cannot edit it — so make it right the first time.

We want Ealani to be a trusted marketplace. Clear, honest photos and descriptions are essential.

Photo Rules:

  • Use real photos of the actual item — not stock photos or images from the internet
  • Upload photos that are well-lit, in focus, and show the item clearly
  • Include photos of any defects, scratches, or damage
  • Do not use photos containing copyrighted material, watermarks from other platforms, or personal contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, social media handles)
  • No sexually suggestive or explicit images
  • No AI-generated or doctored images

Description Rules:

  • Be honest and accurate about the item’s condition, features, and age.
  • Clearly state if the item is new, like new, used, or needs repair.
  • Include the price in UAE Dirhams (AED).
  • Do not include external links (to other websites, payment gateways, or competing platforms).
  • Do not use keyword spamming (irrelevant words to manipulate search results).
  • No discriminatory, offensive, or illegal content.
  • If you use AI-assisted tools to generate your description, you are still fully responsible for its accuracy. Review and edit before posting.

Why it matters:
Accurate listings build trust. Misleading listings damage your reputation and may result in your ad being removed or your account suspended. This applies whether you write the description yourself or use AI assistance.

safety

Your safety matters to us. While Ealani is a platform for connection, you are responsible for your own safety in all transactions.

General Safety Tips:

  • Meet in public, well-lit areas — shopping malls, cafes, or police stations
  • Bring a friend if possible
  • Inspect items thoroughly before paying — test electronics, check for damage
  • Do not send money in advance for items you haven’t seen
  • Use secure payment methods — avoid large cash transactions in private settings
  • Trust your instincts — if it feels wrong, walk away

For Vehicles:

  • Verify the registration card (Mulkiya) matches the seller’s ID
  • Check for outstanding loans or traffic fines using official RTA/MOI channels
  • Transfer ownership at authorized centers (Tasjeel, RTA, etc.)

For Property:

  • Verify the landlord or agent’s identity and authorization
  • Sign formal contracts (in Arabic) reviewed by a professional if possible
  • Register tenancy contracts through Ejari (Dubai) or equivalent systems

For Services:

  • Ask for a Trade License Number or Municipality Card
  • Verify licenses online via DED or relevant authority
  • Never pay 100% upfront — use a deposit and pay balance after work is completed
  • Get a written estimate before work begins

If something goes wrong:

  • Report suspicious activity to us using the “Report” button on the listing or message
  • For criminal matters, contact local police (Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, etc.)
  • For consumer protection issues, contact DED Consumer Protection or relevant authority

Remember: Ealani does not verify users, items, or services. We provide the space — you provide the caution.

First — do not engage. If you feel unsafe or believe someone is trying to scam you, stop communicating immediately.

Step 1: Report the user or listing

  • Click the “Report” button on the listing or in your messages.
  • Select the reason for the report (e.g., “Suspicious behavior,” “Scam attempt,” “Prohibited item”).
  • Add any relevant details (screenshots, description of the issue).
  • Our Trust & Safety team will review and take appropriate action.

Step 2: Block the user

  • If you are using our messaging system, you can block the user directly.
  • This prevents them from contacting you further.

Step 3: Contact authorities (if necessary)

  • If you have lost money or been threatened, contact:
    • Dubai Police: 999 (emergency) or 901 (non-emergency)
    • Abu Dhabi Police: 999 (emergency) or 800 3333 (non-emergency)
    • Other Emirates: Call 999 for emergencies
    • Consumer Protection: Visit the DED website for your emirate

Step 4: Notify us

  • After reporting to authorities, please Contact-us
  • We will cooperate fully with any official investigation.

Remember:

  • Ealani will never ask for your password, credit card details, or Emirates ID via email or messages.
  • Ealani will never ask you to send money directly to us.
  • If in doubt, contact us directly before taking any action.

Generally, no. Advance payments are a common source of fraud on classified platforms.

Guidelines:

  • For items: Always inspect the item before paying. Do not send money to “hold” an item for you.
  • For services: Pay a small deposit (10-20%) at most, and pay the balance after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
  • For vehicles or property: Use bank transfers or manager’s checks for traceability. Avoid large cash payments.
  • Never send money via:
    • Western Union
    • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, etc.)
    • Gift cards
    • Any untraceable method

Red flags:

  • Seller insists on full payment upfront
  • Seller is “out of the country” and needs shipping fees
  • Price is too good to be true
  • Buyer/seller pressures you to act quickly
  • Seller refuses to meet in person or show the item

If you feel pressured — walk away. A legitimate seller will never rush you.

Remember: Ealani does not offer payment protection, escrow, or buyer/seller guarantees. You are responsible for your own financial decisions.

account management

Forgetting your password happens to everyone. Here’s how to reset it:

  1. Go to the login page on Ealani.
  2. Click the “Forgot Password?” link below the password field.
  3. Enter the email address you used to register.
  4. Check your email for a password reset link (check your spam folder if you don’t see it).
  5. Click the link and follow the instructions to create a new password.
  6. Log in with your new password.

Tips for a strong password:

  • At least 8 characters (longer is better)
  • Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Include numbers and symbols (e.g., !, @, #, $)
  • Avoid common words or personal information (e.g., your name, birthday)
  • Do not reuse passwords from other websites

If you still can’t log in:

  • Ensure you are using the correct email address.
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies.
  • Try a different browser.
  • You can [Contact-us] for assistance.

We’re sorry to see you go. Here’s how to delete your Ealani account:

  1. Log in to your Ealani account.
  2. Go to “Account Settings”.
  3. Look for “Delete Account”.
  4. You will be asked to confirm your Password.
  5. Click “Delete Account.”

Important Notes:

  • Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.
  • If you change your mind, you will need to create a new account.
  • Any active messages or ongoing transactions will be interrupted — please resolve any pending deals before deleting your account.