Most rental transactions in the UAE are conducted using post dated cheques. While it used to be the case that you’d have to supply a year’s rent up front in one cheque, you can barter and haggle with landlords now to pay quarterly or even monthly. However, you may pay a premium or extra percentage for the ability to spread your payments.
If you don’t have a UAE bank account set up, you’ll need to pay cash. This could get you a discount on the annual price, so again haggle as much as you can. Importantly, make sure you’re paying the right person.
Double check that all paper work is correct and you’re giving the money to the name on all the contracts. Check the landlord’s documents, and ensure the name on the Tenancy Contract is the same as the person you’re handing your hard-earned cash to. Check the property described in the Tenancy Contract is the same one you visited and agreed to rent. If you’re dealing with an agent, make sure they’re registered with the Dubai Land Registery, and ask for a receipt in exchange for the payment.
Ask for friends to come with you to witness the transaction and document it with photos and videos if you can. It is perfectly possible to rent without a bank account, but when dealing with huge sums of money, exercise extreme caution.