Where Foreign Buyers Can Own Property in the UAE

The UAE welcomes foreign property buyers, but there is no single national rule on where they can own. Each emirate sets its own framework, and in most of them foreign ownership is limited to specific areas. Here is a practical overview — and why you should always confirm the status of a particular plot before you commit.

Dubai: designated freehold areas

Dubai's Law No. 7 of 2006 on real property registration, together with Regulation No. 3 of 2006, allows non-UAE nationals to own property in areas designated by the Ruler of Dubai. In those areas, foreign individuals and companies can hold freehold title, or usufruct and leasehold rights for up to 99 years. UAE and GCC nationals, and companies wholly owned by them, can own property anywhere in the emirate.

The designated areas include many of the communities buyers know best — for example Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Hills Estate. The list has been extended over time, and the Dubai Land Department keeps the authoritative record; the status of a specific property can be checked through DLD channels such as the Dubai REST app.

Title deeds are issued by the Dubai Land Department.

Abu Dhabi: investment zones

Before 2019, foreigners in Abu Dhabi were generally limited to long-term rights such as musataha, usufruct or long leases of up to 99 years. Law No. 13 of 2019, which amended Abu Dhabi's real estate law, allowed foreign individuals to own freehold property within designated investment zones. Areas commonly cited include Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Raha Beach and Al Maryah Island. Abu Dhabi's rules have been amended again since then, so confirm the current position with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre before buying.

Other emirates

Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and other emirates have their own ownership rules and designated areas, and the rights available to foreigners — freehold or long lease — differ from one emirate to the next. Because these rules are set locally and change over time, check with the relevant land department, or ask us to do so, for the specific project you are considering.

Practical points for foreign buyers

• Confirm the tenure: freehold, leasehold or usufruct — and for how long.
• Check the developer and the project registration with the land department before paying anything.
• Financing: UAE banks lend to non-residents in some cases, but criteria are stricter; Central Bank rules cap the loan-to-value ratio (for expatriates buying a first home, up to 80% for properties up to AED 5 million).
• Residency: property ownership can support long-term residence under conditions set by the authorities — for example, Abu Dhabi's Golden Visa for owners of property worth at least AED 2,000,000 outside any mortgage. Rules change, so verify at the time you apply.
• Use registered professionals: licensed brokers and DLD-approved trustee offices in Dubai, and the equivalent bodies in other emirates.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Ownership rules differ between emirates and change over time; confirm the current position for any specific property.

Sources

• Dubai Land Department, Frequently Asked Questions (foreign ownership in freehold areas; GCC ownership) — dubailand.gov.ae.
• Dubai Legislation Portal, Law No. (7) of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai, Article 4 — dlp.dubai.gov.ae.
• Afridi & Angell, "Expanded real estate ownership in Abu Dhabi" (Law No. 13 of 2019, effective 16 April 2019), July 2019 — afridi-angell.com.
• Central Bank of the UAE, Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans — rulebook.centralbank.ae.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Golden Visa for real estate investors (updated 13 October 2026) — added.gov.ae.