Freehold Areas in the UAE

Dubai

Article 3 of Regulation No. 3 of 2006 lets non-UAE nationals hold freehold ownership without time limit, or a usufruct or lease of up to 99 years, on named plots in these areas:¹

• Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and The World Islands
• Emirates Hills 1, 2 and 3, Al Barsha South 2 and 3, Sofouh 1 and 2
• Jebel Ali, Al Jaddaf, Ras Al Khor, Umm Hurair 2 and Sheikh Zayed Road
• Al Qouz 3, Al Qouz Industrial Areas 2 and 3, Al Rowyah, Mirdif, Nad Al Sheba and Warsan 1

Source: Dubai Legislation: Regulation No. 3 of 2006 Determining Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals¹

Each area is limited to the plot numbers in the Regulation and its maps, and later resolutions have added plots, for example around the Dubai World Trade Centre in 2015. Always check the title deed status of the exact plot with the Dubai Land Department.^1,4

Abu Dhabi

Since the April 2019 amendment, non-UAE nationals may own and dispose of property inside the investment areas. The UAE Government Portal lists nine: Yas Island, Saadiyat, Reem, Mariya, Lulu, Al Raha Beach, Sayh Al Sedairah, Al Reef and Masdar City.^3,5

Sharjah

Since November 2022, Executive Council Decision No. 30 of 2022, made under Law No. 2 of 2022, lets buyers of any nationality own property of all types outright and without time limit inside approved real estate development areas and projects. Non-UAE and non-GCC owners may hold no more than 50% of the units in a project, and a 2% ownership fee is charged on the sale value. Outside approved projects, the usufruct of up to 100 years remains the route, and every right is registered with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department.^6,7,3