Property
UAE — Property: Foreign Ownership
Foreigners may buy freehold property only within designated freehold areas (Dubai) or investment zones (Abu Dhabi) — outside these zones, ownership is generally restricted to UAE/GCC nationals. Dubai has 60+ designated freehold zones registered through the DLD, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Jumeirah Village Circle. Abu Dhabi permits foreign freehold ownership in 9 designated investment zones (Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef, Masdar City, Lulu Island, Sayh Al Sedairah), processed through the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). As of January 2026, foreigners can buy apartments, villas, townhouses, penthouses, and serviced apartments within these zones. A freehold purchase of AED 2,000,000+ in an Abu Dhabi Investment Zone (completed, not off-plan) qualifies the buyer for the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa.
Key facts
- Foreign freehold ownership is restricted to designated zones: 60+ in Dubai, 9 in Abu Dhabi.
- Properties outside designated zones are generally restricted to UAE/GCC nationals.
- Dubai's zones include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle.
- A completed (non-off-plan) property purchase of AED 2,000,000+ in an Abu Dhabi Investment Zone qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Costs
- Golden Visa qualifying threshold (Abu Dhabi completed property): AED 2,000,000+
Common mistakes
- Attempting to buy freehold outside a designated zone, which is restricted to UAE/GCC nationals.
- Assuming an off-plan purchase qualifies for the Golden Visa — only completed properties count.