Who can own property in Dubai, and where (freehold areas)

Under Regulation No. 3 of 2006, non-UAE nationals – both residents and people who do not live in the UAE – may own property outright (freehold) in areas designated by the Ruler of Dubai. In those areas they can also hold usufruct or long leasehold rights (up to 99 years). Outside freehold areas, foreigners may only hold usufruct or leasehold rights. There is no minimum age for ownership. Article 3 of the regulation (official text read on 2026-10-08) lists 23 areas by plot number, among them Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Emirates Hills, Jebel Ali, Al Barsha South, Al Jaddaf, The World Islands, Sheikh Zayed Road and Mirdif; later decisions added more areas. Market names such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, JLT or JVC are not written in the 2006 text, so the freehold status of a specific property is checked in its DLD record. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department, which issues the title deed. A non-resident buyer uses a valid passport instead of an Emirates ID. Before buying, check on the Dubai REST app that the broker is licensed and that the project is registered.