Can non-UAE nationals buy property anywhere in Dubai or only in certain zones?

This Blog post assesses property ownership regulation for non-UAE nationals in Dubai, exploring the zones where one can buy property, the different property rights, and highlighting key areas for investment.

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Can non-UAE nationals buy property anywhere in Dubai or only in certain zones?

Certainly! When it comes to purchasing property in Dubai as a non-UAE national, there are specific zones where this is permitted. This is set out in a regulation known as "Regulation No. (3) of 2006 Determining Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals of Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai," which was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai.

According to Article (3) of the regulation, non-UAE nationals are allowed to acquire various types of property rights in designated areas of Dubai. These rights include:

  • Freehold Ownership Rights: Non-UAE nationals can own real property outright without any time restrictions.

  • Usufruct Rights: These are rights that allow non-UAE nationals to use and benefit from a property that they do not own. These rights can be acquired for up to ninety-nine (99) years.

  • Leasehold Rights: Non-UAE nationals can hold lease rights for periods of up to ninety-nine (99) years.

The areas where these rights can be exercised are specified in the regulation and are associated with specific plots, as defined by the Land Department's maps which are attached to the regulation. The areas outlined include, but are not limited to, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and certain plots along Sheikh Zayed Road, among others.

As you plan your property investment, you should consider the following areas where non-UAE nationals can purchase property:

  1. Emirates Hills, spanning several designated plots.
  2. Jebel Ali, with multiple plot numbers allocated for non-UAE national ownership.
  3. The World Islands have plots allocated for foreign ownership.
  4. Dubai Marina includes specific plot numbers where property rights can be secured.
  5. Both Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Jumairah feature plots available for non-UAE nationals.
  6. Al Barsha South and Al Jaddaf, among other regions, have plots specified for foreign buyers.

For one specific area, Nad al-Sheba (plot no. 224), non-UAE nationals may acquire usufruct or leasehold rights for up to ninety-nine (99) years as detailed in Article (4).

These regulations are a vital component of the legal framework that supports the Dubai real estate market, especially in terms of encouraging global investors to participate. Always ensure to reference the current version of the regulation and its attached maps to identify where the right to purchase property is available to non-UAE nationals.

In conclusion, as a non-UAE national, you can indeed purchase property in Dubai, but it is restricted to the specific zones determined by the Ruler which are listed in the detailed regulation mentioned above. It is crucial to be aware of these regulations to ensure that your investment aligns with the local legal provisions.

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