Which areas in Dubai are freehold for foreigners?

Foreigners may own freehold property in certain freehold areas. Law 7 of 2006 permits foreign individuals to own either freehold (with no time restriction) or leasehold and usufruct rights for a maximum period of 99 years in areas approved by the Ruler.

23 areas were originally identified in Regulation 3 of 2006 using DLD area and plot reference. These areas included Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Jebel Ali, Al Barsha South, Al Jaddaf, Mirdif, Nad Al Sheba, parts of Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Quoz. Subsequently additional areas have been approved. Notably developed residential neighbourhoods such as Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, and the Palm Jumeirah lie within approved areas.

Freehold status is per plot. Prior to booking a unit, we can confirm the freehold status of the unit with the Dubai Land Department.