Where can a foreigner buy freehold in Dubai?

In the areas designated by decree of the Ruler under Article 4 of Law No. 7 of 2006 (including Dubai Maritime City). Outside them, ownership is reserved for UAE and GCC nationals.

Are off-plan instalments protected?

Law No. 8 of 2007 requires them to be paid into a project-dedicated escrow account, managed by an approved agent, whose funds may only be used to build that project.

Investing in Dubai: a more regulated market than assumed

In Dubai, a foreigner can hold freehold — but only in areas designated by decree (Law No. 7 of 2006), and the right only exists legally once registered with the Dubai Land Department. Off-plan instalments are ring-fenced in mandatory escrow accounts (Law No. 8 of 2007) and every off-plan sale must appear in the Oqood interim register (Law No. 13 of 2008). Behind the skyline, precise regulatory machinery — that is what must be known.

Dubaï (Émirats arabes unis)Facts checked on 16 August 202611 related texts

What does registration with the Dubai Land Department guarantee?

The right's very existence: in Dubai, an unregistered real right is unenforceable. Registration (4% transfer fee on contract value) is the founding act — which is why the house only considers a Dubai asset through its DLD title, never through a contract alone.

Why is off-plan buying more regulated there than elsewhere?

Two laws answer each other. Law No. 8 of 2007 ring-fences buyers' instalments in one escrow account per project: the developer only receives funds as verified progress is achieved. Law No. 13 of 2008 requires every off-plan sale to be entered in the Oqood interim register: an unregistered sale is void. Together they institutionalised a once-speculative market.

How does the house choose its Dubai operations?

By fundamentals, not by the skyline: designated area verified, title registered, escrow controlled, developer on the RERA register, and an end use we understand — as with our Dubai Maritime City operation, retained for its regulated waterfront and genuine rental depth.

House guides are published for general, educational purposes. They constitute neither legal, tax or financial advice, nor an offer. Every situation calls for the analysis of licensed advisers.