Dubai Freehold Zones: Where Foreigners Can Own Property Outright

Since 2002, Dubai has opened up 40+ designated zones where foreign nationals of any citizenship can purchase property in full, permanent ownership. No quotas, no nationality restrictions. Just a passport and the funds to buy.

What is freehold

Freehold means complete, permanent ownership of both the property and the land it sits on. You can sell, gift, bequeath, or lease it out, no approvals needed. Unlike leasehold (99-year use rights that eventually revert to the landowner), freehold ownership never expires.

Before 2002, foreigners in Dubai could only hold property through leasehold arrangements or via a company with a local partner. Law No. 7 of 2006 changed everything: in designated freehold zones, any foreign national now holds property on exactly the same terms as a UAE citizen.

Key freehold zones

Data source: DLD transactions, H1 2026. Yield figures shown are gross; net yield is approximately 1–1.5% lower once service charges and vacancy are factored in.

Leasehold vs Freehold

FAQ

What Is Freehold in Dubai?

Freehold means full, permanent ownership, you own both the property and the land beneath it indefinitely. You can sell, gift, or pass it on as inheritance with no approvals required. The alternative is leasehold, a 99-year right to use the property without owning the land. Since 2002, foreigners in Dubai have been able to purchase freehold property in specially designated zones.

How many freehold zones are there in Dubai in total?

According to DLD (Dubai Land Department), there are over 40 officially designated freehold zones. The major ones include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, JVC, Business Bay, JBR, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour, Emaar Beachfront, Sobha Hartland, DAMAC Hills, Arabian Ranches, MBR City, Dubai South, and others.

Can citizens of any country buy in a freehold zone?

Yes, with no restrictions based on nationality. Citizens of any country, including Russia, CIS nations, Europe, and Asia, can purchase freehold property in Dubai. There are no country-of-origin restrictions, no foreign ownership quotas, and no special permits required. All you need is a passport.

What's the difference between freehold and leasehold in Dubai?

Freehold: you own the property and the land outright, with no expiry. Leasehold: you purchase the right to use the property for 99 years, after which that right reverts to the landowner, typically the government or the developer. When a leasehold property is resold, it comes with a diminishing lease term. In Dubai, the vast majority of properties available to foreign buyers are freehold.

Can you buy a villa or house on a freehold basis?

Yes. Villas and townhouses are available to foreign nationals in Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, DAMAC Hills, Dubai Hills, The Springs, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and MBR City. Freehold villa prices range from AED 2.5M (townhouses in JVC or DAMAC Hills) to AED 40M+ for signature villas on Palm Jumeirah. Land plots are also available for purchase in select zones.