Foreign-buyer matrix
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi only)
A citable note limited to what the linked official pages support. Exceptions live in those pages.
Status the text uses
Non-UAE nationals (Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 Art. 4). UAE nationals, GCC nationals, companies fully owned by these, and public joint stock companies, for Dubai ownership outside designated-area limits. Non-citizens (natural or legal persons), for Abu Dhabi investment zones under Law No. 13 of 2019.
What the text supports
In Dubai, non-UAE nationals may, in areas determined by the Ruler, take freehold without time restriction, or usufruct or leasehold for up to 99 years. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 names the original designated plots. Later Ruler resolutions have added plots; the latest primary amending instrument read for this note is Resolution No. 6 of 2022 (issued 28 February 2022), which adds freehold on named plots in Zabeel First. Whether a foreign company may own Dubai real estate through a free-zone vehicle is left open; the instruments cited here do not settle that claim. In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 13 of 2019 entitles non-citizens to all original and collateral in-kind rights over properties in investment zones only. Other emirates are not covered by this note. Transfer or registration fees apply to buyers generally and are not stated as a foreign-buyer-only rate in the sources read; no rate is given here. These sources do not answer lending.
Official sources
Full method and the matrix: Foreign and non-resident buyer rules.