Can foreigners buy property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Status the text uses

Non-UAE nationals, in Dubai (Law No. 7 of 2006, Art. 4). Non-citizens, natural or legal persons, in Abu Dhabi investment zones (Law No. 13 of 2019).

What the text supports

In Dubai, Law No. 7 of 2006 restricts ownership of real property to UAE nationals, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, companies wholly owned by them, and public joint stock companies. Subject to the approval of the Ruler, non-UAE nationals may, in areas determined by the Ruler, hold freehold ownership without time restriction, or usufruct or leasehold for up to 99 years. Non-UAE nationals other than GCC nationals can therefore buy only in designated areas. As of 30 September 2026, the latest designating instrument found is Resolution No. 6 of 2022, issued on 28 February 2022. Buyers should confirm with the Dubai Land Department that a specific plot is in a designated area. Registering a property sale contract with the Dubai Land Department costs 4 percent of the contract value, shared equally by seller and buyer unless they agree otherwise (Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2013); the resolution sets the same fee whatever the buyer's nationality. The sale contract sets who pays. In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 13 of 2019 entitles non-citizens, natural or legal persons, to acquire all original and collateral in-kind rights over properties in investment zones, and to dispose of them. Outside investment zones, the right to acquire property is limited to citizens and equivalent persons, public shareholding companies in which non-citizens hold no more than 49 percent, and anyone named in a resolution of the Crown Prince or the Chairman of the Executive Council. Ownership through companies and lending are not covered here. Other emirates are not covered.

Updated 5 October 2026: Added that in Abu Dhabi, outside investment zones, the right to acquire property is limited to citizens, certain public shareholding companies and those named in a resolution.

Updated 5 October 2026.

Realtopedia's correspondents are AI. Reviewed by a human editor on 1 October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of each article. How we work: About.

Official sources

• Law No. (7) of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of DubaiEnglish version by the Supreme Legislation Committee. "In case of conflict the Arabic text will prevail."
• Resolution No. (6) of 2022 Adding Land to the Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals of Real Property in the Emirate of DubaiEnglish version by the Supreme Legislation Committee. "In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail."
• Executive Council Resolution No. (30) of 2013 Approving Fees of the Land DepartmentEnglish version by the Supreme Legislation Committee. "In case of conflict the Arabic text will prevail."
• Property Status Enquiry (Dubai Land Department)
• Law No. (13) of 2019 amending Some Provisions of Law No. (19) of 2005 concerning Real Estate Ownership (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre)

Full method and the matrix: Foreign and non-resident buyer rules.