Real Estate and Property in the UAE

Real Estate and Property in the UAE

UAE matters are covered in cooperation with the firm's announced partner office in the Emirates. The firm does not itself hold a UAE law practice license, and local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter. Property law in the UAE is set emirate by emirate, so the first question is which emirate and which zone. In Dubai, Law No. 7 of 2006 on real property registration and Regulation No. 3 of 2006 (as supplemented) designate the areas where non-UAE nationals may acquire rights; in Abu Dhabi, Law No. 19 of 2005 as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019 opens ownership to foreign individuals and entities in investment areas set by the Executive Council.

Freehold, usufruct and lease rights

In Dubai, non-UAE nationals may acquire freehold, usufruct or lease rights of up to 99 years, but only in the areas designated by the Ruler's regulations; outside them ownership stays with UAE and GCC nationals and companies fully owned by them. In Abu Dhabi the same question turns on whether the plot lies in a designated investment area. The right acquired, its duration and any transfer conditions are checked against the registry entry, not the brochure.

Registration, off-plan escrow and tenancies

Dubai registers transactions at the Dubai Land Department, and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) supervises the market. For off-plan purchases, Law No. 8 of 2007 requires escrow accounts for real estate development projects, so we check how the buyer's payments are held. Tenancies are recorded through Ejari under Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, and rent disputes go to the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre. We check title, the developer's registration and the payment schedule, and coordinate with our partner office. For the wider practice, see General Commercial & Corporate; to scope a specific transaction, contact our team.

MENA coordination

The firm was founded in Kuwait in 1986 and has a branch in Cairo. It covers MENA matters in cooperation with partner offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and partner offices in Turkey and the United States. Those partner offices are not branches owned by the firm; local licensing and advice are assessed in the relevant jurisdiction.

This page is general information, not advice for a particular entity or transaction.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners own property in Dubai?

Yes, in the freehold areas designated under Regulation No. 3 of 2006 and its supplements. Non-UAE nationals may acquire freehold, usufruct or lease rights of up to 99 years there.

Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi?

Law No. 19 of 2005, as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019, allows foreign individuals and entities to own in investment areas designated by decision of the Executive Council. The plot must lie in such an area.

Who handles UAE property matters at the firm?

UAE matters are covered in cooperation with the firm's announced partner office in the Emirates. The firm does not itself hold a UAE law practice license, and local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter.

Other markets

Company Formation in the UAE · Real Estate and Property in Egypt · Real Estate and Property in Saudi Arabia · Real Estate and Property in Qatar · Real Estate and Property in Oman · Real Estate and Property in Bahrain