In Dubai, foreign ownership is permitted in areas designated as freehold. Non-resident foreigners and expatriates may acquire freehold ownership rights over property without restriction.
According to Article 3 of Regulation No. 3 of 2006, which determines areas for non-national ownership of real property in Dubai, the land plots designated as freehold properties are indicated (pages 129-132).
However, not all areas in Dubai are freehold. When purchasing a property, it is essential to check its status.
Other areas where only GCC nationals can own the property are called non-freehold, and those where only Emirati nationals can own the property are called leasehold. All other nationalities will have leasehold rights for up to 99 years in leasehold areas.
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