Property in the UAE: How Ownership and Registration Are Regulated
Summary
The UAE government portal describes separate rules on foreign property ownership in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and names a registration body for each. This page describes the framework only and does not recommend any purchase.
Who regulates what
- Dubai: the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is described as responsible for supervising the recording and documenting of real estate transactions, including registration and title deed issuance. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is described as overseeing developer licensing, escrow accounts, broker registration and project approval.
- Abu Dhabi: the UAE government portal directs readers to the Department of Municipalities and Transport or the MyLand Abu Dhabi app.
- Sharjah: the UAE government portal states that registration with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) is mandatory.
Freehold areas and foreign ownership
- Dubai: foreign ownership is permitted in areas designated as freehold. The UAE government portal says non-residents and expatriates may acquire freehold rights, usufruct rights or leasehold rights for up to 99 years. DLD’s FAQ lists ownership outside freehold areas as held by Emirati or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, their wholly owned companies and public joint companies.
- Abu Dhabi: under Law No. 19 of 2005, expatriates may own residential units but not land, in nine designated areas named on the portal.
- Sharjah: foreign nationals do not have the right to own, but have a right of usufruct for a maximum of 100 years, which requires registration with SRERD.
What it costs
This site’s comparison tool covers company setup, not property. Registration fees and other property costs are set by the relevant authority and can change, so check the authority directly.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming the rules in one emirate apply in another; the portal describes different rules for Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
- Not checking whether a specific area is designated freehold before relying on it.
- Not confirming that the developer or broker is registered with the regulator.
Rules for property and investment services are not covered by this site’s comparison, and licensed professionals should be consulted.
Figures and rules change. Check the Dubai Land Department, the relevant emirate’s registration body and u.ae for current requirements.
Figures and details in this guide are as stated on the cited official pages as of 6 October 2026.
Sources
- https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/moving-to-the-uae/expatriates-buying-a-property-in-the-uae
- https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/frequently-asked-questions/
This information is general; rules and fees can change. Check current details with the relevant authority.