Adil Raza Khan | March 29, 2025
One of the most common questions from expats and non-residents is if they can buy property in Dubai. And the answer is yes, absolutely. Generally, Dubai has opened its doors to foreign investors and has implemented regulations that attract global investments. Understandably, these investment opportunities for foreigners are also met with certain conditions.
Let’s dive into the details.
In Dubai, foreigners and expatriate residents are allowed to purchase and have rights in areas known as freehold zones.
In essence, there are two ownership rights in Dubai, freehold and leasehold.
Consequently, most foreign investors opt for freehold ownership rights, while some prefer short-term leasehold ownership. Additionally, there is no age limit for owning a property in Dubai for foreigners.
Freehold areas and leasehold areas are the main choices where foreigners buy property in Dubai. To add, the type of properties that you buy will reflect on your investment goals. Let’s take a look at the two main options.
Freehold property in Dubai for foreigners is the most popular choice because they offer 100% ownership of both the property and the land it’s built on. As the owner, you can lease, sell, or modify the property as you please. Accordingly, these freehold areas are designated by the Dubai Land Department. Some of the most sought-after Dubai freehold areas are:
Freehold zones are typically located in well-connected areas close to essential destinations.
If you’re buying a property in Dubai but are not looking for full ownership, the leasehold properties are a good option. In contrast to freehold properties, you do not own the property or land in a leasehold area. However, you are entitled to use and benefit from it for up to 99 years. After which, the ownership will revert back to the freehold owner. Additionally, you will not be able to change or remodel the property without permission from the freeholder.
Popular leasehold zones where foreigners buy property in Dubai include:
Yes. Foreigners can buy commercial properties in Dubai, whether that be office spaces, retail units, industry facilities, and more. Similarly, commercial properties in Dubai are also categorized between freezone areas and leasehold areas. The freezone areas like Business Bay and Jebel Ali grant foreigners full ownership rights for commercial properties. Meanwhile, leasehold zones such as Dubai Investment Park and Dubai Industrial City only permit limited rights on commercial properties for up to 99 years.
Buying properties through mortgages is not only for Emiratis because foreigners can buy properties in Dubai through mortgages. However, there are several general conditions you need to know before applying for a mortgage.
Some banks only give mortgages from their list of approved projects and developers.
In essence, foreigners can buy properties in Dubai and have two types of ownership options. Freehold and leasehold have their own benefits and considerations that you need to take into account. Additionally, you can even invest in residential or commercial properties and apply for a mortgage. Since its implementation of new rules in 2002, Dubai has opened up a more welcoming real estate market for non-UAE nationals. The city is bound for more changes and more advantageous property laws for foreigners. Hence, now is a great time for foreigners to buy property in Dubai. Plus, with a reliable partner like APIL Properties, you can ensure a simple and trusty process.
Foreigners can buy properties in freehold or freezone areas and leasehold areas. Depending on your investment goal, you can opt for full ownership rights or a limited ownership option.
Yes. Foreigners can buy properties for business purposes.
Yes. Foreigners can have up to an 80% mortgage to buy property in Dubai. Additionally, there are certain conditions that investors have to meet before getting a mortgage. This includes age limit, monthly income, specific developers and projects, and the country of origin.
Grand Mall Ajman is a local 5-storey shopping mall in the emirate of Ajman, by Aqaar Properties. It is a unique combo of a shopping mall and an apartment complex.
This shopping mall might not make headlines and turn heads at the very mention of it like other malls, but it has an identity of its own.
Dubai’s status as a global luxury shopping hub is cemented robustly with Q1 2025 retail records. It indicates shopping in Dubai is a luxurious experience that both the natives and expatriates enjoy.
Continuing the grand success of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2024-2025, shoppers and merrymakers have stepped into the Q2 2025 phase with an equally optimistic mood.
The city has several malls. And, Dubai Festival City Mall is getting smarter in retaining the year-round festive vibe of this megacity wonderfully.
In this blog, we will acquaint you with the interesting and useful information for an eventful experience on your trip to this beautiful mall in Dubai.
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The appetite for luxury shopping in Dubai is on the rise and Nakheel Mall is an appetizer to drool over.
Welcome to 418,000 square metres of pure entertainment involving shopping, munching and socializing at Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. From upgrading stores and stocks to staging an enchanting ambience, this haven for shopping witnesses strong footfall and sales.
E-commerce is thriving in the UAE, for sure. But Malls are not just markets where you can procure desired items. They are destinations for recreational and gastronomic indulgences while socializing carefree.
We will guide you to an enriching experience in one of the most visited shopping malls in Dubai, UAE.
