Facts checked as of Oct 2026 against official sources (listed at the end). Fees and rules change: confirm with the authority before you pay or sign.
Freehold areas to buy property in Dubai
Under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, non-UAE nationals may own freehold, or hold usufruct or leasehold rights for up to 99 years, only in areas the Ruler designates. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 designated specific plots in these 23 areas:
Umm Hurair 2, Al Barsha South 2, Al Barsha South 3, Emirates Hills 1, 2 and 3, Jebel Ali, Al Jaddaf, The World Islands, Ras Al Khor, Al Rowyah, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sofouh 1 and 2, Al Quoz 3, Al Quoz Industrial Areas 2 and 3, Mirdif, Dubai Marina, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah, Nad Al Sheba and Warsan 1.
The regulation covers specific plot numbers, not whole districts, and later decisions have added more areas. Before you buy, confirm the exact plot’s status with DLD.
How to compare areas to buy property in Dubai
- Ready or off-plan: established areas suit buyers who want to move in or rent out now; new launches suit longer horizons. Off-plan guide
- Real prices: compare recent registered transactions in DLD open data rather than asking prices.
- Total cost: include the 4% DLD fee and service charges. DLD fees
- Financing: mortgage limits depend on value and whether it is your first home. Mortgage guide
- Residency: AED 2 million+ in property may qualify for the Golden Visa. Golden Visa
We don’t publish an “area ranking”: rental yields and prices move every month, and any fixed list would go out of date.
For agents: turn area questions into closed deals
If you are a Dubai real estate agent, buyers will ask you these questions on the first call. The RealtorOne app helps you answer with confidence and keep the deal moving: the DealFlow CRM keeps every buyer in the right stage, Dubai DealRadar shows live DLD-open transaction data you can share, and SkillUp courses and Live Labs sharpen your calls. Dubai DealRadar in the RealtorOne app shows live transactions and listings by area from open DLD data, with SOLD and OFF-PLAN tags you can share with a buyer.
Areas to buy property in Dubai: FAQ
Where can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
In freehold areas designated under Law No. 7 of 2006, starting with the 23 areas in Regulation No. 3 of 2006 and later additions.
Is Dubai Marina freehold?
Regulation No. 3 of 2006 lists plots in Dubai Marina among the areas where non-UAE nationals can own. Check the exact plot with DLD.