Abu Dhabi allows foreigners to own freehold properties in investment areas

On April 17, 2019, Abu Dhabi’s government has made changes to real estate laws allowing foreigners to own freehold property in designated zones to increase foreign direct investment. Before the changes, ownership of property was only allowed for UAE and GCC nationals. The legal changes will also help to level the playing field between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where foreigners are already allowed to buy freehold property in investment zones. Now residential units in special designated investments zones, such as the one close to the international airport, will be registered under Abu Dhabi’s freehold law, with property ownership deeds issued to investors. Foreign investors in Abu Dhabi property were previously granted leasehold arrangements with a maximum 99-year time period.

• Type:

  • Entry and establishment (Access to land)

• Sources:

  • Emirates News Agency, UAE President amends provisions in Abu Dhabi real estate law, http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302756145, 17 Apr 2019
  • Library of Congress, UAE: Law Allows Foreigners to Own Real Estate Properties in Abu Dhabi’s Investment Zones, http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/uae-law-allows-foreigners-to-own-real-estate-properties-in-abu-dhabis-investment-zones/, 01 May 2019
  • The National, Abu Dhabi enacts new property ownership rules for foreigners, https://www.thenational.ae/business/property/abu-dhabi-enacts-new-property-ownership-rules-for-foreigners-1.850403, 17 Apr 2019