Your Key Property Management

Freehold Areas for Foreigners in Abu Dhabi

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Foreign buyers can own property in Abu Dhabi only in designated Investment Zones. Law No. 19 of 2005, as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019, is the governing statute. The official UAE Government portal (updated 2 November 2026) still names nine areas, including Yas Island, Saadiyat and Al Reem, but the Executive Council has designated further zones since that original list. The only safe check is the specific unit on DARI, or on AccessRP if the property is in ADGM.

This guide explains the official legal framework, the named areas, how ADGM islands differ, and how we verify a plot for clients of Your Key. It is not a substitute for a title search.

What does the law actually allow?

The official portal page “Expatriates buying a property in the UAE” (updated 2 Nov 2026) should be read in full, because it states two ideas side by side.

It says Law No. 19 of 2005, amended by Law No. 13 of 2019, allows expatriates to own property in Abu Dhabi in the form of floors and apartments only, not lands, through four systems:

  • Ownership — ownership deeds of residential units for 99 years, allowing disposal of the apartments and villas purchased (land is not included, on this wording).
  • Musataha — 50 years, renewable by agreement for a similar period, with rights to use, construct or alter the property.
  • Usufruct — 99 years, to use the property and its facilities without changing it.
  • Long-term lease — an initial period not less than 25 years.

The same page then explains the April 2019 amendment. Article 3(ii) states that non-UAE nationals, natural or legal persons, have the right to own and acquire all original and in-kind rights in real estate properties located within investment areas. Article 4 provides that holders of usufruct or musataha for more than 10 years may dispose of the right, including by mortgage, without the landlord’s consent unless the parties agree otherwise.

Those two official statements are not identical. Marketing teams often describe every island unit as “freehold”. We do not. Confirm on the title deed or off-plan sale certificate the exact right being transferred, and take legal advice if the wording is unclear.

Which areas are officially named?

u.ae currently lists nine areas where foreigners are allowed to own real estate:

  1. Yas Island
  2. Saadiyat
  3. Reem
  4. Mariya (Al Maryah Island)
  5. Lulu
  6. Al Raha Beach
  7. Sayh Al Sedairah
  8. Al Reef
  9. Masdar City

That list is official as of the 2 November 2026 update, but it is not a closed catalogue of every Investment Zone. Investment Zones are designated by Executive Council decision. Later decisions have added further zones; for example, Al Hudayriat Island has been designated as an investment zone by Executive Council decision. We have not independently compiled a complete official map of every numbered zone in this session, and unofficial “52 zones” lists on commercial websites should not be treated as law.

The practical test is always the plot or unit in front of you.

How do I verify a specific property?

DARI’s official sell-property guide requires a letter from the developer stating whether the unit is located in investment or development areas. It also notes that UAE nationals and public shareholding companies may buy in investment and development areas, while other nationalities may buy in investment areas only.

Before you pay a deposit:

  1. Ask for that developer letter.
  2. Check the unit on DARI, or on AccessRP if it is on Al Reem or Al Maryah.
  3. Read the draft SPA and, where it already exists, the title or sale certificate.
  4. If you are buying through a company, confirm with the registrar that the company’s nationality and shareholding meet the rules.

Your Key will not treat a brochure map as proof of investment-zone status.

What is different on Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island?

ADGM registers real property on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. Transfers use AccessRP and ADGM’s fee schedule, including a 2% freehold transfer fee that the Fees Rules 2024 assign to the transferor (seller), and 0.1% mortgage registration. Disputes go to ADGM Courts, not the mainland courts.

A purchase such as Baheen Tower or Radiant Terrace is therefore an ADGM transaction, even though the island appears on the u.ae list. Fee and process differences are explained in Buying off-plan in Abu Dhabi and Total cost of buying in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi.

Where can I see current projects in these areas?

Browse the off-plan projects list and our community notes. Useful starting points include:

We also have a combined note on investing in Al Reem, Saadiyat and Yas. Catalogue starting prices can change and are not a title search.

A qualifying purchase of AED 2 million or more may support a Golden Visa application. See UAE Golden Visa through property.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy freehold property in Abu Dhabi?

Non-UAE nationals may own real-property rights in designated Investment Zones under Law No. 19 of 2005, as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019. The exact form of title must be confirmed on the title deed or sale certificate for the specific unit.

Which areas does the official UAE Government portal name?

The u.ae page, updated 2 November 2026, names Yas Island, Saadiyat, Reem, Mariya, Lulu, Al Raha Beach, Sayh Al Sedairah, Al Reef and Masdar City. The Executive Council can designate further Investment Zones, so this list is not a complete legal map of every eligible plot.

How do I check whether a specific unit is in an Investment Zone?

Ask the developer for a letter stating whether the unit is in an investment or a development area, and confirm the status on DARI and on the title or off-plan sale certificate. Do not rely on marketing language alone.

Is Al Reem Island registered with ADREC or ADGM?

Property on Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island is registered with ADGM through AccessRP. Fees and dispute forums follow ADGM rules.

Can foreigners buy land, or only apartments?

The official u.ae page still says expatriates may own floors and apartments, not lands, and also describes 99-year unit deeds, musataha and usufruct. The 2019 amendment, quoted on the same page, gives non-nationals the right to own all original and in-kind rights in Investment Zones. Confirm the right being transferred on the deed.

Are UAE and GCC nationals restricted to Investment Zones?

DARI’s official help notes that UAE nationals and public shareholding companies may buy in investment and development areas, while other nationalities may buy in investment areas only. Confirm any company-structure restrictions with the registrar before you sign.

Official sources (as of 16 Nov 2026)

Last updated: 16 Nov 2026

Abdul Shakoor, Founder & CEO, Your Key — RERA certified (Dubai) and ADREC certified (Abu Dhabi)

Your Key Property Management LLC is a licensed brokerage in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For a title-status check on a specific unit, contact us, call or message +971 54 451 7999, or email main@yourkey.ae. Abu Dhabi office: M01, Al Mansouri Building, Al Gheel Street, Al Danah.