UAE: Companies in selected free zone can now buy and buy their own property in Dubai under new deal
TL; Dr.
Masdar city Companies can now make freehold property in Dubai under a new DLD agreement.- A digital system will handle registration with clear legal and administrative guidelines.
- The move aligns Dubai’s real estate strategy 2033 and aims to attract global investors.
- It complements reforms like One Freezone passport and first home buyer initiative.
A policy change that expands the ownership of real estate
Companies working within the free zone of Mudar City will now be able to own land and property in the designated freehold areas of Dubai, which is after a new memorandum of cooperation signed by Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Masdar City. So far, free zone companies in the UAE had no limited or any right to buy property directly in Dubai, a restriction that they often need to go through the UAE citizens or structures connected to the mainland. The agreement signed by Majid Al Marri, CEO of Real Estate Registration Area in DLD and Ahmed Baghaum, CEO of Masdar City, Ahmed Baghaum aims to facilitate direct ownership rights, increase transparency and simplify the entire process for eligible companies.DLD’s Al Marri said that the initiative “increases the integration of the real estate ecosystem” and reflects the ongoing efforts to create a more open, investor -friendly environment in Dubai.Ahmed Baghaum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar city, resonated Bhavna, stating:“By simplifying property registration processes for companies working within the free areas of Masdar City, we are capable of expanding their operations by contributing them to the long -term development of the UAE.”DLD further said that the framework will be included:
- Clear eligibility criteria
- Defined legal and administrative procedures
- Direct coordination between DLD and Open Area Authority
- A digital system for submitting, tracking and verification of ownership documents
Why it matters to businesses
This change is especially important for technical firms, clean energy companies and innovative businesses, which are already working outside the city, focusing on a hub stability and future industries. With the ability of physical property in Dubai, these companies receive new options for expansion and operation without the need for transferring or restructuring under mainland jurisdiction. The move has also been aligned with long -term national strategies:
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Dubai Economic Agenda D33 – Which targets permanent development and economic diversification - Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 – Which wants to promote global investment and regulatory transparency in the property sector
The system is expected to roll out in stages and can serve as a model to increase equal ownership rights in other UAE -free areas.
What are the UAE free zones, and why they matter
The UAE has free sector specially designated trade sectors that allow 100% foreign ownership, provide tax exemption, and maintain independent regulatory structure. These sectors are often industry-specific and are designed to attract international investment through simplified processes and world-class infrastructure. Major benefits of UAE free areas include:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Complete repatriation of capital and profit
- No corporate or income tax
- No customs
- Fast-track licensing and company setup
- Modern infrastructure and access to global markets
The UAE is a home to more than 40 multi -discolving free areas, including more than 30 in Dubai alone. Each is corresponding to a region, such as Dubai Internet City for Tech, Jaffza for Logistics, or Dubai Design District for Fashion and Media.
Supplementary Correction: A Freezone Passport and Home Center Incentive
The DLD-MASDAR agreement follows the recent launch of Dubai’s One Freezone Passport, an initiative led by the Dubai Free Zone Council (DFZC), which allows companies to work in all free areas of Dubai using a single business license. This reduces administrative burden and helps companies expand more quickly to areas, shorter with the setup timelines to five days. Companies such as Louis Witon have already used passports to work in DWTC Free Zone and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). At the same time, Dubai has initiated a home buyer initiative for the first time to support UAE citizens and long -term inhabitants, who do not yet hold homes. It runs in partnership with the program, economy and tourism department (DET):
- Priority access to off-pluns and existing homes
- Concessional property prices and limited time offer
- Flexible mortgage options including low interest rates and low fees
- Rapid approval time from participant banks
DLDs are expected to enter the market this year through this initiative.
Real Estate Market Signs Sustainable Increase
Dubai’s property sector has shown continuous speed in 2025. According to DLD data:
- More than 59,000 new investors entered the market in H1 2025
- Knight Frank reported 51,000 houses sold in Q2 2025, which has increased from 22.8% year-on-year.
- Total sales exceed 169,000 transactions, crossing a record high of 2024
These numbers indicate the impact of progressive policies such as Masdar City Agreement, One Freezon passport, and support for local buyers, which all contribute to making Dubai more competitive, more accessible and more durable as a global investment destination.
FAQS:
Q. Can any company in UAE Free Zone now buy property in Dubai? No. This applies only to licensed companies in free areas of Masdar City. Other free zone companies have not yet been included under the agreement.Q. What does “freehold property” mean in Dubai? Freehold means that the owner has complete legal rights on both property and land, without a time limit or lease restrictions.Q. What kind of assets can Masdar city companies buy? They can buy property in freehold areas specified in Dubai, as long as they meet eligibility requirements under the new structure.Q. How can a Masadar City company apply to buy property in Dubai? This process will be managed through a dedicated digital platform developed by DLD and Masdar City, which offers applications tracking, verification and legal guidance.
