Answers
Can foreigners buy property in Dubai?
A short answer, with the article it comes from.
The answer
Yes, in the areas the Ruler of Dubai has designated. Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 reserves ownership generally to UAE and GCC nationals, then allows non-UAE nationals, in areas determined by the Ruler, freehold ownership without time limit, or a usufruct or lease of up to 99 years.
Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 Article 4, and Dubai Law No. 14 of 2008 Articles 4, 7 and 22, checked 2 October 2026.
Article 4 of the law reads: "Subject to the approval of the Ruler, non-UAE nationals may, in certain areas determined by the Ruler, be granted the following rights: a. Freehold ownership of Real Property without time restrictions; and b. Usufruct or leasehold over Real Property for a period not exceeding ninety-nine (99) years."
A mortgage follows the property. Under Dubai Law No. 14 of 2008 a mortgage takes effect only once it is registered with the Land Department, the lender must be a bank or finance company licensed by the Central Bank, and the holder of a usufruct or long lease of 10 to 99 years may mortgage that interest for its term.
Buying as a foreigner does not change the lending rules. An expatriate buying a first home below AED 5 million can borrow up to 80 percent under the Central Bank circular, resident or not, although banks typically offer non-residents less.
This answer covers Dubai, the emirate whose laws we have checked. If you are looking at a particular development, a specialist can tell you which banks on the panel finance it.
Rules are the easy part. Your file is the question.
Buying in Dubai from overseas? Talk to a Specialist.