Can foreigners buy property anywhere in the UAE?

No. Each emirate decides. Dubai and Abu Dhabi allow full freehold to foreigners in designated zones; Sharjah offers usufruct of up to 100 years rather than freehold; Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah have selective freehold areas alongside leasehold and usufruct.

Is buying in Abu Dhabi different from Dubai?

The tax and visa position is identical because both are federal. Ownership differs: Abu Dhabi permits foreign freehold only inside designated investment zones, a right introduced by Law 13/2019 — before that foreigners were limited to a 99-year leasehold.

Can I own freehold in Sharjah?

Not as a non-GCC national. Sharjah grants usufruct rights for up to 100 years in areas the government designates, registered with the emirate's real estate registration department. It is a long-dated, registrable right — but it is not freehold ownership of the land.

Does buying property give me UAE citizenship?

No. The UAE has no citizenship-by-investment programme. Property can support a renewable ten-year Golden Visa from AED 2,000,000, which never converts to a passport.

Do I pay tax on UAE rental income?

Not in the UAE, as an individual. There is no personal income tax, no annual property tax and no capital gains tax. A 9% corporate tax applies to company profits above the threshold, and your own country of tax residence may tax the income regardless.

What happens to my UAE property when I die?

Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 has applied since February 2023 and gives non-Muslim residents a statutory default distribution unless they registered a will or can show their home-country law applies. Registering a will, for example through the DIFC Wills Service Centre, is how you take control of the outcome.

Why are all your UAE listings in Dubai?

Because Dubai has the deepest foreigner-eligible freehold market, the longest price history, the most established off-plan escrow regime and by far the easiest resale. We would rather represent one emirate properly than list stock we cannot support.

Is the UAE cheaper than Oman?

No — Oman is cheaper at entry. Our cheapest Omani project starts at $76,700 against $110,000 in the UAE. The UAE gives you far more choice and much better liquidity for the difference. The comparison is worked through in Oman vs Dubai.

Buy Property in the UAE 2026 — Ownership by Emirate

Property for Sale in UAE