Foreign nationals can own property outright — freehold, perpetual — in over 40 designated zones across Dubai. Title is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and protected under UAE federal property law. Leasehold arrangements (typically 99-year terms) apply in other areas. The legal distinction matters: freehold gives the owner the land and structure indefinitely; leasehold gives the right to use for a fixed term. Both are legally enforceable. Off-plan purchases are additionally protected by mandatory escrow accounts — developer receipts are held by a regulated trustee until construction milestones are met.
