Law No. 7 of 2006 concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai (“Property Law”) governs property ownership by individuals and companies in the Emirate of Dubai. Article 4 of the Property Law, which is the key provision on property ownership, states: 

“The right to own real property in the emirate will be restricted to UAE nationals, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation member states and to companies fully owned by these, and to public joint stock companies. Subject to the approval of the Ruler, non -UAE persons may, in certain areas determined by the Ruler, be granted the following rights: 

• Freehold ownership of real property without time restrictions; and 

• Usufruct or leasehold over real property for a period not exceeding ninety-nine (99) years.”