• Nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, companies fully owned by these groups and public joint stock companies, are permitted to acquire certain types of real estate interests within designated areas in the Emirate of Dubai.

• This Practice Note covers the nationality requirements for acquiring real estate interests in the Emirate of Dubai.

• GCC: Gulf Corporation Council.

• UAE: United Arab Emirates.

The general rule as to nationality requirements to acquire real estate interests in Dubai is set out in article 4 of Dubai Law No. 7/2006 on Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai, which provides that the right to own real property in the emirate will be restricted to UAE nationals, nationals of the GCC member states and to companies fully owned by these, and to public joint stock companies. Subject to the approval of the Ruler, non-UAE nationals may, in certain areas, determined by the Ruler, be granted the following rights:

• Freehold ownership of real property without time restrictions.

• Usufruct or leasehold over real property for a period not exceeding 99 years.