Off-Plan Property Rules by Emirate: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah
Most off-plan projects in the UAE are in Dubai, but Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah also have active new developments. The rules on who can own property, and what kind of ownership you receive, are set by each emirate. This guide summarises the official position as published by the UAE government and the Dubai authorities, and lists what to confirm before you reserve.
Dubai
According to the UAE government portal, foreign ownership in Dubai is permitted in areas designated as freehold, where foreigners can acquire freehold rights. The designated areas are set by Regulation No. 3 of 2006.
For off-plan purchases, Dubai has two key protections. Law No. (8) of 2007 requires an escrow account for each off-plan project, dedicated to its construction, and Law No. (13) of 2008 requires off-plan sales to be entered in the Interim Property Register. The Dubai Land Department’s registration fee is 4% of the property’s value.
For the step-by-step buying process in Dubai, see our guide on how to buy property in Dubai as a foreigner. Browse new projects in Dubai and the UAE.
Abu Dhabi
The UAE government portal states that expatriates can own property in designated areas of Abu Dhabi, naming Yas Island, Saadiyat, Reem, Mariya, Lulu, Al Raha Beach, Sayh Al Sedairah, Al Reef and Masdar City. It describes ownership of floors and apartments rather than land, and other forms of long-term rights such as musataha and usufruct. It also notes that a 2019 amendment allows non-UAE nationals to own property in Abu Dhabi’s investment areas.
Because the type of ownership can vary by area and project, confirm exactly what title you would receive before reserving. Browse off-plan projects in Abu Dhabi.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah sets its own rules on foreign ownership, and the UAE government portal does not set them out, so check the ownership terms for a specific project with the developer and the emirate’s land registration authority before you reserve. Much of the new residential supply we list is on and around Al Marjan Island, where Wynn Resorts is building Wynn Al Marjan Island and has said it expects to open in 2027. Browse off-plan projects in Ras Al Khaimah.
Sharjah
The UAE government portal states that in Sharjah foreigners do not have the right to own property, but may hold usufruct rights for up to 100 years in areas specified by the government, after special approval from the Ruler of Sharjah. If you are considering a Sharjah project, ask the developer exactly what right you will hold and confirm it independently before paying.
Checklist for Any Emirate
- What type of ownership will you receive (freehold, leasehold, usufruct or another right), and for how long?
- Is the project registered with the relevant land authority, and how are buyers’ payments protected?
- What registration and transfer fees apply, and who pays them?
- What is the payment plan, including any instalments after handover? See our guide to post-handover payment plans.
- What does the sale agreement say about delays and missed payments?
This article is general information, not legal advice. Ownership rules and fees can change; confirm the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser. Sources checked: October 2026.