Non-freehold areas in Dubai for Emirati and GCC investors
The comparison between purchasing property in a freehold versus non-freehold area is a common discussion point within the UAE real estate market. While Dubai has freehold areas for foreign nationals to invest in properties, non-freehold zones are specifically designated for Emiratis and GCC nationals. Let’s look at these non-freehold areas in Dubai and their property types.
FREEHOLD VS NON-FREEHOLD IN DUBAI – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
The Dubai government has designated freehold areas in Dubai which allow foreigners to own property. Similarly, leasehold properties are available in the emirate, allowing non-nationals to lease a property for 10 to 99 years. The presence of freehold and leasehold properties is one reason non-UAE citizens have become key players in the Dubai property market.
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY NON-FREEHOLD AREAS IN DUBAI?
Non-freehold areas are Dubai neighbourhoods that are not open to foreign investments. Only UAE and GCC nationals can purchase properties in these areas. Speaking to a real estate agent in Dubai or checking with DLD is the best way to determine whether your desired area/project is based in a freehold or non-freehold area in Dubai.
LIST OF NON-FREEHOLD AREAS IN DUBAI
Here’s a look at some of the popular non-freehold areas in Dubai.
Remember that some non-freehold areas might have a small sub-community offering freehold properties. As stated earlier, check the project/property ownership status with DLD or a reputable real estate agent for confirmation.
JUMEIRAH
The coastal neighbourhood of Jumeirah is divided into three sub-districts: Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2 and Jumeirah 3. It is known for its shops, eateries, entertainment venues and leisure destinations.
The iconic Jumeirah Mosque is also located in the neighbourhood. Property types include 3-bedroom villas, while larger families can buy houses with up to seven bedrooms!
The name “Jumeirah” is synonymous with luxury and prestige, with homes along the beach coming to mind. Those who own property here love living in Jumeirah because of its proximity to the sea and the city’s main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
Jumeirah has been a popular area since about the 1970s, thanks to the opening of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Burj Al Arab, the laidback, easygoing nature of the beachside neighbourhood and being a world away from towering skyscrapers.
While you can find both freehold and non-freehold properties in Jumeirah, the area is mainly non-freehold.
- To buy a villa in Jumeirah, the starting price is AED 18.3M.
- Are you looking to purchase an apartment in Jumeirah? You can expect a starting price of AED 6.4M.
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 6 BATHS
- |
- 2847 SQFT
- 5 BEDS
- |
- 8 BATHS
- |
- 6828 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
- |
- 7 BATHS
- |
- 4270 SQFT
- 5 BEDS
- |
- 8 BATHS
- |
- 6846 SQFT
- 4 BEDS
- |
- 5 BATHS
- |
- 4882 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 2776 SQFT
UMM SUQEIM
Umm Suqeim is the next entry on our list of popular non-freehold areas in Dubai. It is divided into five sub-communities: Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2, Umm Suqeim 3, Umm Suqeim Road and Madinat Jumeirah Living.
Umm Suqeim, just like Jumeirah, boasts eclectic cafes, shops and beachfront entertainment venues like Kite Beach, which attract expats, the local Emirati community and tourists alike. One of the biggest benefits for renters and owners of houses in Umm Suqeim is that it is located right between the older and newer parts of Dubai. Some of the city’s most iconic attractions and leisure hotspots, like Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, are just minutes away. The older parts of the city are also approximately 15 minutes away.
Umm Suqeim is among Dubai’s most affluent non-freehold neighbourhoods, predominantly for buying a villa in Dubai.
- Emirati investors looking to buy a villa in Umm Suqeim can expect sales prices to start from AED 51.3M.
- To buy a flat in Umm Suqeim, you can keep a starting price of AED 4.6M in mind. Most freehold apartments are available for sale in Madinat Jumeirah Living.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1183 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 778 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 1012 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1274 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1414 SQFT
AL BARSHA
Al Barsha is one of the earliest residential neighbourhoods to emerge close to what is now referred to as New Dubai. It is home to several apartment buildings and villa compounds, located just off Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), with easy connectivity to Al Khail Road (E44).
The larger villas in Al Barsha are popular with Emirati families thanks to their secluded vibe, proximity to supermarkets such as Spinneys and Aswaq and quick access to schools such as Al Mawakeb. Locals and GCC nationals wanting to construct their own homes will be happy to know that there are residential plots for sale in Al Barsha besides flats and villas.
While the newer sub-communities of Al Barsha, including Villa Lantana and Al Barsha South, have freehold properties for expat ownership, most properties here are only available for GCC nationals and Emiratis.
- Apartments for sale in Al Barsha are available starting from AED 1.3M.
- While villas for sale in Al Barsha have a starting price of AED 9.2M.
MIRDIF
Mirdif is another popular area where only locals and GCC nationals can buy properties. The area is known for its eclectic collection of villas. Mirdif villas provide a great sense of indoor and outdoor space – residents can spend time in their private gardens. The larger community comprises a diverse mix of locals and expats, many of whom have been renting in the neighbourhood for years!
Another great feature of the neighbourhood is its pet-friendly and excellent community vibes.
- Are you interested in buying a villa in Mirdif? The starting price for houses in this locality is AED 4.9M.
- To purchase a flat in Mirdif, the starting cost would be AED 1.7M.
AL WARQAA
Al Warqaa is a quaint area with affordable and spacious properties primarily housing local, Arab and Asian expats. The greater Al Warqaa area is divided into five subcommunities, Al Warqaa 1 to 5, featuring apartments and villas for Emiratis and GCC nationals to buy.
One standout feature of Al Warqaa, besides the sheer number of conveniences from supermarkets, clinics, and F&B outlets in the area, is the presence of two large, spectacular parks. Both venues have play areas for children and specialised walking, cycling and jogging tracks. The famous forest-esque Mushrif Park is also just next door.
- You can buy a villa in Al Warqaa for a starting price of AED 7.2M.
FAQS ABOUT NON-FREEHOLD AREAS IN DUBAI
CAN I FIND OTHER NON-FREEHOLD AREAS IN DUBAI?
Here’s a handy list of the non-freehold zones in Dubai.
- Warsan 2
- Umm Hurair
- Umm Al Sheif
- Trade Center 2
- Trade Center 1
- The Galleria
- Satwa
- Rigga Al Buteen
- Ras Al Khor (Samari Project)
- Port Saeed
- Oud Metha
- Oud Al Muteena
- Naif
- Nad Shamma
- Nad Al Sheba
- Nad Al Hamar
- Madinat Dubai Al Melaheyah
- Hor Al Anz
- Emirates Golf Club
- Dubai Creek Club
- Dar Al Wasl
- Ayal Nasir
- Al Wasl
- Al Waheda
- Al Twar
- Al Souq Al Kabeer
- Al Sufouh
- Al Safa
- Al Sabkha
- Al Rigga
- Al Refaa
- Al Rashidiya
- Al Ras
- Al Qusais
- Al Qouz
- Al Nahda
- Al Muteena
- Al Murar
- Al Muraqqabat
- Al Muntazah Complex – Jebel Ali
- Al Muhaisnah
- Al Mizhar
- Al Mankhool
- Al Manara
- Al Mamzar Centre
- Al Mamzar
- Al Kheeran
- Al Khawaneej
- Al Karama
- Al Jaffiliyah
- Al Jaddaf
- Al Hudaiba
- Al Hamriya
- Al Ghurair Centre
- Al Garhoud
- Al Ehibab
- Al Daghaya
- Al Buteen
- Al Baraha
- Al Badaa
- Al Awir
- Abu Hail
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREEHOLD AND LEASEHOLD OWNERSHIP?
Check out our guide to learn the difference between freehold and leasehold ownership.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES IN DUBAI?
Leasehold properties aren’t common in Dubai, as most buyers and investors prefer freehold properties due to their more comprehensive ownership. Prospective buyers can find leasehold properties in areas like Dubai Silicon Oasis and Green Community. Buying properties on a leasehold basis in the other regions designated for foreign ownership is possible.
Bayut’s Dubai Transactions page offers a detailed index of real estate transaction data from the Dubai Land Department, including property sales history, annual sales volume and area-specific transactional values. This resource enables you to make informed decisions by comparing advertised and transactional prices for properties of interest.
That concludes our look at the non-freehold property area in Dubai. These areas, especially non-freehold GCC areas in Dubai, have become popular among investors and expats looking to rent properties over the past few years. Hence, as an Emirati or GCC national, you can invest in these neighbourhoods and make handsome returns, whether looking for villas or buying apartments in Dubai.
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