Can Foreigners Buy Property in Abu Dhabi? The 2026 Guide

Can foreigners own property in Abu Dhabi?

They can. The ownership framework is Law No. 19 of 2005 on Real Estate Ownership. Law No. 13 of 2019, issued on 16 April 2019, amended Articles 3 and 4 so that non-UAE nationals, whether people or companies, have the right to own and acquire all original and in-kind rights in real estate located within investment areas. In practice, that means a foreign buyer can hold a title deed in their own name, in the same way a UAE national can, provided the property sits inside a designated investment zone. Before 2019, foreign ownership in Abu Dhabi was limited to long leases, musataha and usufruct. The 2019 change is why Abu Dhabi now competes directly for international buyers.

What is the difference between freehold, musataha and usufruct?

Freehold is outright ownership of the unit, and in many cases its share of the land. A freehold owner has full capacity to deal with the property, including taking a mortgage and selling it. Musataha is a right to build on and use land owned by someone else for an agreed term. Usufruct is a right to use and benefit from property owned by someone else, again for a set term.

Inside investment zones, foreigners can hold any of the three. A holder of a musataha or usufruct right for more than 10 years may sell or mortgage it without the owner’s permission. Older guidance describes usufruct of up to 99 years and musataha of up to 50 years outside the zones, but confirm the current term for any specific plot before relying on it. Our musataha and usufruct guide explains how the 2026 Civil Transactions Law changed these rights.

Where in Abu Dhabi can foreigners buy?

Only inside investment zones. The original 2019-era list had nine: Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Lulu Island, Al Raha Beach, Seih Al Sedirah, Al Reef and Masdar City. Zones have been added since, and ADREC reported a total of 50 after approving eight new ones in H1 2026. The zones hold about 72,000 units, more than 22% of the emirate’s residential stock. There is no single complete public list of all 50 zones, and tenure is set plot by plot and project by project. Before treating any project as freehold, check the tenure of the specific unit on DARI or with ADREC.

How do you buy property in Abu Dhabi as a foreigner, step by step?

1. Confirm the tenure and the seller. Check on DARI that the unit is freehold (or the right you expect), that it sits in an investment zone and that the seller is the registered owner. Buying for a business or a group of investors? Read buying property through a company. Retirees aged 55 or over may also qualify for a 5-year retirement visa through property.

2. Work with a licensed broker. Since 19 September 2024, every agent in Abu Dhabi must hold a Broker Licence Number issued by ADREC through DARI. Any advert for the property must also carry a Madhmoun permit, mandatory since 7 July 2025.

3. Agree terms and sign the sale and purchase agreement, which is started on DARI and records the property, payment method (cash or mortgage), the parties and any power of attorney.

4. Arrange finance if needed. The bank will value the property and register its mortgage at 0.1% of the loan.

5. Collect clearances. On a resale, the seller provides the bank release if there is a mortgage and, for developer-managed or off-plan units, a developer NOC.

6. Register the transfer through DARI, pay the 2% registration fee and receive the new title deed from ADREC.

Is buying on Al Reem or Al Maryah Island different?

Yes, in one important respect. Al Maryah Island is home to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Al Reem Island has been part of ADGM’s jurisdiction since 24 April 2023 under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 41 of 2023. Civil and commercial matters there fall under ADGM’s common-law framework, and property is registered with the ADGM Registration Authority rather than ADREC. Since 21 August 2025, property adverts within ADGM also need an ADGM advertising permit, issued through its AccessRP platform and integrated with Madhmoun. Both islands are investment zones with foreign freehold, but the registration route, documents and fees should be confirmed with ADGM for each transaction.

How ODZ helps foreign buyers in Abu Dhabi

For an overseas buyer, the legal right to own is the easy part. The harder questions are which zone and project suit the objective, whether a given unit’s tenure is what the brochure says, and whether the price stands up against comparable stock. ODZ works through those questions before any commitment is made. We help define the brief, shortlist assets in investment zones, check tenure and registration details, coordinate with brokers, banks and developers, and keep the transaction on track through to the title deed. For clients who cannot be in Abu Dhabi for every step, we keep each stage organised and clearly explained.