Dubai Opens Freehold Ownership to Free Zone Companies Under 2040 Plan

Dubai Land Department announced the expansion of freehold ownership in the emirate, allowing free zone companies to own real estate within the mainland, in a move aimed at rebalancing the land market, according to Al Khaleej newspaper.

The step comes within the framework of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, two frameworks aimed at reorganizing land uses and expanding the ownership base within the emirate.

On the citizens' side, the "First Home" program helped more than 3,200 Dubai residents purchase their first home between July 2025 and June 2026, while the value of offered residential real estate transactions exceeded five billion dirhams.

Investors and development companies operating in the UAE market are interested in this trend, as expanding the scope of freehold ownership broadens the pool of potential real estate buyers in Dubai, which may be reflected in residential and commercial demand in the coming period.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Freehold Ownership: A system that allows non-citizens to own the property completely along with the land, unlike off-plan ownership or long-term leasehold systems.

Free Zone: An area where companies are granted benefits such as tax exemptions and full ownership, mostly dedicated to commercial and industrial activities.

Mainland: Land belonging to the emirate outside the scope of free zones, where general ownership and investment laws apply.