How to Buy Land in Dubai – A Comprehensive A to Z Guide
Dubai’s booming real estate market has made it a prime location for investors looking to buy land. Whether you’re an expatriate or a local, understanding the process of buying land in Dubai is crucial. This guide by RE One Properties, with years of experience in real estate, will walk you through the steps needed to make an informed purchase. Our specialized marketing efforts, coupled with our deep understanding of the market, ensure that you have all the information you need.
Can Expats Buy Land in Dubai?
The question of whether expats can buy land in Dubai is common due to the city’s significant growth. The good news is that expats can buy freehold land in designated areas, allowing for full ownership. According to UAE law, non-UAE nationals can only purchase land in areas designated for freehold ownership. This guide will detail the steps needed to purchase land, be it for personal or commercial use.
Steps to Buy Land in Dubai
1. Plan Financially
Before asking yourself, “Can I buy land in Dubai?” consider your budget. Setting a budget is the first and most crucial step in planning any major project. This will help you allocate your finances wisely.
Additionally, explore payment options such as cash payments or mortgage loans supported by your bank. Understand the advantages and interest rates of loans in the UAE for expats.

2. Decide the Land Usage
Deciding the purpose of your land purchase is essential as it influences factors like location, investment value, legal requirements, and resale ability. Whether you plan to build a home, invest in industrial land, or start a commercial project, each purpose comes with specific criteria and requirements.
3. Pick a Location
After planning financially and deciding on land usage, the next step is choosing the location. Dubai offers numerous land plots worth investing in, whether for personal or business purposes. Here are some of the best places to buy land in Dubai:
- Residential Lands:
- Jebel Ali
- Pearl Jumeirah
- Al Furjan
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Jumeirah Village Triangle
- Damac Hills
- Jumeirah Garden City
- Palm Jebel Ali
- Commercial Lands:
- Dubai Production City
- Barsha Heights
- Al Jaddaf
- Dubai Industrial City
- Jebel Ali Industrial
- Al Mamzar
- Al Qouz
4. Understand Development Regulations
Choosing the land’s usage and location helps in understanding the area’s development regulations. Regulations may vary across different areas, especially between commercial and residential zones. The Dubai Development Authority provides guidelines on plot boundaries, dimensions, areas, setbacks, surroundings, and land uses.
5. Freehold vs. Leasehold
Understanding the difference between freehold and leasehold land is crucial. Freehold land allows full ownership of the land and everything on it, while leasehold grants ownership rights for a specified period. Expats can only buy freehold land in designated areas, as per UAE law.
6. Arrange a Land Survey
Conducting a land survey is essential to understand the land’s size, boundaries, and potential issues like topography and soil quality. It is advisable to hire a professional surveyor. The Government of Dubai offers real estate survey services that can be accessed online.
7. Agreement with Seller
After completing the previous steps, you are ready to purchase the land. The seller could be an individual, a company, or a development corporation. Using a real estate company like RE One Properties can simplify negotiations and ensure all terms are favorable. Review all contracts thoroughly before signing.
8. Title Transfer
The final step is transferring the title. This involves submitting a title transfer application through the Dubai Land Department. The process is quick, taking about 25 minutes. Ensure you have all necessary documents and are aware of the fees involved.

Documents Required
- Transferor letter (entity or person)
- Owner UAE ID or power of attorney
- Valid passport for non-residents
- Trade license for companies
Fees
- Title deed: AED 250 per certificate
- Land plots map (outside Dubai Municipality): AED 100
- Unified map with Dubai Municipality: AED 225
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
Steps to Transfer Title
- Submit an application at the Land Department Customer Happiness Center.
- An employee will review documents and payments.
- Pay the fees and receive a receipt.
- An employee will approve the transaction.
- Receive a link for the title deed and map via email.
9. Consider the Resale Value
Always keep the resale value in mind when purchasing land. The location, usage, and market trends will influence the future value of your property.