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Guide

Freehold Conversion on Sheikh Zayed Road and in Al Jaddaf (2025)

In January 2025 the Land Department opened 457 plots, 128 on Sheikh Zayed Road and 329 in Al Jaddaf, for conversion to freehold for all nationalities. The owner applies, DLD values the property, and the conversion costs 30% of that valuation. It is the largest change to where foreigners can own in Dubai since 2006.

What was announced

The Land Department and the Government of Dubai Media Office, 19 January 2025, in identical words: "the private property owners in Sheikh Zayed Road area (from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Water Canal) and Al Jaddaf area can now convert their ownership status to freehold to all nationalities. A total of 457 plots are eligible for conversion to freehold: 128 plots along Sheikh Zayed Road and 329 plots in Al Jaddaf."

The process, from the same release: "Property owners can confirm their eligibility for the conversion through the Dubai REST smart app. To proceed with the conversion, they must submit an application to the DLD for land assessment and valuation ... a conversion fee of 30% of the property's valuation (based on Gross Floor Area) will be applicable."

Why it matters: the rule it changes

Foreign ownership in Dubai is the exception, not the default. Law No. (7) of 2006, Article 4: "The right to own Real Property in the Emirate will be restricted to UAE nationals, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states and to companies fully owned by these, and to public joint stock companies. Subject to the approval of the Ruler, non-UAE nationals may, in certain areas determined by the Ruler, be granted the following rights: a. Freehold ownership of Real Property without time restrictions; and b. Usufruct or leasehold over Real Property for a period not exceeding ninety-nine (99) years."

The areas are listed plot by plot. Regulation No. (3) of 2006 named only two plots on Sheikh Zayed Road, 118 and 147, and three in Al Jaddaf, 003, 007 and 008. Additions since were small: one plot in 2010, three in 2016, four in 2019, two in 2022. The 2025 opening covers 457. Our freehold areas page carries the full legal list.

Who it is for

• An owner on an eligible plot who wants to sell to the whole market, not only to UAE and GCC buyers. Conversion widens the buyer pool; the 30% fee is the price of that.
• A foreign buyer looking at a building on Sheikh Zayed Road or in Al Jaddaf. Ask whether the plot has converted. Until it has, you cannot hold freehold title there.
• A Golden Visa applicant. The visa needs freehold in a designated area. A converted plot counts once the title deed shows freehold; the title deed carries a freehold yes-or-no field.

How to check a specific plot

1. Open Dubai REST and use the eligibility check DLD names in its announcement.
2. Or use DLD's Property Status Enquiry, which "allows a customer to inquire about the status of a property by entering the property-related data such as the area and land number". Immediate, on the DLD website or the app.
3. For a unit already converted, read the freehold field on its title deed.

Frequently Asked Questions