Abu Dhabi opened its doors to foreign property ownership in 2019, and the market has only become more accessible since. But buy property in Abu Dhabi as a foreigner remains a question with more nuance than a simple yes or no. The short answer is yes, but only within specific government-designated zones, and understanding exactly which zones, which ownership type, and which process applies can save a buyer weeks of confusion and, occasionally, a failed transaction.
This guide walks through what foreign buyers can and cannot do in Abu Dhabi's property market in 2026, the difference between freehold and leasehold rights, the actual buying process, and where Al Maryah Island fits into the picture.
Where Foreigners Can Actually Buy
Foreign nationals, whether resident in the UAE or not, can purchase property in Abu Dhabi only within designated investment zones approved by the government. Roughly nine such zones currently exist, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Maryah Island, Masdar City, Hudayriyat Island, Al Reef, and Sayh Al Sedairah. Outside these zones, ownership remains restricted to UAE and GCC nationals, which is why confirming a project's zone status before signing anything is the single most important check a foreign buyer can make.
It is worth being precise about the scale of this restriction: roughly 40% of Abu Dhabi's residential areas remain off-limits to non-UAE nationals even today. The 2019 reform was significant, but it opened specific zones rather than the entire emirate.
Freehold, Usufruct, and Musataha: Know the Difference
Abu Dhabi Law No. 19 of 2005, amended in 2019, defines three ownership structures available to expatriates. Freehold ownership grants full title to both the property and the land beneath it, in perpetuity, with the right to sell, lease, or inherit without restriction. This is the gold standard and applies to most new Aldar, Emirates Developments, and Modon projects launched since 2019, including Jumeirah Residences Al Maryah Island.
Usufruct grants the right to use and benefit from a property for up to 99 years without owning the underlying land, common in older community developments. Musataha is a renewable right of up to 50 years that allows the holder to build on or alter land, generally used for commercial rather than residential purposes. Before reserving any unit, ask the developer directly which structure applies and confirm the registration type with the relevant land authority; usufruct is not the same as freehold and carries different implications for mortgages and inheritance.
The Buying Process, Step by Step
The mechanics are fairly standardized. A buyer identifies a freehold unit within an approved investment zone, then signs a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the terms and pays a security deposit, customarily around 10%. For off-plan purchases, this initial step is followed by staged payments tied to construction milestones rather than a single lump sum.
Once the developer confirms all service charges are settled and the property is clear for transfer, a No Objection Certificate is issued. The transaction is then finalized and registered with the Department of Municipalities and Transport or its Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre, where the applicable transfer fee is paid before the buyer receives the official title deed.
What a Foreign Buyer Should Budget For
Abu Dhabi charges no annual property tax and no capital gains tax on residential real estate, which is a genuine structural advantage over many international markets. The main costs to plan for are the registration and transfer fee, typically around 2% of the purchase price, ongoing service charges that generally range from AED 10 to 25 per square foot per year in standard developments (branded towers often run higher), and, if used, an agency fee.
A UAE residence permit is not required to purchase residential property in an approved freehold zone, a point confirmed directly on the UAE Government's official portal. A foreign buyer living entirely outside the UAE can complete a purchase with just a valid passport, a signed sale agreement, and evidence of source of funds, though residency does become relevant later if the buyer intends to live in the property or apply for a Golden Visa.
Financing Options for Foreign Buyers
Foreign buyers, including non-residents, can generally access mortgage financing from UAE banks for property in approved freehold zones, though loan-to-value ratios and documentation requirements are typically stricter for non-residents than for UAE residents. Banks will usually require proof of income, bank statements, and a higher minimum down payment for non-resident applicants. For off-plan purchases specifically, many developers offer their own staged payment plans as an alternative to bank financing, letting buyers spread costs across the construction period without involving a mortgage at all.
Whichever route you choose, it is worth getting a mortgage pre-approval or confirming a developer payment plan in writing before making an offer, since financing delays are one of the more common reasons a reservation falls through after a buyer has already committed a deposit.
Why Al Maryah Island Is a Strong Freehold Choice
Al Maryah Island sits among Abu Dhabi's approved freehold zones and offers 100% foreign ownership, positioning it alongside Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem as one of the capital's core investment districts. What sets it apart is its role as Abu Dhabi's financial free zone, home to ADGM, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and The Galleria, which gives it a built-in professional tenant base that many other freehold zones lack.
Jumeirah Residences Al Maryah Island, currently taking reservations from around AED 4.7 million, is fully freehold and Golden Visa eligible on a single-unit purchase, making it a straightforward entry point for a foreign buyer who wants both ownership certainty and a clear residency pathway in one transaction.
How AB Residences Guides Foreign Buyers Through the Process
AB Residences works with international buyers from the first enquiry to confirm zone status, ownership structure, and developer registration before any deposit changes hands, and we coordinate directly with land authorities and developer sales teams to keep the transfer process moving without surprises.
If you are buying from outside the UAE and want a straightforward, verified path into Al Maryah Island's freehold market, our advisors can walk you through the entire process remotely.
Pranav Chaudhary is a Real Estate Advisor specialising in branded and waterfront residences in Abu Dhabi. For current availability, pricing, and floor plans at Jumeirah Residences Al Maryah Island, or if you need someone to help you secure a property on Al Maryah Island, he is well positioned to assist you.
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