Businesses in Masdar City to Gain Rights for Dubai Real Estate Ownership

Businesses in Masdar City to Gain Rights for Dubai Real Estate Ownership

Dubai Unveils Regulatory Framework for Masdar City Companies to Own Properties

In a move to boost real estate investment and diversify the investor base, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Masdar City have established a comprehensive regulatory framework that allows Masdar City free zone companies to own properties in Dubai under the freehold system.

The framework, established through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), defines clear eligibility criteria, legal, and administrative procedures for property registration. An integrated digital system supports seamless data exchange and online operations, ensuring faster and more accurate property registration. Companies will also receive guidance and support throughout the registration process.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the DLD to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s real estate market and expand the investor base. It aims to attract free zone companies, aligning with Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The move is expected to diversify the investor base by allowing free zone companies, including those operating in Masdar City's Abu Dhabi-linked mega free zones, to own property in Dubai. It will stimulate new investment flows into Dubai’s real estate market, supporting market growth and sustainability.

By fostering integration across the UAE’s real estate ecosystem, the move strengthens collaboration between emirates, boosting inter-emirate investments and elevating the UAE’s overall attractiveness for domestic and international investors. The streamlined and digitalized registration process enhances investor confidence by offering transparency, speed, and legal clarity.

According to DLD data, the volume and value of real estate transactions in Dubai rose sharply in the first half of the year. The DLD expects 5,000 new investors to enter the market this year following the initiative. More than 59,000 new investors entered the Dubai real estate market in the first half of the year, and the initiative offers priority access to new homes and existing inventory for first-time buyers.

Majid Al Marri, chief executive of the DLD's Real Estate Registration Sector in Dubai, stated that the initiative aligns with their vision of building a more open investment environment. The partnership between Masdar City and Dubai Land Department aims to boost real estate investment across the UAE.

In the second quarter of 2025, over 51,000 homes were sold in Dubai, marking a year-on-year increase of 22.8 per cent and a quarterly record. Total home sales surpassed 94,000, putting the market on track to exceed 169,000 transactions recorded in 2024. Participating developers may offer discounts or limited-time offers on the sales price of off-plan units. Flexible payment plans and improved mortgage options with better interest rates, faster approval times, and reduced fees are part of the initiative.

Ahmed Baghoum, chief executive of Masdar City, stated that the simplified property registration processes will enable Masdar City companies to expand their operations. The regulatory framework will allow Masdar companies to own plots and properties under the freehold system.

[1] Dubai Land Department (2022). Masdar City free zone companies to own properties in Dubai under the freehold system

[2] Zawya (2022). Dubai Land Department and Masdar City partner to allow Masdar companies to own properties in Dubai

[3] Gulf News (2022). Dubai Land Department and Masdar City partner to enable Masdar companies to own properties in Dubai

[4] Khaleej Times (2022). Dubai Land Department and Masdar City partner to allow Masdar companies to own properties in Dubai

1. The new regulatory framework between the Dubai Land Department and Masdar City could stimulate business growth in Dubai's economy by allowing free zone companies, including those in Masdar City, to own properties under the freehold system, fostering investment in Dubai's real estate market.
2. The partnership between Masdar City and Dubai Land Department is part of a larger strategy, aiming to diversify the investor base and attract energy-focused businesses to Dubai, which could positively impact the UAE's overall finance and business sector.
3. The establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for Masdar City companies to own properties in Dubai under the freehold system is expected to generate news about the UAE's growing economic opportunities, potentially drawing more international investors to the region.

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