

February 13, 2025 | Ali Muslam Bu Mansour | UAE | Developers
Dubai has solidified its position as a global real estate hub with a game-changing announcement. The Dubai Land Department's new policy, which allows properties along Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf to be converted to freehold ownership. As developers, we are always on the lookout for the most promising locations to ensure that our projects deliver the best possible outcome for investors. Therefore, the recent announcement by the Dubai Land Department regarding the ability to convert properties along Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf to freehold ownership is of great significance. It unlocks a new realm of possibilities for both investors and property owners, improving investment potential and property value growth.
This initiative not only enhances market dynamics but also plays an important role in allowing developers to contribute to the city’s continued prosperity.
Market Growth and Projections
Dubai's real estate sector has seen significant growth in recent years, primarily driven by the progressive initiatives being introduced in the region. For instance, the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 is designed to strategically amplify the industry's influence by significantly boosting transaction volumes and positioning Dubai as a top-tier global destination for international investors. As a result, the overall number of real estate transactions hit a historic peak in 2024 with a remarkable value of AED 522.1 billion. This incredible growth is a direct result of high demand outpacing supply, leading to significant price increases.
The transformative policies implemented by the government are expected to further propel the market, with a projected 5% increase in real estate values. This positive trajectory presents lucrative opportunities for property owners, investors, and developers alike. Moreover, it aligns with Dubai's ambitious vision of solidifying its status as a premier global destination for real estate investment.
A Bold Step
The recent announcement is expected to further enhance the appeal of properties in already desirable areas like Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf, which have consistently maintained strong value. A freehold property is an estate fully owned by an individual, free from any external control. The owner can sell the property without state approval and use the land for any purpose, as long as they comply with local regulations.
This increase in liquidity will help create an even more vibrant real estate market in Dubai. Property owners will have the chance to unlock greater value from their assets, while investors can tap into these high-growth locations, which have long been recognized for their potential. The introduction of freehold ownership will also reinforce Dubai's appeal to international investors, spotlighting these strategic locations as attractive for long-term investment.
Aligning with Dubai’s Vision 2040
Aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which seeks to enhance the city's urban areas and foster vibrant, inclusive communities, the newly introduced freehold ownership policy is crucial in reshaping Dubai's future. Here is how Dubai is turning this vision into reality:
● Offering freehold ownership helps attract international investors, contributing to the city’s growth and development. This policy, along with initiatives such as the Golden Visa program, which has already granted over 100,000 visas to property investors and professionals, encourages expatriates to invest in Dubai and drive the city’s economic growth.
● By providing access to property ownership, Dubai is diversifying its economy by reducing its reliance on oil revenues. It opens new opportunities in real estate, tourism, and other sectors. This strategic move enables the city to redefine its future and create a more resilient, innovative economy.
● Freehold ownership attracts a diverse mix of residents and investors, fostering vibrant, dynamic neighborhoods and promoting healthy, inclusive communities in the city.
A Vision for the Future
With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Dubai is not only embracing change but also actively shaping its future. The city is unlocking new opportunities for property owners and investors, inviting them to play pivotal roles in its real estate journey. The introduction of the new policy serves as a clear testament to Dubai’s commitment to progress, granting full ownership in some of the most coveted locations. This strategic move ensures that Dubai will continue to evolve and maintain its momentum as a dynamic force in the industry.
For the latest Dubai real estate news, click here
In the era of rapid digital transformation, data has become the currency of innovation, driving commerce, connectivity, and technological breakthroughs. At the core of this revolution are data centres—advanced real estate infrastructures that store, process, and disseminate vast volumes of information. The valuation of data centres is now a critical exercise, reflecting their strategic significance in the global economy and their pivotal role in shaping the digital future. Global Data Centre La
The year 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity for community management professionals to elevate the overall community experience, aligning with Dubai's ambitious vision of becoming “the world’s best city to live in.” These strategies will position community managers as essential drivers in creating resident-centric, thriving environments. By adopting global best practices, fostering meaningful engagement, and embracing innovative solutions, Dubai’s communities can set the benchmark for modern urb
The real estate sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, and 2025 is poised to be another crucial year for the industry. According to a report published by Research and Markets in 2023, the UAE PropTech market is forecasted to reach a value of USD 1,558.62 million by 2028. The merging of property and technology, known as ‘PropTech’, has brought new ways to manage properties, interact with clients, and operate within the market. As PropTech continues to advance, the trends emergi
Office design is rapidly adapting to modern demands, making workspaces more flexible and comfortable. Technology plays a pivotal role in creating such environments, enhancing employee efficiency. Significant attention is given to ergonomics and the incorporation of natural elements in interiors, which foster a pleasant and inspiring atmosphere. Ekaterina Patalina, Founder of Cont de Arch, a design agency in the UAE, explains how innovations and flexible space planning can significantly boost pro
Dubai’s Smart Rental Index 2025 is an AI-driven platform designed to transform rental market transparency and fairness. Unlike traditional systems that rely on broad averages or manual reporting, as we understand so far, this index evaluates properties using advanced building classification techniques, ensuring highly accurate rental valuations.
The real estate industry in the Middle East is changing rapidly. Developers across the region are realising that to stand out, they need to create long-term
In a city known for constantly reinventing itself, Dubai’s real estate market is drawing waves of interest, particularly from investors across Asia.
Building challenges posed by severe climate conditions highlight the need to revolutionise safety and resilience through cutting-edge technologies and
In UAE’s real estate market, the seamless blend of sustainability, luxury and innovation is no longer a trend; rather, it’s an imperative. As discerning elites heighten their standards of
As climate change continues to challenge our urban environments, the need for community-driven green initiatives has never been more critical. By working
In recent years, the facilities management (FM) industry has undergone a tech revolution. Cutting-edge innovations are reshaping traditional practices, making FM more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
The branded residences market in Dubai has exhibited exceptional growth and resilience in the first half of 2024. During this period, a total of 5,592 branded
The world has witnessed rapid and unpredictable changes in the last few years, highlighting ongoing global volatility. Against this backdrop, there is a firm
The landscape of the modern workplace is ever-evolving, and what we require of the spaces we work in is shifting in the face of economic, geopolitical, and
Amenity-rich residences have been gaining significant traction globally, and it’s no surprise that this trend is poised to make its mark in our region as well. We’ve seen first-hand how these residences
Faced with rapid urbanisation, cities around the world are experiencing unprecedented challenges in infrastructure development. Conventional construction
Lately, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced a remarkable increase in residential property prices, particularly in major urban hubs like Dubai and
Phuket's real estate sector is booming. This tropical Thai island has long held a reputation as being one of the world's most desirable destinations to visit. Now,
I recently had the privilege of attending the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Conference in Las Vegas, USA. Alongside fellow CAIME members, I
This year, on May 22, the International Code Council (ICC) marked the first-ever International Building Safety Day. It is a day dedicated to promoting and
On April 16, 2024, our city faced an unprecedented challenge with record-breaking showers of rain and floods. But in the face of this storm, Dubai began
The impact of climate change is being felt worldwide. In April 2024, the UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, catching many developers off guard
Europe is all set to see a 20% rebound in real estate investment activity this year with the UK poised to spearhead the growth and attract global investors
Singapore continues to attract foreign investors with its political stability, robust legal system and ease of doing business. Thanks to these three factors, the
Since embarking on my journey in Dubai's real estate market in 2005, I have witnessed the evolution of the city’s real estate industry into a global powerhouse,
In the realm of community association management and property management, the adoption of technology has become imperative for efficiency, transparency, and
Community management, the process of building, nurturing, and sustaining thriving communities, involves a combination of strategic planning, communication
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global leader in sustainable development, particularly within its real estate sector. As the
Dubai continues to dominate the global luxury property market, surpassing other international realty hotspots, with 2024 poised to sustain this trend. The
As we navigate the economic currents of 2024, London's real estate market continues to remain an attractive investment destination for Middle Eastern
Despite all the progress it has made, the global construction industry still sees less than 12% women in its workforce, underscoring the ongoing challenges
When women are given more opportunities to lead, it yields positive outcomes for all involved. Numerous studies spanning decades demonstrate that female
Medical tourism is when people travel to another country or city to receive medical care because of considerations
With thousands of communities counting on our expertise in India, NoBrokerHood is looking forward to extending this triumph and trust on an international
As we navigate the concrete jungles of residential and commercial spaces, there is a rising trend subtly transforming the way
As one of the largest industries in the world, real estate’s influence on the environment and society has always been substantial. Sustainability and social
Residential and commercial structures contribute to approximately 37% of carbon emissions and account for about 34% of final energy consumption, along
The significance of globalisation has had an inevitable impact on economies, cultures and societies. As markets interconnect and barriers challenge
In line with Vision 2030 to transform Riyadh into one of the most sustainable cities in the world, the real estate industry must proactively contribute towards
The UAE's involvement in the BRICS alliance has the potential to bring significant changes to the country's real estate sector. Currently, the worth of the real
Back in the 2000s, the market demand for real estate was ripe and UAE was venturing into a wide range of new policies. The stage was being set for a unique
As the dependence on technology continues to affect various aspects of our lifestyle, businesses across all industries are exploring innovative solutions
Creating strong and inclusive communities has never been more vital. When people choose where to live, they consider factors like location, amenities, safety,
The real estate industry has long stood as a cornerstone of the global economy, boasting vast and intricate transactions, legal complexities, and intricate financing structures.
The UK has long been an attractive destination for international property investors, with a stable market and a reputation for strong returns. In recent years
The UAE’s real estate market is experiencing a significant boost. According to Statista’s report on UAE’s real estate industry, the market is anticipated.
Dubai, the dazzling city in the United Arab Emirates, has been making headlines for its extravagant tourist attractions, opulent hotels, lavish resorts
As consumers, we often take for granted the food and beverage establishments we frequent, assuming they will provide us with safe and healthy meals.
Efficient waste management is an indispensable component of sustainable development, especially in residential communities. As real estate professionals,
Community association managers play various roles in managing their residents and communities. One of the most important roles is managing the association board or owners'
The world is buzzing about ChatGPT and its potential to change the world. But what does it mean for the facilities management sector?
IREM® (Institute of Real Estate Management) is a global organization that provides property and asset managers with in-depth expertise to meet
As cities become more urbanized, it is crucial to create sustainable residential communities that promote health and well-being, especially for mental health.
Technology innovation in blockchain, tokenisation, NFTs, and the resultant decentralised finance (DeFi) services
In today‘s modern and technologically advanced society, there tend to be new technologies and software being created all the time. Whilst this is great and
How you think about your tenant engagement approach can determine your successes or failures as a business.
The built environment contributes to 70% of energy consumption in the UAE. Given that the lifespan of a building can be several decades the
When we talk about the culture within the Community Association and Management Companies it is key to first
Here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the last decade has seen a much greater emphasis placed upon education and as a result, this is one of the largest
Much research is dedicated to the changing workplace nowadays, which appears to be proportionately more than we have seen over the past few decades. We are looking to dig deeper into the new reality and how
The upkeep of a property is of utmost importance. Every Property Manager should consider a custom plan for regular maintenance
Nearly 80 percent of the energy generated globally comes from fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
When was the last time you had a ‘ Å“wow moment’, a deeply satisfying and memorable experience as a customer?
The real estate sector has been relatively slower to climb on the digitalization train. It’s a deficit that the sector has since addressed with alacrity as technology changes the face of every segment.
It‘s a suite of smart and green technology that provides not only a means of education to the FM
If you could take a time machine back to 2006 when the Dubai freehold law was implemented, would you buy the property?
Author- Gui Pendrix , Director at Co-Liv, Founder at Artof.Co
Author- Arch. Michele Suria, Founder-CEO, Woke Coliving Inc.
Author- Mohammed Kaiser, Emaar Community Management L.L.C
Author- Johan Kruger, CEO , Association Management Solutions (Pty)Ltd, SA