Dubai: Freehold on Sheikh Zayed Road and in Al Jaddaf

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced a new initiative allowing private property owners of plots along Sheikh Zayed Road and in the Al Jaddaf area to convert their property status from Leasehold to Freehold.

A total of 457 plots are eligible for conversion: 128 along Sheikh Zayed Road (from the Mall roundabout to the Water Canal) and 329 in the Al Jaddaf area.

This initiative is expected to significantly increase the market value of properties in these areas, especially for owners who opt for freehold ownership. It will also enhance the economic appeal of the regions, stimulate projects aimed at international investors, and attract a new wave of capital to Dubai's real estate market.

The Director General of DLD, Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, believes these changes will strengthen Dubai's position as a global economic hub and a leading destination for foreign real estate investment. He noted that the initiative is focused on long-term growth and market stability.
“This initiative will enhance the attractiveness of Dubai's real estate market by attracting long-term investments and supporting the ambitious goals of the Dubai 2033 Real Estate Strategy,” said bin Ghalita.

What are Freehold and Leasehold?

• Freehold: Full ownership of property, including the land it is built on. Freehold property owners have the freedom to sell, lease, or bequeath their property. In the UAE, this type of ownership is available in specially designated areas for foreign investors.

• Leasehold: Ownership of property for a specified term, up to 99 years. Leasehold property owners have the right to use and lease the property, but the land remains owned by the lessor.

How to Apply for Conversion
Property owners can initiate the process through the Dubai REST smart application:

1. Submit a land evaluation request.

2. Pay a conversion fee (30% of the property's value as determined by DLD).

3. Receive a map and ownership certificate after the payment is processed.

Fees for common areas and maintenance will be regulated per the guidelines of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

This initiative supports the implementation of the Dubai 2033 Real Estate Strategy, which includes increasing transactions by 70%, growing the total market value of real estate to AED 1 trillion, and expanding the real estate portfolio to AED 20 billion.

Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf are emerging as new investment hotspots. Offering full property ownership creates additional opportunities for long-term investments, reaffirming Dubai’s commitment to developing a global real estate market.

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