Real Estate in Abu Dhabi
Real estate in Abu Dhabi is regulated separately from the rest of the UAE. The Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) oversee registration, developers and brokers, and tenancy contracts are registered on the Tawtheeq system. Foreign investment in property was widened significantly by Law No. 13 of 2019, which lets foreigners own freehold within the emirate's designated investment zones, such as Al Reem, Yas and Saadiyat Islands.
Outside the investment zones, ownership for non-nationals is usually structured as usufruct (up to 99 years) or musataha (a development right of up to 50 years, renewable). We advise on sale and purchase agreements, off-plan purchases and their escrow protection, ADREC registration and mortgages, and we handle landlord-tenant disputes before the Abu Dhabi rental dispute committees. The structure that fits depends on the zone and your nationality.
What we do
- Freehold, usufruct and musataha structuring
- Sale and purchase agreements and ADREC registration
- Off-plan purchases and escrow protection
- Investment-zone and foreign-ownership advice
- Tawtheeq tenancy registration
- Landlord-tenant and developer disputes
Frequently asked
Can foreigners own property in Abu Dhabi?
Since Law No. 13 of 2019, foreigners can own freehold within Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones, such as Al Reem, Yas and Saadiyat. Outside those, ownership is usually usufruct or musataha. We confirm the options for a specific property.
What is the difference between usufruct and musataha?
Usufruct is a long-term right to use and benefit from a property, up to 99 years. Musataha is a right to develop and use land, up to 50 years and renewable. Which suits you depends on whether you are occupying or developing. We advise and document it.
Where are rental disputes heard in Abu Dhabi?
Landlord-tenant disputes go to the Abu Dhabi rental dispute committees rather than the ordinary courts, with tenancies registered on Tawtheeq. We prepare and present claims and defences there.
Real Estate in other emirates