Dubai's Land Department and Masdar City have sealed a contract, granting free zone businesses the freedom to own real estate properties within Dubai.
Dubai Land Department and Masdar City Partner to Expand Real Estate Investment Opportunities
In a significant move to boost the competitiveness of Dubai's real estate market, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Masdar City have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in July 2025. This partnership aims to enable companies operating within Masdar City's free zones to own land plots and properties in Dubai under the freehold ownership system.
The collaboration reflects DLD's commitment to adopting open policies that enhance market flexibility and is part of Dubai's broader strategy to enhance competitiveness and diversify investment in the real estate sector under the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Key details of the collaboration include:
- Ownership Rights: Free zone companies licensed in Masdar City’s free zones can now purchase properties across designated freehold areas in Dubai, a right that was previously restricted or unavailable to them.
- Regulatory Framework: The MoC establishes a clear legal and administrative framework with defined eligibility criteria, ensuring transparency and compliance in the ownership process.
- Streamlined Processes: The partnership includes direct coordination between DLD and Masdar City as the Free Zone Authority to enable faster and simplified registration procedures, including the introduction of web-based verification and approvals to speed up transactions.
- Strategic Goals: The agreement supports Dubai’s strategic goals of increasing foreign and domestic investment, expanding the investor base, and supporting sustainable market growth by integrating the real estate ecosystem with the UAE’s business environment.
- Operational Flexibility for Companies: Companies can invest in various types of properties such as offices, logistics centers, and housing while maintaining their corporate structures without needing legal restructuring.
This partnership not only facilitates free zone entities’ entry into Dubai’s real estate market but also reinforces Masdar City’s position as a robust business hub, enhancing companies’ long-term stability and capital growth within Dubai.
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, and Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, signed the MoC during an official ceremony held in Dubai. The collaboration aims to foster an environment that encourages ownership and investment, contribute to building a more integrated business environment across the UAE, and support national efforts to attract high-quality investments.
The partnership also provides guidance and support to companies to help them understand legal and procedural requirements better. This step is part of DLD's efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the emirate's real estate market and contributes to the sustainability and expansion of Dubai’s real estate market.
[1] Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 [2] Dubai Economic Agenda D33 [3] Dubai Land Department [4] Masdar City
- The partnership between Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Masdar City is expected to stimulate investment in Dubai's real estate sector, aligning with Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
- By enabling free zone companies to own land plots and properties in Dubai under the freehold ownership system, the collaboration aims to foster a more integrated business environment and attract foreign and domestic investment.
- As a result of this partnership, companies operating within Masdar City can now purchase properties within designated freehold areas, providing them with operational flexibility for various property types.
- The MoC establishes a clear legal and administrative framework, ensuring transparency and compliance in the ownership process, and facilitates faster and simplified registration procedures through streamlined processes and web-based verification.
- With the support of this collaboration, Masdar City can strengthen its position as a robust business hub, promoting long-term stability, capital growth, and ultimately contributes to the sustainability and expansion of Dubai’s real estate market.
