Dubai opens freehold ownership for properties on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Jaddaf

Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced that private property owners in the Sheikh Zayed Road area (from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Water Canal) and Al Jaddaf area can now convert their ownership status to freehold, available to all nationalities.

A total of 457 plots are eligible for conversion: 128 plots along Sheikh Zayed Road and 329 plots in Al Jaddaf.

The initiative is expected to benefit landowners in these areas by enhancing the market value of their properties, particularly for those choosing to convert their land to freehold ownership.

It is also anticipated to boost the economic appeal of these locations, paving the way for real estate developments aimed at freehold investors, and attracting a new wave of investment to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, director-general of DLD, said that enabling private property owners in these designated areas to convert their properties to freehold ownership would drive significant growth in Dubai’s real estate sector.

He added that the move also reinforces Dubai’s position as a global economic hub and a leading destination for real estate investment, in line with Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033.

“This initiative will not only enable owners to benefit from price changes but will also enhance the attractiveness of the Dubai real estate market, drawing long-term investments,” said bin Ghalita. “The Dubai Land Department is committed to providing all the services needed to facilitate this move.”

Property owners can confirm their eligibility for the conversion through the Dubai REST smart app.

Freehold properties: Process for applying for land assessment

To proceed with the conversion, they must submit an application to DLD for land assessment and valuation.

Common area fees and service charges will be determined according to Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) guidelines.

Following this, a conversion fee of 30 per cent of the property’s valuation (based on gross floor area) will be applicable. Once payment is processed, a map and freehold ownership title deed will be issued for the converted property.

The Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 aims to fulfil its ambitious objectives through a set of key performance indicators, which include increasing real estate transactions by 70 per cent, raising the total value of Dubai’s real estate market to Dhs1tn, and expanding the value of Dubai’s real estate portfolios to Dhs20bn.

Commenting on the development, Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said: “This bold new initiative is a win for all stakeholders – investors, developers, and Dubai’s real estate market as a whole,” said Al Msaddi. “It will not only attract a larger pool of investors but also enhance the long-term resilience and growth of the market.”

“Both Al Jaddaf and Sheikh Zayed Road are now positioned as prime real estate hotspots. Granting freehold ownership to all nationalities in prestigious areas like these will boost market sentiment and investor confidence.”