Dubai's Land Department and Masdar City collaborate to grant ownership rights to free zone businesses for properties in Dubai
Dubai Land Department and Masdar City Partner to Expand Real Estate Investment Opportunities
In a significant move to boost investment and attract global companies, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Masdar City have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). This partnership will enable companies operating in Masdar City's free zones to own land plots and properties in Dubai under the freehold ownership system.
The collaboration aligns with Dubai’s broader goals under the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The aim is to expand investor access, diversify the investor base, and stimulate new investment flows for market growth and sustainability.
Companies registered in Masdar City’s free zones will be eligible to buy property across designated freehold areas in Dubai, subject to specific eligibility criteria. The partnership includes developing an integrated framework with clear eligibility standards, faster and simplified property registration procedures, and direct coordination between DLD and the Masdar City Free Zone Authority.
This move is part of DLD’s vision to build a more open and integrated real estate ecosystem across the UAE, enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness as a global investment destination and supporting its ambition to be the best city in the world to live and work.
The MoC was signed in July 2025 by Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, and Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, in the presence of senior officials from both entities during an official ceremony held in Dubai.
The partnership will simplify and expedite procedures, enabling smooth data exchange. An advanced digital system for online applications, request tracking, and document verification will be implemented. The collaboration will support companies' expansion plans in Dubai's real estate market and contribute to building a more integrated business environment across the UAE.
The Dubai Land Department's CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector, Majid Al Marri, stated that this step aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033. The partnership reflects Dubai Land Department's commitment to adopting open policies that enhance market flexibility.
Several directors from both the Dubai Land Department and Masdar City were present at the signing ceremony. This move is part of the Dubai Land Department's strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the emirate's real estate market and supports national efforts to attract high-quality investments.
The cooperation aims to provide guidance and support to companies, fostering an environment that encourages ownership and investment. The Dubai Land Department and Masdar City have taken a significant step towards creating a more integrated and accessible real estate market in Dubai.
- This partnership between the Dubai Land Department and Masdar City demonstrates a commitment to innovation in the real estate sector, enabling businesses operating in Masdar City's free zones to invest in and own land plots and properties in Dubai.
- The collaboration not only aligns with Dubai’s broader goals for financial growth and sustainability, as outlined in the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, but also aims to foster collaboration and support business expansion.
- The integrated framework developed through this partnership will include clear eligibility standards, simplified property registration procedures, and direct coordination between the Dubai Land Department and the Masdar City Free Zone Authority, making investing in Dubai's real estate market more accessible.
- The implementation of an advanced digital system for online applications, request tracking, and document verification will further enhance this integrated business environment, making it more attractive for high-quality investments.
- By creating a more integrated and accessible real estate market, this partnership supports Dubai's ambition to be the best city in the world to live and work, while also contributing to the country's wider goals for environmental sustainability and economic growth.
