Dubai Opens Real Estate Market to Umm Al Quwain Free Zone Companies
Monday, 19 May 2025
In a landmark shift for UAE business and investment, Dubai has opened its prestigious real estate market to companies registered in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ). This breakthrough is the result of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between UAQ FTZ and the Dubai Land Department (DLD)—paving the way for inter-emirate economic synergy and cross-border property investment.
Key Highlights of the Historic Partnership:
- UAQ FTZ companies can now legally own freehold property in Dubai under their business names.
- New legal framework ensures full ownership rights, backed by institutional support and clarity.
- Eliminates traditional barriers that previously restricted free zone firms from entering Dubai’s property market.
- DLD and UAQ FTZ to ensure regulatory coordination, focusing on compliance with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CTF (Counter-Terrorism Financing) standards.
- Boosts the UAE’s economic diversification, foreign direct investment (FDI), and cross-emirate business expansion strategies.
A Strategic Game-Changer for UAE Businesses
“This agreement sets a bold precedent for inter-emirate collaboration,” said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu’alla, Executive Director of UAQ FTZ.
“We are proud to enable our investors to participate in Dubai’s thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and support.”
He emphasized that this partnership allows licensed businesses to own strategic real estate assets that support their long-term growth.
A Legally Sound, Investment-Friendly Framework
Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, highlighted the department’s dedication to real estate innovation and collaboration:
“We’re proud to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion while upholding regulatory excellence.”
UAE’s Vision: Unified, Diversified, and Open for Business
This collaboration supports the UAE’s national vision for economic unification and global competitiveness, making it easier for businesses to scale across emirates without administrative or legal friction. With Dubai’s real estate market among the region’s strongest, this move is expected to significantly increase cross-emirate investments and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global business hub.
