Dubai Land Department’s agreement with Masdar City offers a route towards Dubai freehold ownership for eligible companies under Masdar City’s free zones. For a business considering a property purchase, the first step is to establish whether its own company and proposed asset qualify.
The 24 July 2025 announcement describes cooperation on eligibility, registration procedures and coordination between the authorities. It should not be read as automatic approval for every free-zone company to buy any Dubai property.
What did the agreement cover?
The memorandum concerns companies and establishments operating in free zones under Masdar City. It aims to enable them to own land and property in Dubai under the freehold system, supported by clearer legal and administrative procedures.
The planned framework includes digital applications, request tracking and document verification. The announcement does not provide a complete application checklist, a guaranteed approval time or a list of eligible properties. Confirm the current process with DLD and the relevant free-zone authority before committing funds.
Does this apply to other free-zone companies?
A separate company needs its own eligibility check. DLD’s registration guidance explains that companies owned by non-UAE citizens may register properties in designated areas through Dubai free zones or other emirates’ free zones under the relevant memoranda of understanding.
That makes the company’s registration jurisdiction part of the property search. A shareholder’s ability to buy personally does not, by itself, answer whether the chosen company can hold the title. Have the proposed ownership structure reviewed before signing.
Four checks before paying a deposit
- Confirm the buyer: ask DLD or the registration trustee which company documents, approvals and authorised-signatory evidence are needed for this transaction. Check with the free-zone authority whether a no-objection letter or other consent applies.
- Confirm the asset: verify the unit or plot, title details and registration route. For business premises, separately check that the intended activity and use are permitted.
- Price the whole purchase: obtain an itemised estimate for registration, trustee, brokerage, legal and financing costs where applicable. Add service charges, maintenance and any fit-out or vacancy allowance to the holding budget.
- Agree the conditions: have the contract reviewed for what happens if the company cannot obtain approval or complete registration. Understand the deposit terms and deadlines before payment.
Should the company buy or keep renting?
For an operating business, compare the expected years of use, space requirements and cash tied up in a purchase. An office that fits today’s team may become restrictive if the business grows or changes location.
For an income-producing asset, test achievable rent, ownership costs and a period without a tenant. Keep the eligibility decision separate from the investment case: a property can be available to buy and still be poorly suited to the company’s needs.
Our view is to settle the ownership route first, then compare properties against a clear purpose. That avoids spending weeks negotiating a unit before discovering that the proposed buyer or use needs a different approach.
Discuss a company property purchase with Seven Stones. Tell us the company’s free-zone jurisdiction, intended use, budget and preferred locations. We can help compare suitable property options while you confirm registration and legal requirements with the relevant advisers and authorities.
