The Journal

In the early 2000s, buying a home in Dubai as a foreigner meant navigating leases rather than deeds. With true ownership out of reach, expats could only secure long-term lease rights on a property (a ‘leasehold’) – typically up to 99 years. Then came 2002: a landmark year when Dubai’s government issued a decree that transformed the market by allowing foreign nationals to buy and own property on a freehold basis in designated areas. Today, there are more than 70 freehold areas and developments, but the first were Emirates Hills – a prestigious golf course community that remains the city’s most prized address – along with Palm Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches.