Ask Najib, Abu Dhabi property answered

Yes, in designated investment zones such as Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Al Maryah, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef and Masdar City. UAE nationals and public shareholding companies can buy in both investment and development areas, and a buyer outside the UAE can buy without an Emirates ID.

On TAMM, registering a sale costs 2% of the contract value plus an AED 875 e-services fee. DARI calculates it on the valuation or the sale price, whichever is higher, and it is split equally between buyer and seller unless they agree otherwise.

Yes. Al Reem and Al Maryah fall under ADGM, whose Registration Authority registers property there. A freehold transfer costs 2% of the property value or fair market value, whichever is greater, and the ADGM rules state that the seller pays it.

Under Central Bank rules, expatriates buying a first home can borrow up to 80% of the value under AED 5 million and 70% above it. Second and investment homes are capped at 60%, off-plan purchases at 50%, and the maximum term is 25 years.

The Abu Dhabi Residents Office grants a 10-year Real Estate Investor Golden Visa for property worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, covering spouse and children. With a mortgage from a national bank, your own equity must be at least AED 2 million.

Yes. ICP accepts off-plan units worth AED 2,000,000 or more from an approved local developer, with proof that at least AED 2,000,000 has already been paid to the developer.

Under Law No. 3 of 2015, off-plan payments go into a project escrow account at an accredited bank. Money is not released until the developer completes at least 20% of construction, unless ADREC accepts bank guarantees worth at least 20% of construction value.

Yes. Non-residents can use DARI for title deeds, site plans and certificates, and can add a Power of Attorney so a representative can sign for them. DARI notes that a buyer outside the country can buy without an Emirates ID.

From 2 June 2026, ADREC froze rent increases across the emirate: renewals are capped at 0% and re-let units stay at the previous rent. ADGM communities on Al Reem and Al Maryah are excluded.

The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, and a foreign individual owning property in a personal capacity is generally not subject to corporate tax. Residential sales and leases are generally VAT-exempt; commercial property is taxed at 5%.