United Arab Emirates
The Gulf & Middle East31 independent articlesDubai — tax-free freehold, world-class STR yields and a 10-year golden visa.
Dubai is the Gulf's real-estate juggernaut: 100% tax-free rental income and capital gains, freehold ownership for foreigners in 60+ designated zones, and one of the world's deepest short-let markets. A property worth AED 2m (~$545k) secures a 10-year Golden Visa. Abu Dhabi offers a steadier, lower-key alternative.
Can foreigners buy?
Open for foreigners in designated freehold zones (Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, Marina, JVC, etc.). AED 2m+ property = 10-year Golden Visa.
Taxes & buying costs
One-time DLD transfer fee 4% + agency ~2%; no annual property tax, income tax or CGT; STR permit via DTCM.
What makes it unique
Zero income/CGT tax, global connectivity, and a golden visa tied to a $545k property.
1
Most prestigious places to own
Palm Jumeirah
The trophy man-made island; beachfront villas and Signature mansions.
AED 8m–200m+
Palm beachfront villa
Downtown / Emirates Hills
Burj-view penthouses and the 'Beverly Hills of Dubai' mansions.
AED 5m–150m+
Penthouse / gated mansion
Jumeirah Bay & District One
Ultra-prime waterfront and lagoon villas.
AED 15m–100m+
Waterfront villa
2
Best income potential from vacation renting
Dubai Marina & JBR
The core short-let engine; towers with strong occupancy.
AED 1.2m–4m
6–8% gross
1–2 bed apartment
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Value-yield district favoured by STR operators.
AED 700k–1.6m
7–9% gross
Studio / 1-bed
Palm Jumeirah apartments
Branded beachfront short-lets with high ADRs.
AED 2.5m–8m
5–7% gross
Beach apartment
3
Picturesque farms & rural tourism properties
Al Ain (oasis city)
Palm-oasis estates and date farms inland.
AED 2m–15m
Date farm / lifestyle
Oasis farm / estate
Ras Al Khaimah (Jebel Jais foothills)
Mountain-adjacent land as tourism expands.
AED 1.5m–8m
Emerging eco-tourism
Mountain-view plot / villa
Everything on United Arab Emirates
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Indicative 2025–26 planning bands for screening only, not quotes and not advice. Holiday-let licensing, tax and foreign-buyer rules change frequently — confirm locally with a lawyer and tax adviser before buying.