Dubai Opens Freehold Property Market to Masdar City Businesses

Dubai, UAE – July 25, 2025: In a significant step toward expanding cross-emirate collaboration and strengthening the UAE’s real estate ecosystem, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masdar City. The agreement will enable companies operating within Masdar City’s free zones to own land and properties under Dubai’s freehold ownership system.

This development aligns with the ambitions of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at increasing the emirate’s global competitiveness, diversifying its investor base, and fostering long-term sustainable growth. By extending freehold ownership rights to non-Dubai-based businesses, the initiative is expected to stimulate new investment flows and open lucrative opportunities in Dubai’s thriving property market.

The agreement establishes a robust framework for clear eligibility criteria, seamless legal and administrative procedures, and the use of advanced digital tools for application processing, tracking, and verification. It also ensures real-time coordination between the Dubai Land Department and Masdar City’s Free Zone Authority to fast-track property ownership processes and support investor confidence.

Why This Matters for Indian Investors and Entrepreneurs

This initiative comes at a time when Indian entrepreneurs are increasingly establishing businesses in UAE free zones, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. According to recent data, India ranks among the top three countries in terms of business registrations in the UAE, with thousands of Indian-owned SMEs and startups operating across various sectors, including fintech, logistics, renewable energy, and retail.

Masdar City, known for its sustainability-focused infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, is already home to several Indian-origin companies. With the new MoU, these businesses can now invest directly in Dubai’s real estate market, enabling them to expand operations, secure long-term commercial assets, and strengthen their footprint in the region’s most dynamic city.

Moreover, Dubai continues to be one of the top global destinations for high –net-worth Indian individuals looking to invest in property—both for returns and residency options. The freehold access extended through this deal removes previous limitations faced by companies operating solely in other emirates and simplifies their entry into Dubai’s property market.

For Indian investors, this is more than a real estate reform—it’s a strategic gateway to tap into the economic opportunities of two major UAE hubs, with the backing of a clear, investor-friendly regulatory framework.