Quick answer: Land for sale in Abu Dhabi — In Abu Dhabi, non-UAE nationals can own land outright only inside designated investment zones, under Law No. 19 of 2005 as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) registers transactions and issues title deeds through its DARI platform, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) controls planning.
Who controls land in Abu Dhabi?
| Function | Authority |
|---|---|
| Land registration and title deeds | Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), through the DARI platform |
| Real estate regulator | ADREC |
| Planning and building permits | Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and its municipalities |
| Economic and free zones | KEZAD Group (AD Ports Group) for the Khalifa Economic Zones |
| Property advertising permits | Madhmoun, the ADREC advertising permit and verified listing system |
| Electricity and water | TAQA Distribution, formed by merging ADDC and AADC |
For a side-by-side view of all seven emirates, see Which authority controls what in UAE land. Terms are defined in the UAE land glossary.
Where can foreigners buy land in Abu Dhabi?
Since Law No. 13 of 2019, non-UAE nationals can own all real rights in investment zones, including freehold. Outside those zones they can hold a musataha (a right to build on and use someone else’s land) or usufruct (a right to use and take the benefit of someone else’s property).
Rights of more than 10 years can be sold or mortgaged. The government guide lists zones including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Raha Beach, Al Reef and Masdar City, and ADREC reported 50 investment zones in H1 2026. Check the plot with ADREC.
What are the main land types in Abu Dhabi?
- Villa plots in investment-zone communities
- Residential and mixed-use development plots
- Industrial and logistics land, mostly leased in KEZAD
- Plots outside investment zones, generally for UAE nationals
How is a land purchase registered in Abu Dhabi?
- Agree terms and check the plot is inside an investment zone if you are not a UAE national.
- Get the developer’s NOC where the plot sits in a master community.
- Register the sale on DARI. ADREC issues the title deed.
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Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy land in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, inside designated investment zones, under Law No. 19 of 2005 as amended by Law No. 13 of 2019. Outside them, foreigners can hold musataha or usufruct rights.
What is DARI?
The ADREC digital platform used to register real estate transactions and issue title deeds in Abu Dhabi.
What is Madhmoun?
ADREC’s system for property advertising permits and verified listings in Abu Dhabi.
How many investment zones are there?
ADREC reported 50 investment zones in H1 2026. Check a plot’s status with ADREC.
Have a question? Ask the UAE Land Deals team
Free. We reply within 1–2 working days. General information, not legal or investment advice.
Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the authority named above and a licensed UAE lawyer before you transact.
Sources: see the uaelanddeals.com sources register. Last updated: 23 October 2026.