Meydan and District One Land Guide: Plots, Ownership and How to Buy

Meydan Racecourse, Dubai at night

Photo: "Meydan dubai.jpg" by Sakena, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Quick answer: Meydan land — Meydan is home to Meydan Racecourse, close to Downtown Dubai. DLD registers Meydan in the Nad Al Sheba area. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 lists Nad Al Sheba plots 209, 215 and 222 as areas where non-UAE nationals can own freehold, and plot 224 for usufruct or lease only, so the plot number decides the right you get. Check it with DLD before you pay.

Key facts

ItemDetail
EmirateDubai
Master developerNakheel, which lists Meydan and District One among its master developments
Planning and building controlThe planning authority named on the plot’s affection plan, after the master developer’s NOC and design approval
Land registrationDubai Land Department (DLD)
OwnershipDLD registers Meydan in the Nad Al Sheba area. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 lists Nad Al Sheba plots 209, 215 and 222 as areas where non-UAE nationals can own freehold, and plot 224 for usufruct or lease only, so the plot number decides the right you get. Check it with DLD before you pay.
Main land usesVilla plots, Residential apartment plots, Mixed-use and commercial plots

What is Meydan and District One?

Meydan is home to Meydan Racecourse, close to Downtown Dubai. District One, a waterfront villa district built around a crystal lagoon, is in Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City).

This hub is an educational guide for owners, brokers, developers and institutional buyers looking at land in Meydan and District One. It explains what kind of plots exist, who controls planning and registration, and what to check before you buy. It does not quote prices: land values in Meydan and District One move with each plot’s permitted use, size and location, so check recent transactions with the registering authority before you price a deal.

What land types are available in Meydan and District One?

  • Villa plots (District One, Meydan)
  • Residential apartment plots
  • Mixed-use and commercial plots

The permitted use of any plot is set in its affection plan (site plan) and the master developer’s development control regulations. Never rely on a listing description alone: ask the seller for the current affection plan and check that the use, GFA and height match what you plan to build.

Who can buy freehold land in Meydan and District One?

DLD registers Meydan in the Nad Al Sheba area. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 lists Nad Al Sheba plots 209, 215 and 222 as areas where non-UAE nationals can own freehold, and plot 224 for usufruct or lease only, so the plot number decides the right you get. Check it with DLD before you pay.

Ownership rules depend on the exact plot, not just the community name. Confirm eligibility for your nationality, or for your company if you are buying through a legal entity, with the registering authority before paying a deposit.

Who is the master developer and which authorities control Meydan and District One?

  • Master developer: Nakheel, which lists Meydan and District One among its master developments
  • Planning and building permits: The planning authority named on the plot’s affection plan, after the master developer’s NOC and design approval
  • Registration of title: Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Most master-planned communities require a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the master developer before a plot can be transferred, and the developer’s design guidelines apply on top of municipal building rules.

What plot sizes and heights are typical in Meydan and District One?

Plot sizes and heights are set per plot in the affection plan and the master developer’s guidelines. There is no published community-wide figure. Use the affection plan to read plot area, permitted GFA, setbacks and the G+ height limit. If figures are missing, treat the plot as unverified until the master developer confirms them in writing.

What infrastructure and access does Meydan and District One have?

Ask the seller and the master developer for the plot’s road access and utility connection status.

Who does land in Meydan and District One suit?

High-net-worth end-users building custom villas and luxury residential developers.

How do you buy land in Meydan and District One?

  1. Get the affection plan and title deed (or sale contract) from the seller, and confirm the plot number with the registering authority.
  2. Check ownership eligibility for your nationality or company.
  3. Request the master developer NOC and confirm there are no outstanding service charges or dues.
  4. Sign the sale agreement and complete the transfer at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or its registered trustee office.
  5. Apply for design approval and building permits with the planning authority before construction.

Part of the Dubai land guide. See also which authority controls what in UAE land and the UAE land glossary for terms such as affection plan, NOC and freehold.

Read more: How to buy land in the UAE, DLD fee structure and land registration, Master developer NOCs and escrow rules, Freehold vs leasehold plot laws, How to read an affection plan, GFA, FAR and plot density.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy land in Meydan and District One?

DLD registers Meydan in the Nad Al Sheba area. Regulation No. 3 of 2006 lists Nad Al Sheba plots 209, 215 and 222 as areas where non-UAE nationals can own freehold, and plot 224 for usufruct or lease only, so the plot number decides the right you get. Check it with DLD before you pay. Confirm the exact plot with the registering authority before you commit.

Who is the master developer of Meydan and District One?

Nakheel, which lists Meydan and District One among its master developments. Planning and building control sits with The planning authority named on the plot’s affection plan, after the master developer’s NOC and design approval.

What types of plots are available in Meydan and District One?

Plots include villa plots (District One, Meydan); residential apartment plots; mixed-use and commercial plots. The affection plan sets the permitted use of each plot.

Where is land in Meydan and District One registered?

Land in Meydan and District One is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The buyer receives a title deed (or lease registration for leased plots) once the transfer is complete.

Have a question? Ask the UAE Land Deals team

Free. We reply within 1–2 working days. General information, not legal or investment advice.

Ask the Team

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or investment advice. Rules, fees and master developer policies change; confirm current requirements with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the master developer and a licensed UAE lawyer before transacting.

Last updated: 23 October 2026.