Dubai or Abu Dhabi: property, fees and free zones compared

Side by side

Dubai and Abu Dhabi compared

Official fees and rules for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, side by side.

Emirate rules

Rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Property transfer fee: Dubai

In Dubai the fee for registering a real property sale contract is 4 per cent of the contract value, shared equally unless agreed otherwise.
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Freehold for foreigners: Dubai

Foreigners may own freehold property in Dubai in areas designated by the Ruler.
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Housing fee on rent: Dubai

Dubai tenants pay a municipality housing fee of 5 per cent of annual rent, added to the DEWA bill.
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Residence visa authority: Dubai

Residence visa applications for Dubai are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai.
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Schools regulator: Dubai

Private schools in Dubai are regulated by KHDA.
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School fee rule: Dubai

In Dubai, how much a private school may raise fees depends on its inspection rating and the Education Cost Index set by KHDA (2.35 per cent for 2025-26).
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Courts: Dubai

Dubai has its own local court system, Dubai Courts, and the DIFC Courts hear civil and commercial cases that relate to the DIFC.
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Land department: Dubai

Dubai property is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
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Freehold for foreigners: Abu Dhabi

Non-UAE nationals may own property in Abu Dhabi only within designated investment areas.
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Housing fee on rent: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi tenants pay a municipality fee of 5 per cent of the higher of rental value or rental index, billed with utilities.
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Residence visa authority: Abu Dhabi

Residence visa applications for Abu Dhabi are tracked through the federal ICP.
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Schools regulator: Abu Dhabi

Private schools in Abu Dhabi are supervised by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
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Courts: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi runs its own local courts through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and the ADGM Courts handle civil and commercial matters in ADGM.
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Land department: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi property registration is handled by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
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Freehold areas: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi names Yas Island and Saadiyat Island among its nine designated investment areas for expatriate ownership.
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All figures for Dubai · All figures for Abu Dhabi · The full free-zone register

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Questions

Dubai or Abu Dhabi: common questions