Short answer: GCC nationals have a right other foreigners do not. Under Article 4 of Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, ownership of property in Dubai is open to UAE nationals, nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and companies fully owned by them. Other foreigners may own only in the freehold areas the Ruler designates. So a Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Omani or Bahraini buyer can look across the whole city.
What Dubai property costs in riyals
| What sold (median) | Dirhams | Saudi riyals |
|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | AED 657,040 | SAR 670,905 |
| One bedroom apartment | AED 1,204,200 | SAR 1,229,612 |
| Two bedroom apartment | AED 2,094,999 | SAR 2,139,209 |
| Villa or townhouse | AED 3,416,640 | SAR 3,488,741 |
| Golden Visa property threshold | AED 2,000,000 | SAR 2,042,206 |
Riyal figures at the fixed pegs of SAR 3.75 and AED 3.6725 per US dollar.
What GCC nationals should know
- Where: GCC nationals and companies wholly owned by them can buy outside the freehold zones. A company with any non GCC shareholder loses that right, and free zone companies do not qualify. Confirm the structure with the Land Department before you sign.
- Tax at home: Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax. Oman has announced a 5% personal income tax on residents with income above OMR 42,000 from 1 January 2028, and property income is within its scope, so Omani owners should take advice before then.
- Mortgages: UAE Central Bank rules set different loan limits for UAE nationals and expatriates. They do not name GCC nationals separately, so each bank decides. Ask before you rely on a national rate.
- Residency: GCC nationals do not need a visa to live in the UAE, so the Golden Visa matters less than it does for other buyers.
The Dubai side: the same for every nationality
- Where you can buy: foreign nationals can own freehold property outright in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, which include most of the city’s main communities. See freehold vs non freehold in Dubai.
- Transfer fee: the Dubai Land Department charges 4% of the price, plus registration and agency fees.
- Off plan money: payments for off plan homes go into a project escrow account regulated under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007.
- Tax in the UAE: individuals pay no annual property tax and no UAE income tax on rent or gains. Your home country may still tax them, which is what the rest of this guide is about.
- Residency: property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for the ten year Golden Visa. See the Golden Visa property threshold.
- Buying remotely: you can sign and pay from abroad, or appoint someone by power of attorney. A power of attorney signed outside the UAE must be notarised and legalised for use in Dubai, because the UAE does not accept apostilles.
- Mortgages: UAE banks lend to non residents, generally at 60% to 65% of the value, and most will not lend on off plan for non residents.
Talk to Cresco
Cresco Real Estate is a RERA registered brokerage in Dubai (ORN 34288) with an office in Los Angeles. We check what applies to your passport and home country before we show you a single property. Contact us to start.
Frequently asked questions
Can Saudis buy property anywhere in Dubai?
Yes. Article 4 of Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006 opens property ownership to GCC nationals and companies fully owned by them, not only in the freehold areas reserved for other foreigners.
Can a company owned by GCC nationals buy property in Dubai?
Yes, if it is wholly owned by UAE or GCC nationals. A single non GCC shareholder, or a free zone company, removes that right.
Do GCC nationals pay tax on Dubai rental income?
Not in the UAE. Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax. Oman plans a 5% personal income tax from 2028 for higher earners that covers property income.
Method and limits
Dubai prices: Dubai Land Department register, sales registered 1 September to 11 October 2026, medians by unit type. GCC rules: Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, Article 4, Dubai Legislation Portal; Al Tamimi and Co on ownership structures; UAE Central Bank Regulation 31 of 2013 on loan to value; PwC on Saudi personal tax, July 2026; EY on Oman’s personal income tax, July 2025. Riyal figures at fixed dollar pegs. Laws and tax rules change often. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak to a qualified adviser in your home country before you buy.