REALWorld Law

Sale and purchase

Forms of real estate ownership

What are the categories of property right that can be acquired? Are there any interests in real estate other than exclusive ownership?

United Arab Emirates - Dubai

United Arab Emirates - Dubai

In Dubai, the following property rights exist:

  • Absolute ownership, not restricted in time, ie freehold.
  • Grant - this is land which is 'granted' by the Ruler of Dubai to citizens of the United Arab Emirates and which can be taken back by the Ruler as he wishes. The Ruler may also impose conditions of grant, for example, a restriction on further transfers.
  • Usufruct – this is similar in nature to a lease but is a 'real' right.
  • Musataha – this is also similar to a lease but includes the right to develop the land and own any buildings constructed on it for a maximum of 50 years.
  • Leasehold – a personal right between two parties, where the landlord grants the right of exclusive occupation to the tenant of a specified property.
  • No concept of a non-exclusive 'licence' to occupy exists in law but, as a commercial agreement, there is nothing in principle to prevent such an arrangement being entered into.