People from around the world can buy residential properties in freehold developments in Dubai.

1. 5 Residential Real Estate
Opportunities for Foreign
Investors in Dubai
BY EHSAN BAYAT

2. A business hub and
tourist destination in the
Middle East, Dubai is the
United Arab Emirates’
most populous city,
comprised of residents
and professionals from
around the world. The city
is known for its iconic
architecture, high-end
shopping, and luxurious
atmosphere.

3. For many, the unique
experiences and explosive
growth in Dubai make it a
desirable place to own
property. In 2002, a decree was
issued to allow foreign
nationals to purchase freehold
properties in Dubai, triggering
a residential real estate boom
in the city. Citizens from other
countries around the world
continue to buy residential
properties in Dubai as second
homes and investment
properties.

4. With numerous freehold
developments across the city,
investors have access to
different types of homes,
various amenities, and prime
locations. Here is more
information about five
residential real estate
opportunities for investors and
foreign nationals in Dubai:

5. 1. Discovery Gardens Dubai

6. Source: Imre Solt / License
Centrally located in the new
Dubai area, the freehold
residential community
Discovery Gardens Dubai
features 26,000 studios and
one- and two-bedroom
apartments in a garden living
environment.

7. Source: Imre Solt / License
The 26 million-square-foot
development offers six themed
communities, including the
Zen and Mediterranean
developments, which focus on
the diversity of nature.

8. Source: Imre Solt / License
In a development that is 30
percent landscaping, residents
are surrounded by carefully
manicured lawns, desert
flowers, and lush foliage.
Residents also enjoy luxurious
interiors with marble tiles,
warm lighting, and maple
finishes.

9. Source: Imre Solt / License
For many investors, Discovery
Gardens Dubai also represents
a sound investment
opportunity due to its
proximity to major
destinations in the city.

10. Source: Imre Solt / License
The residential development is
located near the expansive
Gardens Shopping Mall, Dubai
Marina, Dubai Internet City,
and Dubai Media City.

11. 2. Dubai Marina Towers

12. Situated alongside the
world’s largest human-
constructed marina, the
Dubai Marina Towers
complex offers luxurious
waterfront living, while
providing residents with
convenient access to nearby
shopping, entertainment,
and business sites.

13. Residents of Dubai Marina
Towers can enjoy the
renowned Dubai Marina Mall
and the Dubai Marina Yacht
club within the community,
or they can make a short trip
to nearby locations, such as
Dubai Internet City and
Emirates Golf Club. In the
Dubai Marina community,
residents can also find dining
options, spas, a supermarket,
and family-friendly spaces
along the water.

14. The Dubai Marina Towers
complex includes six towers
named after Arab fragrances
and precious stones,
including the 37-story Mesk,
28-story Al Mass, and the
16-story Anbar.

15. Ranging from 1,025 to 6,982
square-feet, the homes in
the Dubai Marina Towers are
available in villas ranging
from three to four
bedrooms, or in apartments
with one to five bedrooms.
The homes all feature luxury
finishes, and residents have
access to an on-site pool,
gym, and lounge.

16. 3. Arabian Ranches

17. Source: Imre Solt / License
Spanning across more than
1,500 acres, Arabian Ranches
is a desert-themed residential
community with 4,000 luxury
villas surrounded by a wide
range of amenities. The
tranquil development
includes townhomes and
villas in different sizes and
styles, including the
Portuguese-style Alvorada
villas.

18. Source: Imre Solt / License
With decorative turrets and
terracotta roofs, the two-
story Alvorada villas offer
three to five bedrooms and
range from 3,566 to 4,844
square feet. The homes in
the Arabian Ranches
neighborhoods also
include modern kitchens,
built-in closets, and
balconies and terraces.

19. Source: Imre Solt / License
In addition to spacious and
modern homes, the
Arabian Ranches
development attracts
residents by providing a
championship golf course,
equestrian club, and retail
centers. The integrated
community offers residents
easy access to
supermarkets and
restaurants, as well as
health care facilities and
schools.

20. Source: Imre Solt / License
As a gated community in
new Dubai, Arabian
Ranches is removed
from Dubai’s busiest
areas, but is still close to
many of the city’s main
attractions.

21. 4. Emirates Living

22. Emirates Living
 A freehold villa community, Emirates Living is often described
as a family-friendly development with enclosed yards, lakes,
parks, and swimming pools.
 The community also includes the world-class Montgomery
Championship Golf Course and numerous communal facilities,
such as nurseries and shopping centers.
 Within minutes, residents can access the nearby Dubai
Internet City, Dubai Marina, and The Mall of the Emirates.

23. Emirates Living
 The Emirates Living community allows residents and investors
to choose from single-family townhomes or attached and
semi-attached homes with luxurious features.
 Among the many high-end features are 9-foot ceilings,
marble staircases, ensuite bathrooms, and digital hookups.
 The community also maintains 24-hour security for greater
privacy and safety.

24. 5. Jumeirah Beach Residence

25. Source: Imre Solt / License
Jumeirah Beach
Residence (JBR) is an
expansive freehold
community that consists
of 35 waterfront towers
in the Arabic and
Mediterranean style.

26. Source: Imre Solt / License
Located along the
Arabian Gulf, JBR features
luxury apartments in
various sizes, the smallest
being a studio and the
largest a four-bedroom
unit. Many of the
properties have views of
Dubai Marina’s artificial
canal or the sea.

27. Source: Imre Solt / License
Along with residential
units for sale and rent,
the JBR development
includes five luxury hotel
towers surrounded by
restaurants, cafes, and
shops.

28. Source: Imre Solt / License
The development offers
more than a mile of retail
outlets, called The Walk,
on the lower levels of the
buildings. Offering both
beach access and urban
amenities, JBR is one of
the most popular
communities in Dubai.