Overview

In this briefing, UAE-based law firm Hadef & Partners explains the difficulties posed by the absence of certain laws pertaining to real estate in Abu Dhabi.

Of particular focus is the inability of foreign nationals to acquire freehold ownership of land within the investment zones, as well as the dilemma which is faced as regards the implementation of an effective strata title regime.

The Abu Dhabi dilemma is how to introduce an effective system of strata title given this restriction on freehold ownership in the case of foreign investors. A foreign investor cannot, by virtue of this restriction, own an undivided share in the land – as Hadef explains.