Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, thanks to its welcoming environment for people from all over the world. One significant factor contributing to this diversity is the creation of freehold property areas, allowing expats to own property in designated locations for up to 99 years of the lease.

However, identifying these areas can be tricky for foreign investors due to their scattered nature. Lucky for you, we’re here to help and to clear up this confusion, we've put together a list of freehold property areas in Dubai iIn a previous article, we had listed the freehold areas for villas in Dubai. In this article, we will highlight the freehold property areas for apartment in Dubai, providing essential details about each location.

What are freehold property areas in Dubai?

Freehold property areas are where expatriates can buy and own property. This concept was introduced by the Dubai government in the early 2000s, opening up real estate opportunities for expats.

List of freehold areas for apartment in Dubai

Below are the freehold property areas in Dubai where you can invest in apartment:

• Arjan: one of Dubai's newer freehold areas, consists of various sub-communities featuring low to mid-rise apartment buildings. Positioned strategically at the intersection of Al Qudra Road (D63) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) with only 23 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. Arjan offers freehold apartments ranging from studios to 3-bedroom flats. With an average sales price between AED 567k - AED 1.4M.

• Barsha Heights ”Formerly TECOM”: Barsha Heights has evolved into a vibrant community along Sheikh Zayed Road with only 15 minutes drive from downtown Dubai, renowned for its residential and commercial units, and also offers freehold properties. With an average sales price between AED 730k - AED 1.3M.

• Business Bay: a mixed-use community adjacent to downtown Dubai, is another sought-after freehold area in Dubai. It boasts high-rise buildings with studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, along with a limited inventory of luxury 4 and 5-bedroom apartments and penthouses, as well as podium villas. With an average sales price between AED 1.02M - AED 2.6M.

• Bluewaters Island: one of Dubai’s trendiest developments, features chic apartments ranging from 1 to 4-bedroom units and is home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. With an average sales price between AED 3.6M - AED 11.5M.

• Culture Village: is an emerging waterfront destination featuring luxury residences, five-star hotels, art centres, and upcoming residential and commercial projects, with only a 10 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. Those interested in apartments in Culture Village can choose from sleek waterfront residences in studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom layouts. With an average sales price between AED 874k - AED 4.1M.

• Discovery Gardens: offers affordable freehold properties near Ibn Battuta Mall, with a 30 minutes drive from downtown Dubai, with lush green surroundings and spacious residential units in studio, 1, and 2-bedroom layouts. With an average sales price between AED 451k - AED 686k.

• Downtown Dubai: home to the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, is a favoured freehold area among investors and renters. With an average sales price between AED 1.38M - AED 3.6M.

• Dubai Creek Harbour: situated on Dubai Creek's banks, offers sleek high-rises, luxury hotels, and iconic leisure destinations. With an average sales price between AED 1.64M - AED 2.6M.

• Dubai Harbour: positioned between Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, boasts the region's largest marina, luxury hotels, observation decks, and stylish apartments. With an average sales price between AED 2.9M - AED 5.05M.

• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): is a prestigious mixed-use community housing the leading financial hub for the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, alongside sleek residential towers. Close to downtown Dubai, DIFC is renowned for its trendy art galleries and excellent retail and dining options. With an average sales price between AED 1.13M - AED 2.98M.

• Dubai Investment Park (DIP): is a vast mixed-use development offering commercial and residential properties, with a 30 minute drive from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 337k - AED 889k.

• Dubai Marina: one of Dubai's most popular freehold areas, offers waterfront living alongside shopping malls, spas, and restaurants. With an average sales price between AED 1.13M - AED 2.65M.

• Liwan: near Dubai Silicon Oasis, with only 20 minutes drive from downtown Dubai, offers peaceful living with 1 to 3-bedroom apartments. With an average sales price between AED 443k - AED 795k.

• Dubai Production City (IMPZ): is an area offering affordable freehold apartments, with complexes and residential towers. Situated next to Dubai Sports City along E311, With only 31 minutes drive from downtown Dubai, IMPZ provides properties ranging from studio to 3-bedroom apartments. With an average sales price between AED 400k - AED 1.1M.

• Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT): has become one of Dubai's premier freehold areas, featuring reasonably-priced apartments with essential amenities. With an average sales price between AED 735k - AED 2M.

• Dubai Residence Complex: located at the junction of Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and Emirates Road (E611), with only 15 minutes drive from downtown Dubai, is another sought-after residential area offering freehold properties. With an average sales price between AED 499k - AED 964k.

• Dubai Science Park (DSP): is strategically positioned along Umm Suqeim Road (D63), featuring affordable freehold apartments, with only 30 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 628k - AED 1.35M.

• Dubai Studio City: known for broadcasting and production, also offers freehold residential apartments. It Is only 20 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 595k - AED 1.2M.

• Emaar Beachfront: an emerging gated community in Dubai Harbour, offers stunning apartments surrounded by Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and JBR. The average price for buying an apartment in Emaar Beachfront is AED 5.26M.

• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): provides stylish and spacious apartments in high-rise towers, ranging from studios to 4-bedroom units. With an average sales price between AED 2.93M - AED 4.85M.

• Jumeirah Heights: presents a self-sustained community opposite Jumeirah Islands, offering apartments with lush surroundings and waterfront views. With an average sales price between AED 2.67M - AED 3.4M.

• Madinat Jumeirah Living: situated in Umm Suqeim across from Burj Al Arab, boasts luxurious apartments in low-rise residential towers, with prices around AED 4.1M.

• Mirdif Hills: offers freehold properties in Mirdif, featuring retail stores, leisure amenities, and chic residential apartments. It Is only 15 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 781k - AED 1.56M.

• Mirdif Tulip: the first freehold project in the area open to foreign nationals, is located at the edge of Mushrif Park, offering apartments with amenities like gymnasiums and swimming pools. It Is only 15 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 553k - AED 1.5M.

• Park Gate Residences: one of the few freehold projects near the Trade Centre Area, offers 746 modern apartments across four luxurious residential towers overlooking Zabeel Park. It Is only 5 minutes away from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 1.76M - AED 2.66M.

• Old Town in Downtown Dubai: is an elegant, low-rise community with apartments featuring traditional Arabic architecture, highly favoured by investors. With an average sales price between AED 2.01M - 3.45M.

• Remraam: a gated community along Emirates Road (E611), offers affordable apartments amidst lush greenery. It Is only 20 minutes drive from downtown Dubai. With an average sales price between AED 410k - AED 1.4M.

• The Greens: a thriving apartment development along Sheikh Zayed Road, offers a family-friendly community vibe and amenities. It is only 20 minutes away from downtown. With an average sales price between AED 1.44M - AED 2.34M.

• The Views: located beside The Greens, is another Emaar community offering apartments with fabulous views of the Emirates Golf Club. It is only 15 minutes away from downtown. With an average sales price between AED 910k - AED 2.5M