Dubai Opens Property Market to Umm Al Quwain FTZ Firms

In a move set to redefine property investment dynamics in the UAE, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ), allowing companies licensed under the UAQ FTZ to legally acquire and register freehold properties in Dubai under their business names.

This unprecedented agreement is expected to spur inter-emirate economic collaboration, ease cross-border property ownership for businesses, and further solidify Dubai’s reputation as a globally attractive investment destination.

A Major Step Forward for Inter-Emirate Integration

The new agreement effectively breaks down long-standing regulatory silos between emirates. Previously, only companies licensed by select Dubai-based or federal entities were eligible to own property in Dubai. The inclusion of UAQ FTZ license holders represents the first time a northern emirate’s free zone has been granted such access.

“This groundbreaking partnership with the Dubai Land Department marks a major milestone,” said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu’alla, Executive Director of the UAQ FTZ Authority. “We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai’s thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support.”

The MoC was officially signed during a ceremony attended by key representatives from both institutions, underscoring the high-level support for deeper economic alignment between emirates.

Empowering Business Growth Through Real Estate Investment

For companies based in Umm Al Quwain’s free zone, the announcement opens up a powerful avenue for expansion. They can now diversify their asset portfolios, establish physical presences in Dubai, and access one of the most mature and resilient property markets in the region.

Johnson M. George, General Manager of UAQ FTZ, emphasized the significance of this shift. “This collaboration empowers our license holders to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability.”

Dubai’s real estate sector has shown strong resilience and steady growth, with increasing demand across both residential and commercial segments. By extending freehold ownership rights to companies from another emirate’s free zone, the city is further enhancing its attractiveness as a business and investment hub.

Regulatory Coordination and Compliance

A crucial component of the MoC is the joint commitment to uphold strict compliance standards. Both the DLD and UAQ FTZ pledged to maintain high levels of regulatory oversight, particularly concerning anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks.

“We’re proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion, while upholding regulatory excellence,” said Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD.

This focus on transparency and governance is aligned with the UAE’s broader economic agenda, which emphasizes secure and sustainable investment practices.

A Model for Future Emirate-Level Cooperation

This move is widely seen as a model for future inter-emirate partnerships. Analysts suggest that the success of the DLD-UAQ FTZ collaboration could inspire similar agreements with other free zones in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Ajman, paving the way for a more unified real estate investment framework across the UAE.

From an international investor’s perspective, this kind of regulatory openness and cross-border coherence strengthens confidence in the UAE market. It signals a maturing ecosystem that prioritizes business flexibility, investor protection, and growth.

Strategic Implications for Investors

The implications of this agreement extend far beyond legal permissions. For SMEs and large enterprises operating under UAQ FTZ, owning a commercial or residential property in Dubai under their company’s name means enhanced credibility, operational convenience, and long-term investment value.

This also unlocks access to Dubai’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and thriving economic clusters in areas such as logistics, technology, finance, and tourism.