Qatar Updates List of Areas Open to Foreign Property Ownership

DOHA, QATAR – Qatar has updated the framework governing foreign property ownership, reaffirming the areas where non-Qatari nationals are permitted to own real estate under the country's evolving investment regulations.

The changes were introduced through Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2026, which amends provisions of Resolution No. (28) of 2020 concerning areas designated for non-Qatari ownership and usufruct rights, as well as the associated regulations, benefits and procedures.

Published in Issue No. (9) of 2026 of the Official Gazette by the Ministry of Justice, the updated resolution introduces amendments related to property registration and administrative procedures while maintaining a defined list of areas available to international investors.

Under the revised framework, the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice will be responsible for all procedures relating to the registration of property ownership, usufruct rights and related transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The resolution also replaces the previous planning and cadastral maps attached to Resolution No. (28) of 2020 and updates the corresponding schedules governing designated ownership zones.

The 10 areas where non-Qatari nationals are permitted to own real estate are:

• West Bay (Legtaifiya Area – Zone 66)
• The Pearl Island (Zone 66)
• Al Khor Resort (Zone 74)
• Dafna (Administrative Area – Zone 60)
• Dafna (Administrative Area – Zone 61)
• Onaiza (Administrative Area – Zone 63)
• Lusail (Zone 69)
• Al Kharayej (Zone 69)
• Jabal Thuaileb (Zone 69)
• Simaisma Resort and Beach Project (Zone 70)

The latest update comes as Qatar continues to position its real estate market as an attractive destination for international investors, supported by designated freehold and usufruct zones that provide foreign buyers with access to some of the country's most established residential, mixed-use and waterfront developments.

Article (4) of the resolution states that all competent authorities are required to implement the new provisions, which came into force on the day following publication in the Official Gazette.