Property Types

Dubai is home to several major property developers, with leading names including Emaar Properties, DAMAC, Meraas, Dubai Properties, Sobha Realty, and Nakheel. These companies drive the city’s skyline through large master communities, luxury towers, and mixed-use developments.

So what does this mean for buyers and investors? It means a wide choice of projects, ranging from affordable residences to ultra-luxury branded towers, all backed by established developers with proven track records.

Leading Property Developers in Dubai

• Emaar Properties: Known for Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Hills Estate.
• Dubai Properties: Focuses on family communities such as Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Mudon.
• DAMAC: Specializes in luxury projects and branded residences.
• Sobha Realty: Recognized for high-quality finishes and Sobha Hartland.
• Nakheel: Master developer behind Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.
• Meraas: Developer of City Walk, Bluewaters, and La Mer.
• Omniyat: Focuses on design-led luxury projects in Business Bay and Palm Jumeirah.
• Deyaar: Active in residential and commercial projects across Dubai.
• Select Group: Known for Marina Gate and Jumeirah Living Marina Gate.
• Citi Developers: Mid-size developer with new residential communities.

Considerations

• Choose developers with strong delivery records and transparent handovers.
• Master developers like Emaar or Nakheel provide large communities with full amenities.
• Smaller, design-led firms like Omniyat may offer niche, luxury appeal.

In short, Dubai’s developer landscape offers a spectrum of choices—from master-planned city-scale communities to boutique design-led projects. Aligning your budget, lifestyle, or investment goals with the right developer is key.

Key Takeaways

• Dubai has a diverse pool of developers from Emaar to boutique firms like Omniyat.
• Large-scale projects and niche developments offer variety for b

Yes, non-residents can apply for a property loan in Dubai. Several banks, including HSBC and Mashreq, offer mortgages to foreigners, although requirements are stricter than for residents. Applicants must provide additional documentation, meet higher down payment conditions, and accept more limited loan terms.

Detailed Explanation

Dubai’s property market is open to international buyers, and the UAE banking system allows non-residents to access mortgage financing. However, the terms differ significantly from resident mortgages. Key points include:

• Eligibility: Available for nationals of many countries, subject to the bank’s approved list. Most lenders focus on established international markets.
• Down Payment: Non-residents are generally required to contribute a larger share, often 25–35% of the property value, depending on property type and bank policy.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV): Typically lower than resident mortgages, with maximum LTV ratios of 65–70%.
• Loan Tenure: Terms usually range from 10 to 15 years, shorter than the 25-year options offered to residents.
• Documentation: Requires extensive proof of income, overseas banking statements, tax returns, and in some cases, credit reports from the home country.
• Approved Properties: Some banks restrict lending to specific freehold areas registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Practical Implications for Buyers

For non-resident investors, access to financing can make Dubai’s market more attainable, but higher upfront costs and stricter lending conditions should be factored into investment plans. Buyers should prepare documentation early, including employment verification, salary slips, and international tax records. Currency exchange rates may also impact affordability, as repayments are often in AED.

Expert Insight & Conclusion

While the process for non-residents is more complex, Dubai banks do extend property loans to international buyers. By working with major lenders like HSBC, Mashreq, or Emirates NBD, and consulting a RERA-approved mortgage advisor, non-residents can navigate requirements effectively. For many foreign investors, this path provides a structured way to enter Dubai’s real estate market and benefit from its long-term growth potential.

Ijara and Murabaha are two common forms of Sharia-compliant property financing in Dubai, each structured differently to comply with Islamic principles. Ijara is essentially a lease-to-own arrangement, where the bank or financier owns the property and leases it to the buyer, who pays rent until eventual ownership is transferred. Murabaha, on the other hand, is a cost-plus sale contract where the bank purchases the property and immediately resells it to the buyer at an agreed markup, with the property registered in the buyer’s name from the outset.

Detailed Explanation

Both structures avoid interest-based lending (riba) and provide alternatives to conventional mortgages, but they differ in how ownership and payments are arranged:

• Ijara (Lease-to-Own): The financier purchases the property and leases it to the customer. Payments are made as rent, and ownership is typically transferred at the end of the lease term.
• Murabaha (Cost-Plus Sale): The financier buys the property and sells it to the buyer at a marked-up price. The buyer repays this amount in fixed installments over the agreed term, owning the property immediately.

Comparison of Ijara vs Murabaha

Practical Implications for Buyers

For buyers, the choice between Ijara and Murabaha depends on financial strategy. Ijara spreads ownership over time and offers flexibility, but buyers only gain full ownership once the lease ends. Murabaha provides immediate ownership security but requires commitment to fixed, often higher installments due to the cost-plus markup. Both models are supervised by Sharia boards and regulated by the UAE Central Bank to ensure compliance.

Expert Insight & Conclusion

Ijara and Murabaha each serve different buyer needs. Those prioritizing gradual entry into ownership with lower initial obligations often prefer Ijara. Buyers seeking immediate title transfer and predictable payments tend toward Murabaha. Regardless of the option, ensuring the financier is licensed and the contract clearly outlines responsibilities is crucial. Consulting with a RERA-approved advisor or Islamic finance expert helps match the right structure to your property goals in Dubai.

Yes, Islamic banks in Dubai generally require a minimum down payment when purchasing property. This down payment usually ranges between 20–25% of the property’s purchase price, depending on the bank and financing program. Unlike conventional mortgages that rely on interest, Islamic banks structure payments around Sharia-compliant methods such as profit-sharing, lease-to-own (Ijara), or cost-plus financing (Murabaha).

Detailed Explanation

Sharia-compliant home financing is designed to avoid interest (riba) and instead relies on ethical, asset-based principles. While the framework differs from conventional lending, the requirement for buyers to make a financial contribution upfront remains an important condition. Here’s how it typically works:

• Down Payment: Most banks require at least 20–25% of the property value as an equity contribution. This ensures shared responsibility between the buyer and the bank.
• Ijara (Lease-to-Own): The bank purchases the property and leases it back to the buyer, who gradually acquires ownership through rental-style payments.
• Murabaha (Cost-Plus Financing): The bank buys the property and sells it to the buyer at an agreed profit margin, payable in installments.
• Eligibility: Buyers must hold a valid UAE residence visa, meet minimum income requirements, and provide proof of employment or business ownership.
• Other Fees: Takaful (Islamic insurance), property valuation fees, and administrative charges may apply in addition to the down payment.

Practical Implications for Buyers

For homebuyers, the down payment requirement means planning finances carefully before applying for Sharia-compliant financing. Unlike conventional loans, Islamic banks may not stretch repayment tenures as long, and upfront equity remains a non-negotiable condition. This ensures the financing relationship is balanced, reduces risk exposure, and aligns with Sharia principles.

Expert Insight & Conclusion

Down payments in Islamic financing are an essential component, reflecting the system’s focus on shared responsibility and ethical practices. While the upfront cost can feel significant, it ultimately strengthens long-term financial security for both the buyer and the bank. Buyers should compare programs across multiple Islamic banks in Dubai, review total costs including Takaful premiums, and ensure repayment terms match their financial goals. Consulting with a RERA-registered mortgage advisor can help buyers secure the most suitable Sharia-compliant financing option available.

Yes, Islamic mortgages are eligible for property investments under Dubai’s Golden Visa program. Investors can finance a qualifying property using Sharia-compliant home financing from a UAE bank, provided the total investment value meets the minimum threshold of AED 2 million (approx. USD 545,000). This enables property buyers to combine mortgage financing with the benefits of long-term residency in the UAE.

Detailed Explanation

The UAE government allows investors to obtain residency through property ownership, and financing via Islamic mortgages does not disqualify applicants. Instead, eligibility depends on the property’s market value at the time of purchase and the amount paid by the buyer. Key details include:

• Minimum Investment: Properties must be valued at AED 2,000,000 or more, regardless of whether purchased outright or through Islamic financing.
• Bank Financing: Investors may secure a mortgage from an Islamic bank, with the bank and buyer acting as co-participants in ownership until the financing is settled.
• Ownership Proof: Applicants must provide title deed registration from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) showing they meet the qualifying amount.
• Property Type: The property must be freehold, completed (not off-plan), and located in a designated investment area.
• Visa Duration: The Golden Visa linked to property investment is valid for 10 years and renewable as long as ownership criteria are met.

Practical Implications for Investors

For investors preferring Sharia-compliant financing, using an Islamic mortgage provides access to both property ownership and long-term residency. However, the bank will retain an interest in the property until the financing is settled, meaning the investor must maintain regular payments and ensure the financed share is considered when applying for the visa. Investors should also budget for additional costs such as DLD registration fees, Takaful premiums, and administrative charges.

Expert Insight & Conclusion

Islamic mortgages are fully compatible with Dubai’s Golden Visa framework, making them a flexible pathway for Muslim and non-Muslim investors seeking Sharia-compliant solutions. The critical factor is not the financing method, but ensuring the property value meets or exceeds AED 2 million and is correctly registered with DLD. With this in place, investors can secure a 10-year renewable residency while benefiting from ethical financing practices aligned with Sharia law.

The World Islands in Dubai offer exclusive property types such as luxury villas, floating homes, apartments, and resort-style residences, each designed with private waterfront access and world-class amenities.

Types of Properties Available

• Luxury Villas & Mansions: Spacious beachfront villas (5–7 bedrooms) with private pools, docks, and direct beach access.
• Floating Villas & Water Homes: Unique over-water or floating residences like the Floating Seahorse homes, featuring underwater bedrooms and panoramic sea views.
• Hotel Apartments & Serviced Suites: Boutique apartments and resort-branded suites within luxury hospitality projects, ideal for investors.
• Residential Plots: Select islands offer plots for buyers to design and build their own custom villas.
• Resort Properties: The Heart of Europe islands include themed hotels and mixed-use developments combining leisure with residential offerings.

Key Features & Lifestyle

• Private beaches, marina access, and waterfront living.
• Themed architecture inspired by global destinations.
• Seclusion and exclusivity, with access by boat or seaplane.
• Amenities such as infinity pools, balconies, and resort-managed services.

Highlighted Projects

Future Developments

The World Islands continue to evolve, with upcoming residential and commercial projects enhancing the range of investment opportunities. Future phases promise expanded hospitality options, themed communities, and additional luxury residences.

Summary: Buyers can choose from villas, floating homes, apartments, and resort residences on The World Islands, each offering privacy, sea views, and exceptional lifestyle amenities.