What Downtown Dubai is
Downtown Dubai is the district Emaar Properties built around Burj Khalifa, which Guinness World Records lists as the world's tallest building and which opened on 4 January 2010. The district also contains The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain lake and Dubai Opera, with residential towers and hotels around the boulevard.
It is one of Dubai's designated freehold areas, so non-UAE nationals can own apartments here under Law No. 7 of 2006, with ownership registered by the Dubai Land Department.
Ready, resale or off-plan in Downtown
Because most of Downtown is built, the bulk of what you can buy is resale: apartments in completed towers, some with hotel-branded services. New off-plan launches do appear, usually as single towers on the remaining plots.
- Resale lets you inspect the actual unit, view and building, see the real service charge history, and rent or move in straight away. A mortgage can cover up to 80% of the value for an expat first home under AED 5 million, under Central Bank of the UAE rules.
- Off-plan spreads payments over construction, but the loan cap is 50% of value for any off-plan property, and you wait for completion.
What to check before buying in Downtown
- Service charges. Charges vary widely between towers. The DLD publishes a Service Charge Index, and approved charges for each project are available through the DLD website and Dubai REST.
- The view you are paying for. Burj Khalifa and fountain views carry a premium. Check what can be built in front of the unit.
- Building age and condition for resale units, including the owners' association record.
- For off-plan: the project's DLD registration, escrow account and published construction progress.
Developers with projects in Downtown Dubai
- Emaar PropertiesMaster developer · Downtown, Dubai Hills, Creek Harbour, Emaar Beachfront
- Sol PropertiesMid-market & value · Downtown, Production City, Sports City
- Irth DevelopmentsMid-market & value · Business Bay, Downtown, Dubai Marina
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Downtown Dubai?
Yes. Downtown Dubai is a designated freehold area, so non-UAE nationals can buy and own apartments there outright under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department. You can buy as a non-resident using your passport, and a mortgage is possible from UAE banks subject to Central Bank loan limits.
Are there off-plan projects in Downtown Dubai?
Yes, but fewer than in newer districts, because most of Downtown is already built. New launches usually come as single towers on remaining plots. Most buyers in Downtown choose resale apartments, which can be inspected and let immediately. For any launch, check its DLD registration, escrow account and construction progress before paying.
What does it cost to buy in Downtown Dubai on top of the price?
The main extra cost is the DLD transfer fee of 4% of the price. DLD also charges a registration trustee fee of AED 4,200 for properties of AED 500,000 or more, a title deed fee of AED 250 and small map and service fees. Resale purchases usually add an agency fee, and owners pay annual service charges.
Get a shortlist for Downtown Dubai
Tell Tarek your budget, timeline and whether you want to live in the home, rent it out or apply for a Golden Visa. He will send matching launches and ready alternatives with the full cost of each, and check registration and escrow with you before you pay.
Sources
- Burj Khalifa: the tallest building in the world, Guinness World Records. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Frequently Asked Questions (escrow, registration, brokers, service charges), Dubai Land Department. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Registering the Sale of a Mortgaged Property (fee schedule), Dubai Land Department. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans (Circular 31/2013, as amended), Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Expatriates buying a property in the UAE, UAE Government portal (u.ae). Checked 30 September 2026.