Side by side
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator and registry | Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA | Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), DARI platform | Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) |
| Foreign ownership | Freehold areas, Law No. 7 of 2006 | Investment zones, Law No. 13 of 2019 | Approved development areas and projects, Law No. 2 of 2022 |
| Registration fee | 4% of price (DLD) | 2% of contract value for off-plan (DARI) | 4% for non-UAE/GCC buyers (Resolution No. 34 of 2018, via Lexology) |
| Off-plan register | DLD interim register (Oqood) | DARI, within 21 days of signing | SRERD, on its approved contract form |
| Escrow law | Law No. 8 of 2007 | Law No. 3 of 2015 | Ask the developer and SRERD for the project account arrangements |
| Developers in our directory | 77 | 15 | 14 |
Mortgage limits (Central Bank of the UAE) and the Golden Visa property threshold of AED 2 million (Ministry of Economy and Tourism) are federal and apply in all three.
Choosing between them
- Choice and liquidity: Dubai has far more developers and projects to choose from, which gives more options at every budget and a larger resale market to exit into.
- Cost of buying: Abu Dhabi's 2% registration fee is half of Dubai's 4%, which matters on larger purchases.
- Master-planned islands: Abu Dhabi's launches are concentrated in large island communities such as Saadiyat, Yas and Fahid.
- Ownership type: Sharjah opened ownership to all nationalities in approved projects in 2022. Check exactly what you will own in each project.
We do not publish price or yield comparisons between the emirates because we have not verified figures we would stand behind. Ask Tarek for current, like-for-like numbers on specific projects.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
It depends on your goals. Dubai offers many more developers and projects and a larger resale market, while Abu Dhabi's registration fee is 2% against Dubai's 4% and its launches cluster in master-planned islands. Both allow foreign freehold ownership in designated areas. Compare specific projects on total cost, handover date and how you would exit.
Can foreigners own property in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah?
Yes, in designated areas. Dubai allows foreign ownership in freehold areas under Law No. 7 of 2006. Abu Dhabi allows it in investment zones under Law No. 13 of 2019. Sharjah allows all nationalities to own in approved development areas and projects under Law No. 2 of 2022. Always check the specific project.
Which emirate has the lowest property registration fee?
Of the three, Abu Dhabi has the lowest published fee: DARI charges 2% of the contract value to register an off-plan ownership sale. Dubai's DLD transfer fee is 4% of the price. In Sharjah, the fee for buyers who are not UAE or GCC nationals is 4%, according to a Lexology summary of Resolution No. 34 of 2018.
Get a shortlist for dubai vs abu dhabi vs sharjah for property buyers
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
- 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.
- Law No. (13) of 2019 amending Law No. (19) of 2005 concerning Real Estate Ownership, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Register the Sale of an Off-Plan Plot or Unit, DARI (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Law No. 2 of 2022 amending Law No. 5 of 2010 on Real Estate Registration in the Emirate of Sharjah, Sharjah Official Gazette. Checked 30 September 2026.
- SEC issues decision allowing all nationalities to own real estate (1 Nov 2022), Sharjah Executive Council. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Real Estate Development in the Emirate of Sharjah (summary of Executive Council Resolution No. 34 of 2018), Lexology. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Regulations Regarding Mortgage Loans (Circular 31/2013, as amended), Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Conditions for granting a Golden Visa to a real estate investor, UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Checked 30 September 2026.