Members of Dentons' UAE Real Estate practice have contributed the UAE chapter to the fourth edition of the Real Estate Law Review, published by London-based Law Business Research.

In this insight Ibrahim Elsadig and Joe Carroll provide a synopsis of the year in review and an outlook of future developments in the UAE. The chapter sets out the legal framework, an overview of real estate activity, restrictions on foreign investment, considerations for structuring investments, real estate ownership, leases of business premises and developments in practice.

This can be a complex area, as the regulatory regime applicable to a property will depend on its location. In the UAE, this regime is a patchwork of federal laws, local laws and, within the free zones, free zone regulations.

The insight focuses on the regimes applicable in the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where significant steps towards the liberalisation and diversification of their economies. As a result, real estate projects have grown rapidly and, after several years of suppressed activity, there has been a noticeable return to confidence in the market.

To download the Real Estate Law in the UAE chapter, click here

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.