Investing beyond Dubai, with method.

One shared rule: each emirate decides

In the UAE, property falls under each individual emirate. The emirate defines the areas where foreigners can buy, keeps the land register and sets the registration fees. What is true in Dubai is therefore not necessarily true elsewhere. For Dubai itself, start with buying off-plan in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi allows foreigners to buy freehold in investment zones such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Al Reem Island. Transactions are registered with the emirate's authorities, today the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

The market there is more residential, driven by major cultural and leisure landmarks. I apply the same analysis as in Dubai: developer, location, numbers, exit.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, between sea and mountains, is seeing a surge in tourism, particularly around Al Marjan Island, where the region's first integrated resort is being built. Areas there are open to freehold ownership for foreigners.

This momentum attracts many launches. That is precisely why I look closely at the strength of each developer and at genuine rental demand.

Sharjah

Sharjah is a family-oriented, cultural emirate next door to Dubai. Some projects there are open to buyers of all nationalities, within the framework set by the emirate. The type of ownership is checked project by project.

My checklist outside Dubai

Before recommending a property in another emirate, I check five points:

• Type of ownership: freehold or long-term lease
• Registration authority and the emirate's fees
• Project account and payment schedule
• Depth of rental demand and liquidity on resale
• Golden Visa eligibility, if that is one of your goals (see the Golden Visa through property)