Why the UAE? Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah
Every fact on this page is attributed to an official government body, with the source link and its date. Figures are as published by the body itself, and we review them regularly.
Review date: 9 October 2026
Why the UAE?
Tax, ownership and residence frameworks set by federal bodies.
Personal income tax
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, and VAT is 5%.
Corporate tax
Corporate tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that.
Foreign ownership in designated areas
Non-citizens may own property in areas designated by each emirate, and rules differ from emirate to emirate.
Long-term residence routes
The government publishes Golden Visa categories and conditions. Terms and values change, so we check the official page before any decision.
The seven emirates
Each of the seven emirates with its official figures, and a link to its page on the UAE Government Portal.
emirates in one country
The federation has seven emirates, about 83,600 sq km in area, and GDP of AED 1.88 trillion in 2023.
the federal capital
67,340 sq km, 84% of the UAE’s land, 3.8 million people (2023) and GDP of USD 310 billion (2023).
second largest by area
About 4,114 sq km and roughly 3.76 million people, with an economy based on trade, services, finance and tourism.
on two seas
The only emirate on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with about 1.8 million people (2022 census) and GDP of AED 145.2 billion (2023). UNESCO named it Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 and World Book Capital in 2019. Freehold ownership is not available to foreigners; usufruct of up to 100 years is, per the official portal.
the smallest emirate
About 260 sq km, GDP above AED 36 billion in 2023, driven by Ajman Port and the Ajman Free Zone.
the least populated
The second smallest emirate at about 720 sq km, developing a port, a free trade zone and tourism alongside fishing.
fourth by area
About 400,000 residents (2023 estimate) and GDP of about AED 37.6 billion (2022, constant prices).
on the Indian Ocean
The only emirate lying entirely on the east coast, its port is the UAE’s only access to the Indian Ocean, with 314,829 people (mid-2024) and GDP of AED 29.13 billion (2024).
Why Dubai?
Dubai market figures from the Dubai Land Department.
AED billion in Q1 2026
Dubai real estate transactions reached AED 252 billion in Q1 2026, up 31%.
transactions in three months
Transactions reached 60,303, up 6%, and 29,312 new investors entered the market, up 14%.
AED billion foreign investment
Foreign investment value reached AED 148.35 billion, up 26% year on year.
million international visitors in 2025
Dubai recorded 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, with hotel occupancy of 80.7%.
with official title deeds
Freehold ownership is available in designated areas of Dubai, and the Land Department issues title deeds.
Why Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre figures for H1 2026.
AED billion in H1 2026
Real estate transactions reached AED 117 billion, up 112%, and volume rose 61.7%.
AED billion direct foreign investment
Foreign direct investment reached AED 13.8 billion, up 309% and above the whole of 2025.
nationalities among customers
The number of customer nationalities rose to 116 from 82.
years of ownership
Abu Dhabi allows foreigners to own apartments and floors in nine areas, including Yas, Saadiyat and Masdar City, for 99 years, per the official portal and Law No. 19 of 2005.
Why Ras Al Khaimah?
Data from the RAK Tourism Development Authority and RAK Municipality.
million overnight visitors in 2025
Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025, up 6%.
tourism revenue growth
Tourism revenue in the emirate rose 12% in 2025.
USD billion Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan Island is a USD 5.1 billion project with 1,530 rooms, with opening planned for 2027.
planned units at Marjan Beach
Includes 12,000 hotel keys and 22,000 residential units, per the Authority.
a property regulator
The municipality Real Estate Regulatory Administration regulates off-plan registration and escrow accounts. Foreign ownership rules are confirmed with the official body before any purchase.
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